Shower Head Cleaning | Plumber Arlington
If you have hard water, you have likely already experienced some of the problems hard water can create for plumbing. The installation of a water softener by a plumber in Arlington will prevent these problems. Otherwise, you must utilize maintenance procedures for appliances and plumbing fixtures, such as flushing the water heater and using vinegar for shower head cleaning.
Hard water guarantees mineral build-up in the shower head. The build-up can cause it to clog, reducing water flow by blocking the holes. Providing a vinegar cleaning is a DIY project the homeowner can perform without calling a plumber in Arlington.
Distilled white vinegar is an effective natural product for removing hard water buildup on shower heads, toilets, and other surfaces. Always test the surface in an inconspicuous area to ensure the acid in vinegar won’t mar the finish.
If build-up has already corroded fixtures, replacement may be the best option. A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington can provide this service for you.
Instructions for cleaning the shower head are as follows:
The Removable Shower Head
A removable shower head simply unscrews. If a wrench or other tool must be used to loosen it, a thick microfiber cloth or other protective material between the tool and the shower head will prevent damage to the finish.
Unless you know without a doubt that there are no plastic parts inside, don’t heat the vinegar prior to soaking the shower head in it. The majority will have a plastic aerator, which can be damaged from the heat. A safe alternative is to use room temperature vinegar and allow it to soak for several hours or until clean or overnight. Repeat as necessary. Place the vinegar into a bowl or other container deep enough to submerge the shower head completely, allow to soak for 1 hour to overnight, depending upon the amount of deposit.
Once the buildup is removed, inspect the holes where the water exits. If there is any remaining lime scale after soaking clear the holes with an object such as a straightened paper clip or a dental pick. Rinse the shower head and dry.
Apply a few layers of Teflon tape clockwise on the pipe where the shower head attaches, and screw the shower head back on. Inspect for leaks, and repeat if necessary.
Non-removable Shower Heads
An alternate way to clean the shower head utilizes a leak proof bag containing vinegar. Thick rubber bands will suffice to secure the bag to the shower head, allowing it to soak until lime scale loosens or overnight. Ensure the vinegar covers all areas with lime scale. Brush off remaining residue with a soft toothbrush. Lemon juice will achieve the same results.
Cleaning the Toilet Bowl with Vinegar
Though there are commercial products for lime scale removal available, vinegar or lemon juice will effectively remove mineral buildup in the toilet. Wearing gloves use bath tissue saturated in either vinegar or lemon juice. Carefully apply up under the rim pressing in place to dissolve mineral build-up. Shorter pieces will stay in place better. An overnight soak works the best for heavy deposits. After cleaning is complete, place the tissue in the trash.
Pour room temperature vinegar or lemon juice into the bowl to loosen lime scale in the bowl. Never use hot vinegar or other hot liquid in the toilet, as cracking of the porcelain bowl may occur, and would require replacement by a plumber in Arlington. Plunge out as much water as possible before pouring it into the bowl. Allow to soak for several hours or until loose. An alternative to a DIY cleaning is to schedule a plumber in Arlington to provide a professional toilet cleaning for you.
The installation of a water softener will eliminate the problems caused by hard water. Contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington for the professional installation of a water softener.
For plumbing service, repair, and installation you can trust, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. We will provide you with a certified, licensed and experienced plumber in Arlington. We serve Arlington, Fort Worth and the surrounding areas. We are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.