Mineral scale from hard water builds up in the nozzles of a shower head and on the screen inside its nut. The result is a spray that goes sideways, a dribble from some holes, and less pressure overall. Cleaning takes about 45 minutes, most of it waiting, and uses white vinegar.
Before you start. No need to shut off the water for this one; the valve stays closed while you work on the head, arm, or spout. You will need a towel to protect the finish, slip-joint pliers or an adjustable wrench, and a roll of plumber’s tape (thin white thread tape, about $2). If anything is corroded and will not loosen with moderate force, stop and see when to call a plumber. New to this? Start here explains the parts and tools in plain language.
Cleaning without removing the head
- Fill a plastic bag with half white vinegar and half water. Delta recommends the 50/50 mix.
- Slip the bag over the head so the face is submerged and tie it to the arm with a rubber band or twist tie.
- Leave it 30 minutes. Longer for heavy scale, up to a few hours.
- Remove the bag, scrub the face with an old toothbrush, and run the shower hot for a minute to flush loosened scale. Rub the rubber nozzles with your thumb if the head has them; the scale breaks off.
Cleaning the head and the screen
If the spray is still weak, the screen inside the nut is probably packed.
- Hold the shower arm with one hand (wrap a cloth around it first) and turn the head’s nut counterclockwise with the other. If it will not move by hand, use pliers over the cloth.
- Inside the nut is a rubber washer and a small screen. Set them aside in order so they go back the same way.
- Soak the head and the screen in the vinegar mix for 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
- Put the screen and washer back in the nut, and thread the head back onto the arm by hand. Tighten by hand only. Delta says tape is not required for most of its heads and that overtightening can crack the nut. If it leaks at the joint, remove it, wrap the arm threads with two turns of plumber’s tape clockwise, and reinstall.
What not to use
Avoid bleach, abrasive cleaners, and acid-based cleaners (hydrofluoric, hydrochloric, phosphoric). They damage the finish and void manufacturer warranties. Vinegar is enough.
If cleaning does not help
A head that is more than ten years old or has heavy scale inside is cheaper to replace than to keep cleaning. See how to replace a shower head. If the water from the bare arm is also weak, the problem is behind the wall; see low pressure at the shower head.
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