Don’t expect strong water pressure if it’s clogged.
Eliminating the buildup of limescale, soap scum, and the unappealing pink film on your shower head not only yields gratifying before-and-after images but can also significantly enhance your showering experience. Who wouldn’t appreciate improved water pressure?
However, what if, despite your regular cleaning routine involving soaking and scrubbing, you notice that the water pressure hasn’t increased, and the water stream remains irregular and sputtering? Instead of immediately purchasing a new shower head, consider removing your existing one and cleaning the concealed filter screen inside. Yes, even if the exterior of your shower head appears immaculate, a small, round screen inside might be covered in mineral deposits, adversely affecting your shower experience. Here’s how to locate and clean it.
Where to find the filter screen inside your shower head
In technical terms, this concealed filter is positioned between your shower head and the water pipe extending from your shower wall. However, even if you take off your shower head for replacement or external cleaning, you might not spot the small screen in that location. Alternatively, you may have noticed it but mistaken it for a part of the flow restrictor (which it is not). Just to clarify, flow restrictors are approximately the same size as filter screens but differ in appearance, typically being a small, round piece of plastic in blue or green with a hole and/or slightly larger openings.
To locate your filter screen, take off your shower head. In some cases, you can easily twist it counterclockwise by hand for removal. If that doesn’t work, cover the connection between the shower head and the pipe with a rag, then use a wrench or pliers to twist counterclockwise until the shower head is removed. The filter screen should be found inside. If you have a detachable shower head, the filter screen is likely inside a connector piece at the end of the hose that attaches to the water pipe.
Here’s it looks like:
How to clean your shower head’s filter screen
Inspect the interior of your shower head for loose mineral deposits or debris, and dispose of them in a garbage can.
Subsequently, extract the filter screen. If using your fingers proves challenging, attempt needle-nose pliers. If this method is ineffective initially, leave the screen in place and perform a thorough cleaning while it remains there.
Commence by washing the screen with warm water. Subsequently, utilize a toothbrush to eliminate any accumulated residue, and employ a toothpick or sewing needle to clear any small openings in the screen, if necessary. If persistent grime and mineral buildup persist, immerse the screen in a small cup containing either a mixture of warm water and white distilled vinegar or warm water with a pinch of citric acid for 10 minutes before attempting to clean it again. In case you couldn’t detach the screen from the shower head, apply a few drops of your chosen solution, let it sit for a minute, and then proceed to clean with the toothbrush followed by the toothpick or needle.
Reiterate the procedure until the screen is thoroughly cleaned, then reinstall it and reattach your shower head. If plumber’s tape was applied to the pipe threads before, remove it along with any remnants from the threads at the end of the water pipe. Substitute it with fresh plumber’s tape and proceed to screw in the shower head.