Shower Head Cleaning | Plumber Fort Worth

Shower Heads

Hard water contains minerals, which can cause numerous problems to appliances, pipes and fixtures. The installation of a water softener by a plumber in Fort Worth will prevent these problems. Otherwise, the homeowner uses maintenance procedures for appliances and plumbing fixtures, such as the process of shower head cleaning.

One fixture that can experience issues due to mineral build-up is the shower head. The build-up can cause it to clog, reducing water flow due to blocked holes in the head. Providing a good shower head cleaning is a DIY project the homeowner can provide without calling a plumber in Fort Worth.

Distilled vinegar is an effective and environmentally friendly product in removing hard water buildup on shower heads. Always test the surface of your shower head in an inconspicuous area to ensure the acidic vinegar won’t mar the finish.

If build-up has already corroded fixtures, replacement may be the best option. A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth can provide this service for you.

There are two methods of cleaning the shower head, and are as follows:

The Removable Shower Head

A removable shower head should simply unscrew. If you must use a wrench or other tool to loosen it, use a thick cloth or other protective material between the tool and the shower head to prevent damage to the finish.

Unless you know without any doubt that there is no plastic parts in the shower head, don’t heat the vinegar prior to placing the shower head into it. The majority of shower heads has a plastic aerator, which can be damaged from the heat. A safer alternative is to use room temperature vinegar and allow it to soak for several hours until clean or overnight. Repeat as necessary.

Once the buildup is removed, inspect your shower head, paying close attention to the holes where the water exits. If there is any remaining lime scale after soaking you may be able to remove it by using a small object such as a straightened paper clip or a dental pick to carefully remove any residue remaining in the holes. Rinse the shower head and dry.

Next, apply a few layers of teflon tape clockwise to the pipe where the shower head attaches, then reattach the shower head. Inspect for leaks around the shower head.

Non-removable Shower Heads

An alternate way to clean the shower head is to use a leak proof bag containing vinegar. Use thick rubber bands to secure the bag to the shower head, allowing it to soak until lime scale is loosened or overnight. Ensure the vinegar covers all areas with lime scale. Brush off any remaining residue; you can gently brush with vinegar if necessary. Lemon juice will achieve the same results.

Cleaning the Toilet Bowl With Vinegar

Though there are commercial products for lime scale removal available, vinegar and lemon juice will effectively remove hard water buildup in the toilet. Vinegar and lemon juice have the additional benefit of providing the toilet with a fresh, clean scent. Wearing gloves use bath tissue saturated in your choice of vinegar or lemon juice. Carefully apply up under the rim pressing in place to dissolve build-up. Shorter pieces will stay in place the best. After cleaning is complete, place tissue in the trash to avoid the risk of clogging the toilet.

You can pour the room temperature vinegar or lemon juice into the bowl to loosen lime scale in the bowl. Allow to soak for several hours or until loose. Remove remaining scale with a soft brush. If you are unable to provide the cleaning yourself, a plumber in Fort Worth can perform a professional toilet cleaning for you.

A natural pumice stone is an effective means to remove stubborn lime scale in the toilet. Don’t use a pumice stone on the shower head or other metal or stone finish, as it will cause permanent damage.

A water softener can eliminate the problems caused by hard water. If you’re interested in the installation of a water softener give us a call for the professional installation of a water softener by a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth.

For plumbing service, repair and installation you can trust, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. We will provide you with a reliable and experienced plumber in Fort Worth or the Arlington areas.