How to Repair a Shower Head
The first thing you need to do is close the drain of the shower or bathtub and cover it with a towel or plastic or something to keep parts and pieces from falling down the drain. Once you get started and you lose a piece, a trip to the hardware store can be a real pain in the neck. Next you need to do something to protect the neck of the shower head with something like a thick tape. Once it is protected use a pipe wrench or a larger pair of pliers and turn it counter clockwise. Once you get it loose the shower head should just come off by twisting with your hand.
Next you need to take the head apart, there is a screw in the middle of the head and if you just unscrew it you can take it apart. Just remember what pieces go where, if need be, take a picture of it spread out on the floor so you can reference what order the pieces go. Now clean all the parts of the stuff that is inside, also take note of the shape of the pieces. If the washers and hardware look like they would be better off in a trash can, they probably should be. If you do decide that the pieces are in bad shape you might want to consider buying a new shower head instead of trying to replace all the little pieces. We all know how hard it can be to accomplish something so simple when talking to the local hardware know-it-all at your local hardware store.
The best way to clean the head is to soak the entire thing overnight in vinegar; this includes all the parts that go with it. If need be brush away grime with steel wool or an abrasive brush and clear the spray holes with a toothpick. The cleaning part is actually the easiest part behind taking it apart. The next step is putting it back together. Really if you don’t have a plumbers mindset (who does) think about it logically, most plumbing needs are simple, and yes once again made difficult by someone who probably doesn’t care.
Remember the picture you took of the pieces in order of assembly, now is the time to recall that picture. Just put the pieces back the way they were and everything should be very easy. If you have an extra piece when you’re done doesn’t just ignore it. Plumbing is one area where every piece is critical no matter how small it is. Go back and do it again.
You’re done, if it still doesn’t work how you want it to, take my advice and go buy a new shower head. This is not a project worth stressing over, shower heads are relatively inexpensive and are very easy to install. You basically screw it on and you’re done. This is not a job that requires a call to the local plumber, anyone can do it. I hope this helps……
