Sometimes the problem of slow and intermittent water flow originates not only from taps but also from showerheads in the bathroom. This situation becomes a serious issue, especially when you are in a hurry in the morning to get ready and go to work. Perhaps you have encountered a situation where the water flow after turning on the shower is not as strong as it used to be?
Many mistakenly believe that the cause is a pipe or showerhead malfunction. However, the reason often lies in the white film that accumulates in the small holes of the shower. Minerals present in the water, such as calcium and magnesium, gradually settle in these holes, leading to the clogging of some of them and weakening or distorting the water stream.
Instead of using vinegar or baking soda, or immediately calling a plumber, there is a method that can help loosen the accumulated mineral residue and restore strong pressure. Let's look at how to increase shower pressure without spending much money.
Why do shower holes clog?
In many homes, hard water containing various minerals is used. In areas with hard water, the concentration of calcium and magnesium can be high. Over time, these minerals begin to settle around the small holes of the shower. Initially, this is unnoticeable, but gradually the water flow weakens. Sometimes water comes out strongly from some holes and not at all from others. If cleaning is not performed for a long time, the layer becomes thicker, and the water pressure in the shower ceases to be the same.
Citric acid will open clogged shower holes
Yes, citric acid can be used to increase the water pressure in the shower. It is easy to find in any grocery, household, or cleaning store. Using this substance allows you to clean the shower without much effort.
To remove the dirt accumulated in the shower, first take warm water in a container and add about 2-3 tablespoons of citric acid, stirring well. If your showerhead is easily removable, soak it in this solution for 30 minutes or an hour. After that, carefully clean the shower holes with an old toothbrush. The white film should start to come off by itself. Finally, rinse the shower thoroughly with clean water and reinstall it.
What to do if the showerhead cannot be removed?
Even if the showerhead is not detached from the pipe, it can be cleaned. To do this, prepare a solution of citric acid and warm water in a plastic bag. Then, secure this bag over the shower so that all the small holes of the shower are completely submerged in the solution. Leave it for 30 minutes or an hour. After that, remove the bag and rinse the shower with clean water. If the residue is very dense, you can perform a light cleaning with an old toothbrush.
Regular cleaning will help prevent the formation of thick layers. If your home has hard water, it is recommended to check and clean the shower holes at least once a month. It is also useful to wipe down the shower after taking a shower. If water comes out weakly from any hole or the stream deviates, this should not be ignored. Timely cleaning will prevent the buildup of residue. If your area has hard water, it is worth considering installing a water filter or anti-scale system.
With this method, you can easily clean the shower and improve the pressure without involving a plumber.