There’s nothing like getting ready for a hot shower after a long day only to be met with icy cold droplets. Plumbing problems in showers can be disappointing at best, and catastrophic at worst. Many times, you’ll have to contact professionals.
But some common plumbing problems in your house can be handled with a few simple tools and a little bit of advice. With that in mind, here’s a list of some common issues and what you can do to fix them.
Low water pressure
If your shower normally has strong pressure, then low water pressure is something you need to address immediately. Several problems can cause low water pressure; most are minor, but if there’s a leak somewhere, that could be a disaster. If the water pressure has dropped suddenly, a leak is the first thing you need to look for. This is especially true if all your faucets suddenly have low water pressure at once.
Check your hot water heater first. Look for any water underneath or around it. If that’s not the culprit, check any pipes you can see for puddles or leaking joints. Also, check under sinks and around appliance connections. If you don’t find a leak yourself, it doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have one. It’s important to call a plumber immediately if you think this might be the case, such as the ones at Cole Plumbing.
If your shower seems to be the only outlet where you’re experiencing lowered water pressure, the problem could be a much simpler fix. One of the most common culprits in areas with hard water is limescale buildup. This can usually be easily remedied with an over-the-counter calcium buildup remover. Just unscrew the shower head and spray it down on the inside and out with the chemical.
After it sets for a few minutes, you should be able to loosen the scale with a stiff scrub brush. If this method leaves too much limescale behind, try soaking the shower head in a container filled with equal parts of the cleaner and water and then scrubbing it again.
Clogged drain
Nothing mucks up a shower more than a clogged drain. Soap scum, limescale, and stray hair can all be culprits for slow moving or completely blocked drainage. It’s best to take care of this as soon as you notice your water draining slower than usual. If you do catch it early, you may be able to fix it with a simple solution of baking soda and vinegar.
This solution is especially helpful in removing oily residue that can come from beauty products, soaps, and skin. Start by flushing your drain with the hottest water available. Boiling water is best. Next, pour about a cup of baking soda directly into the drain. Follow this with a cup of vinegar and allow the mixture to set for at least a few minutes. Then flush it once again with hot water. You can repeat this process several times. If the process doesn’t work, you can try another solution, such as a chemical drain cleaner or a snake.
If you’re unable to fix your shower problems on your own, don’t hesitate to call a professional. A plumber can locate any leaks you’re unable to find. And they can also investigate issues that you may not know anything about, such as septic tank or hot water heater problems. Plumbing problems are nothing to take lightly, no matter how minor they may seem at the time. They can cause structural damage or contamination.
For example, septic system leaks can contaminate your water supply, risking your family’s exposure to infectious disease. And indoor pipe leaks can damage your foundation. It’s best to address any problems as soon as they arise.
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