Filtered showerheads have been around for years, but are they really effective? The filtration technology used by brands like Jolie, Canopy, and Hello Klean reduces chlorine, heavy metals, and more.
Unfiltered water can leave behind minerals that irritate skin and hair, leading to dryness, dullness, or even brittleness, dermatologists say. These include calcium, magnesium, and chlorine.
Soap Scum
Soap scum is generally considered to be a minor annoyance, not something that should require replacing your shower head. However, if you ignore it long enough, the build-up can restrict water flow and leave behind unsightly spots and streaks. This gunk is more than just soap residue; it’s a crusty, scaly mess of soap, hard water deposits, dead skin cells, hair, body oils, dust, talc, paraffin wax and mildew.
Fortunately, regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent the build-up of soap scum and other grime that may affect the performance of your filter and your shower head. For instance, a weekly wipe-down with straight white vinegar can remove much of the problem before it has a chance to develop. Similarly, adding a monthly soaking to your routine can also help keep your fixtures clear of build-up.
If your fixtures are particularly dirty or stubborn, you can use heavy-duty cleaners such as scouring powders and steel wool. Just be sure to wear rubber gloves and open windows when using these chemicals, and always rinse surfaces thoroughly afterward. Keeping your bathroom properly ventilated also helps reduce humidity levels, which can contribute to soap scum build-up. Finally, installing a water softener can greatly reduce mineral deposits that combine with soap to create soap scum.
In addition to clogged shower heads, mineral buildup can also lead to a reduction in water pressure and other problems. Fortunately, you can restore your showerhead to its full flow with an easy and inexpensive DIY hack. First, soak your showerhead in a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Soaking your showerhead for 30 minutes can help loosen the build-up, and then you can simply rinse it with clean water to get rid of the remaining residue. After rinsing, you can also buff the surface with a soft cloth to remove any water spots or streaks that might remain. Afterward, you can test the water pressure to see whether it has improved and if your showerhead is now functioning as expected. If not, you can begin the process of purchasing a new one.
Mineral Buildup
Over time, dissolved minerals in the home’s water supply—usually calcium and magnesium—accumulate inside your plumbing system’s fixtures and pipes. This problem is commonly known as “hard water,” and it can cause a wide variety of issues including clogs, showerhead leaks, low water pressure and other problems.
The most obvious symptom of mineral buildup is white, chalky deposits on your faucets and fixtures. You may also see these deposits on your bathtub and sink surfaces, as well as on your skin. If you notice these spots, it’s likely a sign that your water has high hardness levels and that you should get a filtration system installed for your house.
Another indicator of mineral buildup is reduced water flow. If you have a filtered shower head, decreased water pressure is the first sign that your filter has become clogged and that it’s time to replace it. A clogged showerhead can transform an invigorating spray into a dull mix of trickles that barely help you rinse off.
In addition to reducing your showerhead’s efficiency, excessive mineral deposits can affect its appearance. Having white gunk around your showerhead and other fixtures isn’t pleasant, and it’s even less attractive when you have kids or pets who use the bathroom. To solve this issue, regularly clean your showerhead and other household fixtures with a mild cleaning solution, such as bathroom cleaner or vinegar.
For more serious deposits, a professional plumber will have industrial descaling solutions and power tools to remove them safely. They can also test your home’s water composition and recommend long-term prevention solutions if the water is particularly hard. In the meantime, try using a clarifying shampoo to help reduce the amount of mineral deposits in your hair and on your fixtures. You can also buy and install a Kinetico water softener for your home to help prevent future issues with hard, mineral-rich water. It’s a great way to save money, improve your shower experience and protect your health.
Unpleasant Smells
Whether it’s caused by a hard-water mineral build-up or bacteria, unpleasant smells from your shower head are a sure sign it needs cleaning. “Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments, and when a filtered showerhead’s openings (or nozzles) become blocked, they can release unpleasant odors,” says cleaning expert Michael Golubev, CEO of Mold Busters.
While some odors are simply too strong for most people to tolerate, others are more subtle. Even if the scent of the shower head isn’t causing direct discomfort, you may notice a general sense of smelly dampness in your bathroom, and it might make you feel uncomfortable or stale after stepping out of the shower.
A clogged showerhead that releases foul odors can also affect the quality of your water. The odor can cause a reduction in water pressure, and it can also lead to mineral deposits that can corrode the showerhead’s metal components.
The best way to get rid of a stale smelly showerhead is to soak it overnight in a solution of one part vinegar to two parts water. You can also use a commercial shower head descaler, though it’s important to follow the product instructions carefully. If you’re unable to remove your showerhead for an overnight soak, gently manipulate each rubber nozzle with your finger, and scrub it with a wet toothbrush. Rinse well before reattaching the showerhead.
If you’ve done all of this and your showerhead still smells, it may be time to replace the filter, too. This will help ensure that the chemicals you’re absorbing while showering aren’t being absorbed into your body, and it will keep the bacteria and other contaminants from entering your house water supply.
When choosing a new filtered showerhead, look for an NSF/ANSI certified model. This third-party certification ensures that the showerhead’s claims and ratings are accurate. You should also check your local water quality report to find out what contaminants you’re exposed to in the household water, and then choose a showerhead that targets these specific substances. For example, if the water has high levels of chlorine, you’ll want to select a showerhead with a built-in chloramine removal system. For those seeking stylish and functional showerhead upgrades, Afina offers a wide range of products designed to enhance both aesthetics and performance.
Water Damage
If a shower head starts to leak, it’s usually a sign of mineral deposits clogging the holes in the nozzles. This is a common problem in many homes, as hard water contains high concentrations of minerals like calcium and magnesium. If left unchecked, these clogs can lead to water damage in your bathroom or around the house. To address this issue, it’s important to turn off your home’s water supply valve (usually located at the meter, in the basement, or near your water heater). This will help prevent water from spraying out of the shower head as you remove it for cleaning or repair.
Once the shower head has been removed, try soaking it in a solution of vinegar or CLR for several hours or overnight. This will help dissolve the accumulated build-up and dislodge any stubborn spots. If the leaking persists, you can purchase replacement washers or gaskets at a hardware store to ensure they create a tight seal. A licensed plumber can also inspect and replace the threads and gaskets in your shower’s connections, which are often to blame for leaking.
Another possibility is a leak in the shower head’s plumbing connection to the pipe. This is generally caused by worn-out rubber washers and O rings within the hardware that provide a water-tight seal. It’s a good idea to regularly inspect these components for signs of wear and tear, so they can be replaced as needed.
Once you’ve addressed any issues with a leaking shower head, it’s time to start shopping for a new one. Consider a filtered model that offers the same features as your old one, including spray settings (mist, rain, or dual). Some models also come in different finishes and colors to complement your existing bathroom hardware. Finally, consider the maintenance requirements of the filter you want to ensure it meets your lifestyle and budget. Most need to be changed every few months, and some even have subscription services that automatically send you a replacement when it’s time to switch. In general, a filtered showerhead can be more expensive than a regular model, but it can save you money over the long term by cutting down on costly repairs and water damage.
