Blog Layout

When Should You Replace Your Shower Head?

Nov 13, 2023

What is ideally meant to be a soothing shower experience can be severely compromised if you're constantly wondering, "Why is my water pressure low?"


You know what's a total nightmare? When everything stops working in your shower! So, you should make sure your shower head operates correctly. 


But do you know the right time to replace the shower head? What indicates that your shower head needs to be replaced? Or, how often is a shower head replacement necessary? 


Here, we've listed everything you need to remember when facing issues with your shower head.


How Long Does a Shower Head Usually Last?


Changing shower heads every six to eight months is often recommended, but many people are unaware. 


Like most fixtures, a showerhead's lifespan depends on quality, maintenance level, and usage frequency. You can save money by avoiding needless replacements when you recognize the warning symptoms of a broken or worn-out showerhead, particularly those related to low water pressure.


Certain germs can grow in shower heads and cause respiratory infections, especially in susceptible individuals. So, medical authorities advise changing shower heads regularly. 


Signs that You Need to Replace Your Shower Head


For many, replacing your showerhead can seem like a hassle; however, it is a necessity to avoid any further plumbing issues. Here are what you should look out for that indicate it's time for a replacement: 


Water Leaks


If you hear a steady or continuous leak coming from your shower, there's a good likelihood that you need to change your shower head. A slow leak will increase your monthly water bill. 


One possible leak source could be a loose showerhead or a problem with the water supply valves. Wear and tear alone can cause older showerheads to leak. It might be wise to replace it with a new energy efficient shower head, regardless of the cause.


Lower Water Pressure


A noticeable drop in water pressure is one of the most telling indicators that your shower head is near the end of its useful life. Has the water pressure been changing erratically? What causes low water pressure? 


If the head is becoming looser, that could be the reason; in such case, you merely need to readjust. Otherwise, you'll need to get replacement high-pressure shower heads. You can also think of cleaning your pipes in case there's a clog. 


Sediment Buildup


Given that your water supply has chemical additives to maintain its safety, you likely have some buildup.


The most common source of buildups in shower heads is calcium. It may be cleaned with several cleaning solutions, or you could attempt to use salt to clear the clog, but it's usually better to replace the showerhead if it’s been over six months. 


People frequently fail to notice unless the buildup is substantial enough to alter the water pressure drastically. Every month or so, inspect your shower head to ensure minimal accumulation. You can switch to high-pressure shower heads if the buildup becomes excessive.


Appearance of Black Mold


If you find any hard water spots in your shower, you should look for little black spots in the shower head. Eliminating black mold is extremely challenging and often requires professional mold removal services. Replacing the shower head is typically less expensive than removing the mold. 


Moreover, this type of mold poses a risk to your health as well. So, you can replace your one with an energy-efficient shower head to prevent water spots.


Regardless of the problem, a clogged shower head can lead to leaks or a water backlog that seriously damages your bathroom. Additionally, it is never ideal to have standing water if there are problems with the drain and it isn't draining properly. In that case, you should also contact a professional for re-piping services.


Reach Out to Superior Plumbing for a Better Shower Experience


If you're still thinking, "Why is my water pressure low?" or "Is there mold in my showerhead?" it might be wise to consult a plumbing expert.


At Superior Plumbing, we are renowned for our exceptional reputation of providing plumbing services. So, feel free to contact us if your showerhead is malfunctioning and you cannot identify the source of the issue. You can check information about us here.


