A decrease in water pressure or a steady stream reduced to a trickle is a sign of blockage. To fix this issue, it is vital to get to its root. There are several reasons why water is not coming out of your shower head. The most common cause is a blocked shower head due to mineral build-up. But, it could also be a more complicated plumbing issue. So, the first step to fixing this problem is recognizing its cause.
Diagnosing Your Shower Head Problem with Solutions
Below are some common causes of water not coming out of the showerhead. Read on to diagnose your problem and find potential fixes!
1. Shut off valve
A simple reason behind no water coming out of your showerhead could be a shut-off main valve. This will lead to the water supply getting cut off. Keep in mind that you would have no water in any pipe if you shut the main. This means faucets in the kitchen sinks, washbasins in bathrooms, or your toilet will have no running water.
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Solution
This one is an easy fix, as one can guess. First, check the main valve and make sure it’s open. A halfway shut valve can also lead to reduced water pressure. If you can not find the main water valve in your house, consult your plumber for help.
2. Clogged shower head
Showerheads can get clogged over time. As dirt and grime collect in the filter, this can cause blockages. So if you see a decrease in the amount of water or a partly working showerhead, this could be why.
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Solution
One of the ways to clean out a showerhead is to unscrew it and clean it out. This will also give you insight into residue or buildup in your showerhead. First, soak the showerhead in warm water and soap solution for a few hours. Then, using a thin, long tool, poke through the holes to clean them out.
Another method to clean out your showerhead without removing it is to use a vinegar solution. Fill a plastic bag with vinegar, baking soda, and warm water. Tie this around the showerhead to submerge it entirely in the solution. Leave the showerhead in the vinegar solution for 30 minutes. Then, carefully remove the bag, and run the shower on hot for a few minutes until the water runs freely.
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3. Showerhead is too old
If your showerhead has not been replaced in a long time, it is possibly no longer doing its job well. Old showerheads might have rubber parts like the washer, that are falling apart. Long-term use might also result in a loose and leaking showerhead.
Solution
If your showerhead is too old, the only solution is to replace it. You can do this yourself or call a plumber to fix a new one in your bathroom.
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4. Dirt and residue in heater
If the water heater in your bathroom is accumulating residue, it could lead to clogged showerheads. Showerheads have a built-in filter meant to keep such residue from pouring out with running water. But, with excessive built of dust, grease, or even minerals, the filter may be overworked. If more and more dirt transfers from the heater to your pipes and showers, it leads to clogging. It is crucial to look into this as a possible issue promptly.
Solution
In case of excessive dirt and residue in the water heater, you’ll need to call your plumber. Your plumber will then drain and flush out your water heater. Draining the heater gets rid of most limescale or calcium build-up as well. In addition, flushing removes any dirt or particles that may lead to clogged pipes.
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5. Leaking pipes or shower
If the pipes or the arm leading to the showerhead are leaking, there is
a good chance there isn’t enough water coming out of your showerhead. This is because the leak is causing the water to flow out elsewhere, and not enough water is reaching your showerhead.
Solution
Check for leaks along the pipe leading up to your showerhead and the shower arm. In case of an easy fix, stop the leak yourself by tightening the pipe or using plumbing tape. If it seems beyond repair by DIY, call your plumber at the earliest.
FAQ’s
Yes, a clogged showerhead can cause leaks. If the showerhead is severely clogged, the water will try and find other outlets. When water can’t pass through the holes in the showerhead, it leaks out through tiny openings. The shower plate, joints of the shower arm, and other fissures in the pipe are common leakage points. Cleaning out the clogged showerhead fixes such leaks in most cases.
The shower diverter valve helps decide where water flows between your faucet and the showerhead. Unfortunately, mineral build-up in the diverter can cause it to be dysfunctional. This may lead to water coming out of the faucet when the shower is on. Using a limescale cleaner can help unclog the diverter and restore it to proper functioning.
A broken diverter can also cause the same problem. For example, if parts of the diverter valve are broken inside, it may cause water to flow from the faucet when the shower runs. Replacing it with a new diverter can help solve this issue.
Wrapping Up
There are several reasons why you may find no water coming out of your showerhead. Early diagnosis is always your friend in such situations. In case of a clogged pipe, fixing it early can save the pipe from bursting. On the other hand, leaks cause a lot of water wastage. Therefore, if there is less or no water coming out of your showerhead, it is essential to locate the cause and fix this issue quickly. Call your plumber promptly if you cannot fix the clog on your own.
