dirty shower head

What Are Some Common Shower Plumbing Problems?

You often rely on a hot shower to start your day properly. However, shower issues can get your day off to a bad start. The experienced plumbers at Heartland Heating, Air, and Plumbing are here to list and address some common shower problems that you might be experiencing, as well as how to fix them, and when to call a plumber for help.

Common Shower Plumbing Problems

Heartland breaks down the common causes and fixes for these common shower problems. We’ll give you some solutions that you can try yourself, but for some of these, it’s best to call a plumber to fix them.

Clogged Drains

One of the most common shower problems are clogged drains. A clogged shower drain can make a shower go from refreshing to gross very quickly. Soap scum, hair, and other debris are common culprits that can cause drains to clog. If you can, it’s a good idea to regularly remove visible clogs with a gloved hand. You can also make a chemical-free clog-busting solution with vinegar and baking soda.

If neither of these solutions solves your problem, talk to a professional plumber about drain cleaning services. Drain cleaning done by a professional will clear your drains faster and will be less harsh on your pipes than chemical drain cleaners.

If you have multiple drains that are clogged, or if your shower drain makes noises when the toilet is flushed, it could be a problem with your home’s main drain or sewer line. This is a sure sign that you need a plumber for help.

Lower Water Pressure

Low water pressure coming from your shower head is usually a sign of limescale buildup. Hard water buildup can clog shower heads, create spots on glasses, and can make soap not as effective. Soak your shower head in vinegar for 30 minutes and then scrub with a toothbrush to remove any hard water buildup.

If you have low water pressure throughout your house, that indicated there is a leak somewhere in your system. An experienced plumber from Heartland can help you find it and restore water pressure to your home.

Leaky Faucets or Shower Heads

Leaks can drive you crazy at night and waste a ton of water. More often than not, the cause of a leak is a worn-out O-ring, seal, or gasket. These pieces are very affordable at your local hardware store and easy to replace. Before you do any replacement, be sure to look up which kind of shower valve you have to make sure you replace it with the correct parts.

If you’re unsure of where to look, you can always talk to Heartland about plumbing fixture installation and repairs.

Bad Smells

Bathrooms provide the moist conditions that mold and mildew love. Mold and mildew can create a very musty and distinct smell that can make your bathroom stink. It’s very important to make sure your bathroom is well-ventilated and cleaned regularly. If you see any visible signs of mold growth, spray them with mold removal spray and wipe them away. If this doesn’t help, or the mold quickly grows back, you may have mold growing behind your walls. You may need to hire a mold removal expert to handle this issue.

Noisy Shower

If your shower is making noises louder than your singing, then it’s likely a loose part or component. Use a screwdriver to tighten any loose parts of your shower head.

Rattling Pipes

If it sounds like your pipes are rattling when you turn on the shower, there could be a few reasons for this. It could be a loose pipe that isn’t secured properly to the wall. Remove the pipe wall panel and install a clip to secure it in place.

Another reason for rattling pipes could be air bubbles in your pipes. Turn off the main water valve to the house and then drain all the water from the pipes by opening up all of the faucets in the house. Then close the faucets and turn the water back on to see if that helps.

High water pressure could also be the cause of rattling pipes. A pressure regulator can help fix the problem. You can install one yourself, or have a plumber do it for you.

Schedule a Plumbing Appointment with Heartland

We hope this list has helped solve some of your common bathroom plumbing problems. If you’re still experiencing issues with your shower, or any other part of your plumbing system, talk to the team at Heartland Heating, Air, and Plumbing. Our team of expert plumbers will be able to help improve the water flow in your home. Schedule an appointment with us today.