It’s not unusual for plumbing problems to occur throughout the home, but they’re most likely to develop in fixtures that you use most frequently. That includes the shower, which is vulnerable to quite a few common issues. Here’s what you should know so that you can recognize when to contact a plumbing contractor.

A Guide to Common Shower Issues

1. Drain Blockages

Clogged drains aren’t unusual. They occur whenever solid materials create immovable blockages that prevent water from filtering through the pipes regularly. In showers, the culprit is usually hair, but it can also be caused by the fats and waxes used in traditional bars of soap. Grease and oil from hair products may also be to blame. Chemical cleaning agents may break down clogs, but they can also cause damage to old pipes and may not clear away the blockage efficiently. Plumbing contractors use snakes or other tools to remove the debris and clear the line efficiently.

2. Weak Pressure

There are several reasons why water pressure may suddenly decline. Sometimes the showerhead is clogged with scaly buildup from hard water or organic materials, like hair and skin. Removing the head and cleaning it thoroughly with a descaling product can be useful. However, if it’s only the hot water that’s affected, it could be that you need to schedule water heater repairs or clean the scale accumulated at the base of the water tank.

3. Temperature Inconsistencies

The water should never be scalding hot when you shower. If you can’t adjust this, the inner cartridge in the pressure-balancing valve may have either worn considerably or built up a substantial amount of corrosion and scale. Both could cause it to malfunction, limiting the amount of hot or cold water that it produces. Your plumbing contractor can replace the cartridge for you if you aren’t sure how to do it on your own.
 

Homeowners throughout Cincinnati, OH, count on the qualified plumbing contractors at Zins Plumbing for all of their shower concerns. The locally-owned and -operated company offers a variety of services, including faucet and water heater repairs, as well as emergency plumbing services when you need them the most. Visit this company online to learn more about how they can help you, or call (513) 681-2501 to schedule an appointment.