No Sydney home is immune to shower plumbing issues. Being one of the most active areas of the house, eventually, plumbing problems will occur.

This article delves into the most common shower plumbing issues homeowners and renters face.

• Low water pressure in the shower
• A dripping showerhead
• A leaking shower tap
• No hot water
• Slow or clogged shower drain
• A noisy shower

Discover what the most likely shower problems are, what causes them, and what you can do to fix them.

Low water pressure in the shower

This is one of the most prolific issues with shower plumbing and one of the most frustrating. You’re all soaped up and trying to rinse off, but it’s taking an eternity due to low water pressure.

One possible cause is a buildup of minerals such as calcium in the showerhead. In older plumbing systems, the issue can be from clogged or corroded pipes. A wider-reaching cause is a water leak somewhere in your plumbing system.

For clogged showerheads, unscrew the showerhead and soak it in vinegar overnight. Vinegar dissolves mineral buildup. You can also try clearing the holes in the showerhead by poking a pin or a toothpick into them to remove clogs.

For blocked or corroded pipes, and potential water leaks, it’s best to call in assistance from Chris Lobb Plumbing.

A dripping showerhead

Just like a leaking tap anywhere in the home, a dripping showerhead is both irritating and a water waster. It also means that your shower never has a chance to completely dry out, resulting in mould or mildew growth.

Possible causes include a buildup of minerals in the tap, preventing the water from shutting off completely. Additionally, a worn out tap washer also results in a dripping showerhead.

Solve the issue by replacing the tap washers and seals. With the tap disassembled, scrape away any mineral deposits that may be preventing complete water shut off.  If this is beyond your DIY knowledge, give us a call at Chris Lobb Plumbing on 0418 239 413.

 

A leaking shower tap

This differs from a dripping showerhead in that water is leaking from the tap itself and trickling down the wall. This can cause water damage over time and again wastes precious water.

The most common cause of this issue is wear and tear on tap washers and O-rings. Corrosion due to hard water or age is another possible culprit. It could also simply be that the tap fittings are not completely tightened.

Replace the tap washer and O-ring, then ensure everything is firmly tightened when you reassemble the tap.  Once again, if this is beyond your DIY skill set, give us a call at Chris Lobb Plumbing on 0418 239 413.

 

No hot water

No one wants to step into a cold shower, particularly in winter. A lack of hot water in the shower is a common problem in homes with ageing plumbing and old hot water systems.

The most likely culprit is a faulty hot water system. Either it’s completely packed it in, or something is causing it to operate inefficiently.

If you’re experiencing problems with your hot water service, call us. We’ll come and inspect it to determine what the issue is and resolve it.

Slow or clogged shower drain

Slow and clogged drains anywhere in the home are common plumbing issues, and the shower isn’t exempt.

Hair and soap scum build up in the pipe and the drain cover. This impedes water flow. At first, the water will be slow to drain away. Eventually, the pipe may become completely blocked.

There are several things you can do to clear a slow or clogged shower drain. First, try using a plunger to clear the clog. Another option is to pour a chemical drain cleaner down the drain. Alternatively, you can formulate a natural drain cleaner by mixing vinegar with baking soda. If this fails, call us in and we’ll insert a drain snake down the pipe to clear the debris and test the flow to make sure it’s all working again properly. 

A noisy shower

While not as common as some other shower plumbing issues, noisy showers do exist. The most likely cause of excessive noise when you turn the taps on are loose pipes and fittings.

Ensure that the brackets securing the pipes to the wall are tight. If they aren’t, the pipes will vibrate and create a racket. If you can’t determine the cause of your noisy shower, call our team and we’ll inspect the pipes and resolve the issue.

We’ll fix your shower plumbing problems

Chris Lobb Plumbing is your premier local plumbing company, servicing Sydney’s lower North Shore area. If you’re experiencing shower plumbing issues, or any other household plumbing problems, contact us and we’ll diagnose the problem and provide a solution quickly.