Water barely flows from your showerhead? Here's what to check
Learn when cleaning the nozzles of the showerhead helps, how to remove limescale, and which products to avoid (photo: Styler)
Limescale can clog the holes in a showerhead, weakening the water flow or causing it to spray in different directions. However, before cleaning it, make sure the problem is actually with the showerhead.
RBC-Ukraine explains how to remove limescale from a handheld showerhead, based on recommendations from plumbing fixture manufacturers.
How to check if a showerhead is clogged
Mira Showers recommends comparing the water flow with and without the showerhead. If it can be unscrewed from the hose:
- Turn off the water and disconnect the showerhead.
- Point the free end of the hose into the bathtub or shower tray and briefly turn on the water.
- If water flows normally from the hose but becomes weak and uneven when you reattach the showerhead, the showerhead may be clogged.
If the water flow is poor even without the showerhead, check whether the hose is kinked. If you can't find an obvious cause, consider contacting a plumber: cleaning the showerhead alone may not be enough.
Start with silicone nozzles
If your showerhead has soft silicone nubs with holes—designed for easy cleaning—gently rub them with your fingers. For example, Grohe recommends this method for models featuring its SpeedClean technology, which helps remove limescale deposits from the spray nozzles.
Then check the water flow. If it returns to normal and the water sprays evenly, you may not need to soak the showerhead.
How to remove stubborn limescale from a showerhead
To remove deposits, Hansgrohe recommends a mild citric acid-based cleaner. Choose a bathroom fixture cleaner compatible with your showerhead's material and finish. The manufacturer does not provide a recipe for a homemade solution.
Before cleaning, check whether your model can be soaked and whether you can remove the inlet filter screen. If so:
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Turn off the water and unscrew the showerhead. Make sure not to lose the sealing washer.
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Remove the detachable filter screen and clean off any debris.
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Prepare the cleaner. Follow the dosage instructions on the label, wear gloves, and do not mix the product with other cleaners.
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Soak the showerhead using a method approved for your model. Hansgrohe's step-by-step guidance recommends immersing a handheld showerhead in a container of cleaner for a few minutes.
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Rinse the showerhead inside and out. Reinstall the filter screen and seal, reconnect the showerhead to the hose, and run water through all spray settings, if there are several.
According to Hansgrohe's general care guidelines, do not let an approved cleaner remain in contact for more than 10 minutes. This is the maximum: if the instructions for your particular showerhead or cleaning product specify a shorter time, follow those instructions.
What not to use to clean a showerhead
Leaving a showerhead in vinegar overnight is not a universally safe solution. For example, Hansgrohe prohibits using products containing acetic acid or chlorine bleach because they can cause damage. The manufacturer also advises against abrasive cleaners and hard scouring pads.
For exterior cleaning, the manufacturer recommends applying the cleaner to a soft cotton cloth rather than spraying it directly onto the showerhead. After cleaning, rinse away all product residue thoroughly with water.
