How to Troubleshoot My Shower
- 1). Turn on both the lower faucet and the showerhead if you have a shower and bath combo. If the bathtub faucet works fine and the showerhead doesn't, focus your attention on the showerhead or vice versa.
- 2). Adjust the showerhead if water pressure is not functioning properly. Many heads are adjustable by turning a dial around the perimeter of them and this increases or lessens pressure. Examine the pores of the showerhead for signs of scaling or mineral deposits. Clean off any discovered blockages with hot water and mild detergent.
- 3). Pour a quart of white vinegar down the shower drain if it is draining slowly. The acidity in the vinegar helps dissolve clogs and also gets rid of drain odor. Pour a bucket of hot water mixed with a cup of bleach down the drain and then rinse it for more stubborn clogs, but try the milder solution first.
- 4). Check the water flow in your bathroom sink if the shower isn't getting water. This lets you know if your water in general is shut off or obstructed or if the shower itself is the problem.
- 5). Inspect your water heater if your shower is not getting hot water. The water heater may be malfunctioning or may be overloaded and not able to keep up with the home's hot water demands.
- 6). Check the shower drain and the valves for signs of leaking. They may need tightening, resealing or replacement to prevent excess water from escaping.
- 7). Listen to the shower as it runs to detect any sounds of banging. This could be water hammer, which frequently requires the installation of an arrester to prevent it since the device introduces controlled air pressure into the pipes to stop the water pressure from damaging the pipes. A plumbing professional should usually handle water hammer.
- 8). Contact a plumber if sewage is coming up from the shower drain. This indicates a complete blockage in a sewage line and a tree root may be growing into the pipe, which requires immediate professional replacement.
