Leaking Showerhead? Fix It With Vinegar!

Blog

Sometimes a leaking showerhead is caused by a buildup of limescale. Hard water commonly contains high quantities of the mineral lime, and over time this can accumulate as a hard deposit in pipework and bathroom fittings. The tiny holes in the shower head can become blocked, forcing the water backwards away from the rose and putting pressure on the joins within the shower system, causing annoying leaks whenever the shower is in operation.

Everyday cleaners won't shift limescale, and you might not like the idea of using harsh chemicals on an appliance that directs water onto your skin. Fortunately, help is at hand in the form of a simple deep clean with a commonly available household item! Read on to find out more.

What you'll need

• white vinegar
• an old toothbrush
• a darning needle

How to do it

1. First of all, you'll need to dismantle your showerhead as far as possible. If you can unscrew the rose from the hose, then do so, and unscrew the front of the rose, too. 
2. Fill a plastic washing-up bowl with white vinegar and place the showerhead in it so that it is completely covered. 
3. If it's not possible to remove the showerhead from the wall, fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and fix it around the showerhead with an elastic band. Then follow steps #4 and #5 below. 
4. Leave the showerhead to soak in the vinegar overnight. The vinegar will gradually eat away at the limescale, unblocking most of the holes. 
5. In the morning, run the individual parts of the showerhead under clean water until the water passes through the holes without obstruction. As you are rinsing the showerhead, use an old toothbrush to give the whole thing a good scrub to shift any clinging bits of limescale. 
6. If some of the holes in the rose are still blocked, use a darning needle to push out any remnants of limescale. 
7. You can prevent further problems by filling a plastic spray bottle with vinegar and giving the showerhead a squirt once a week or so.

In conclusion

You can use the method outlined above to remove a build-up of limescale from your showerhead, which should quickly cure any annoying random squirting and leakage. Of course, limescale will also build-up in the pipes that supply the shower, potentially obstructing the flow of water and causing further leaks. The best thing to do here is to have a qualified plumber attend to carry out repairs and restoration work as required.

29 August 2016