By CMG 06 Mar, 2024
Protect your pipes from corrosive damage! Dive into our guide to understand the causes of pipe corrosion and learn effective prevention strategies. Don't let corrosive substances wreak havoc—take proactive steps to safeguard your plumbing today
By CMG 06 Mar, 2024
Jacksonville's rainy season means sump pump failure risks. Superior Plumbing offers expert installation, maintenance & emergency services to prevent flooding from overload, clogs & power outages
By CMG 29 Feb, 2024
What a rotten feeling: You jump in a hot shower on a cold morning, and the hot water turns frigid without warning. Suddenly, coffee is no longer necessary. You’re wholly but unpleasantly awake. What happened? Why did you run out of hot water so quickly? Here are some possible reasons for rapidly running out of hot water. Can Your Water Heater Handle Your Water Demand? No matter what your water heater system is, it is designed to handle a particular load. Heavy water demand can overload your system and cause it to run out of hot water. First, inspect your water heating system. There are two most common types: traditional storage tank water heaters and tankless water heaters. Storage tank water heaters come in several sizes, from under 30 gallons to over 120. Unsurprisingly, larger tank sizes can handle larger hot water loads. They also come with a first-hour rating of how much hot water the system can produce in an hour. You can compare that to your peak usage, which we will discuss next. Tankless water heaters are sized by flow rate, measured in gallons of hot water produced per minute. Flow rates range from 1 GPM to 9 and over, and a heating system should match higher water demand with a higher flow rate. Now, notice how you are using hot water: Does more than one person bathe or shower at the same time? Are you running appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers simultaneously? Have you added more members to your household (aging parents, children, etc) recently? Do some research about how much water your household is using at peak times. You might be surprised by the amount . For instance, the average shower uses 20 gallons of hot water, while the dishwasher uses seven. Could you be overloading your hot water heating system? If so, the answer is simple: reduce your hot water usage or upgrade to a system that can handle a higher output. Could It Be the Heating Element? Sometimes, you are not getting enough hot water because your water heater element is simply not heating or not heating enough. For instance, your pilot light may be out with a gas system. Or, if it is an electric water heater, your fuse may be flipped due to an outage or other electric problem. Both are relatively simple to fix. Could Your Tankless Water Heater’s Temperature Rise Be Insufficient? If you have a tankless water heater that is not heating your water enough, you may have an insufficient system for your home needs. Tankless water heaters, in addition to flow rate, are rated by maximum temperature rise, which is how many degrees can raise water from ground temperature (usually 50 degrees) to a given heat (usually 120 degrees) for a given flow rate. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to lower your flow rate or add more heaters to the line. An experienced plumber can help you decide . Could It Be Mineral Buildup?  Mineral buildup is another common reason for hot water problems, especially in tankless water heaters. If your water supply consists of hard water (water heavy in minerals), it can cause the scale within your water heating system to fail. It can cause the heating element to corrode and leak in the tank (for heaters that use tanks) or pipe failure. Buildup in pipes can also result in lower water pressure, making it feel like there is less hot water. You might also need to replace your shower head . Water heater maintenance is essential, but you have better things to do than fight with water heaters. Are you considering a water heater upgrade? You need a tested partner like Superior Plumbing and Pipelining to help you repair, maintain, or replace your current system. If you live in the Jacksonville, Florida, area, why not reach out to discuss your situation? We can help you get your hot water flowing and stay hot longer than ever.
By CMG 29 Feb, 2024
High water pressure isn't just a minor annoyance—it can cause excessive wear on your plumbing system, leading to costly repairs. Learn how to protect your home today!
By CMG 29 Feb, 2024
Are you concerned about contaminants or mineral deposits in your water? Our tailored water softening systems and reverse osmosis systems deliver exceptional results. Contact Superior Plumbing and Pipelining in Jacksonville, Florida, for expert installation and superior water quality solutions.
My Drains Backing Up
29 Feb, 2024
Superior Plumbing in Jacksonville, FL, specializes in diagnosing and clearing clogged drains caused by grease, food, hair, roots, aging pipes, and more. We use hydrojetting and other advanced methods to solve drain backups efficiently
Need to Flush a Tankless Water Heater
By CMG 17 Jan, 2024
Prevent sediment buildup to keep your residential tankless water heaters running efficiently. Trust Superior Plumbing for maintenance services in Jacksonville, FL, and safeguard your investment for years. Schedule your appointment now.
By CMG 29 Nov, 2023
Discover the top 10 tips to maintain a mold-free bathroom, ensuring a healthy and fresh environment. From investing in exhaust fans to regular cleaning, learn effective tactics to prevent mold and mildew growth, safeguarding your home against potential health hazards like toxigenic black mold
By CMG 29 Nov, 2023
Prevent clogs and extend the life of your garbage disposal with our essential maintenance tips. Learn what to avoid putting down the drain, the importance of regular use and cleaning, and when to call a professional plumber for assistance
By CMG 28 Nov, 2023
Identify the common signs it's time to replace your old toilet to avoid frequent clogs, high water bills, and other plumbing issues. Discover when to contact a professional for a thorough inspection and ensure a hassle-free restroom experience
More Posts
Share by: