Common Shower Plumbing Issues Homeowners Are Facing
The longer you own your home, the more likely it is that you'll encounter unwanted plumbing issues. The frequency of those issues can be reduced with the help of regular maintenance, but even then, problems can occur. The shower is a surprisingly durable part of the plumbing system, yet it's not unheard of for something to go wrong. Here are a few of the most common plumbing issues for showers.
Noisy Pipes
Have you ever turned on your shower and notice a rattling sound as the water runs through the pipes? This particularly common during the winter months. It is often related to the temperature of the water in the pipes. The problem is more common in showers, but can actually happen anywhere there is a faucet in the home.
There are a few possible sources of the problem. The first could be that the copper pipes are expanding as hot water flows through them. As they expand, the water pipes rub against something behind the wall, such as a stud or bracket. This problem is minor and wouldn't need to be fixed unless there was a serious risk of a leak.
A more severe problem is known as water hammer. This would occur if you turn the water on high very quickly. If you hear a loud rattling immediately after turning the water on, then it could be that the sudden water pressure causes the pipes to hit something behind the wall. The force of a water hammer is much higher than that of copper pipes expanding and can definitely cause a leak.
A Lack Of Water Pressure
What happens when you turn on the shower, but the water only drizzles out of the shower head? This leads to an uncomfortable shower that just doesn't seem to get you clean. The problem could be caused by one of a few different sources.
The first possible problem, and the one that is easiest to fix, is a buildup on the shower head. It's possible for limescale to accumulate on a shower head over time. This would clog the holes and greatly reduce water pressure. The limescale can easily be removed with a cleaning product or even by the soaking the shower head in a mixture of vinegar and water.
A more severe cause of the problem would be a break or leak in the pipe. If cleaning the shower head doesn't fix the issue, then this could be the case. It is definitely a good enough reason to contact a local plumber. They can inspect the shower and determine whether it is a leaking pipe or something less severe. A leaking pipe could damage the foundation of your home and lead to significant mold growth in only a few days.
Save Time With Maintenance
You can avoid a lot of these problems with regular cleaning and maintenance. You're advised to schedule plumbing maintenance at least once a year for each of the individual plumbing systems in your home. This way, you can fix problems while they are small and avoid expensive remodeling projects.
