How to Fix an Old Showerhead

You may have noticed your old shower head has some clogged jets and a layer of white mineral buildup around its face. This will occur over time, especially in areas with hard water. There's an easy way to clean away these deposits and restore full, even flow to your showers. Remove the shower head using a pair of Channellock pliers. Place in old rag or some electrical tape between the lock nut and the pliers to protect the shower head's metal finish. Turn counterclockwise to loosen the head, then use your hand to remove it the rest of the way. Soak the shower head overnight in a bowl of vinegar, then brush away any residual minerals with an old brush. If your shower head is stuck or you just don't want to remove it, you can pour some vinegar into a plastic baggie, then fit it over the shower head using a bread bag tie or rubber band to hold it in place. The vinegar will dissolve most of the lime and minerals if left in place overnight. Finally, if you're taking on do-it-yourself plumbing problems around the house, don't get in over your head. Know your limits and be careful. Some plumbing problems are best left to the pros. Remember, an experienced Roto-Rooter professional is just a click or call away. [Roto-Rooter jingle]