Five Reasons to Replace Your Old Shower Head
Is it time to update your old shower head? The following are five reasons why you may want to consider an upgrade.
Low Water Pressure
If your home has low water pressure, the first step is to have your plumber rule out plumbing issues such as a failed pressure gauge. If there is no issues with the plumbing but the pressure is just low, then a new shower head can solve the issue. Special shower heads are available that help provide a more targeted and higher pressure stream even if the main water supply has lackluster pressure. This can lead to a more effective and comfortable shower.
Mineralization
Many municipalities have hard minerals like calcium and lime in the water supply. Although not directly harmful, these mineral deposits can build up inside a shower head and constrict water flow. You can prolong the life of the shower head by cleaning it regularly with a lime remover, but eventually the emitter holes in the shower head will become blocked to the point that replacement is the best option.
Leaks and Drips
Your shower head should not leak around its connection point or from any other part of the device. Sometimes leaks can be repaired, especially if they are simply caused by the failure of a seal or gasket. In other cases, leaks indicate that the shower head itself is failing. Replacing the old one with a new shower head should solve the problem. If there are still leaks, then the issue may be with the connecting plumbing pipe or lines.
Accessibility Help
For some people a traditional fixed shower head isn't very accessible. You can update the shower head to one with adjustable height or to one that can be used as a handheld sprayer. This makes the shower much more accessible, particularly for those with mobility impairments or if you need to use the shower to help someone else bathe. There are even shower heads that light up when they are at a safe warm temperature, which can help avoid burns.
Environmental Benefits
Showers can waste a lot of water, but newer low-flow shower heads can solve this issue. If your water bills are high or you simply want to lower water usage for the environment, updating your shower head can help. Low-flow shower heads utilize less water but they still provide plenty of water pressure and comfort.
Contact a plumber for more help when it comes to updating your bathroom fixtures.