Learn How to Remove A Stuck Shower Head?

Certainly, removing an old shower head is the easiest thing to do. However, things may complicate a little bit if there’s any buildup of rust or limescale on the thread. When the strength of your bare hands isn’t enough, you’ll need to apply other techniques to remove a shower head without damage risk.

If you’re currently having problems with a stuck shower head and don’t know how to remove it, don’t worry. In this article you’ll learn several ways to do it without any effort.

Why Do Shower Heads Get Stuck?

Showers heads get stuck all the time. The main reasons are limescale and rust. All shower heads made of iron alloy produce rust. They can resist a little more thanks to external coatings and other special treatments. But, the result is always the same in all cases.

On the other hand, limescale accumulations are common in places with hard water problems. Hard water has an excessive concentration of calcium salts and other minerals. These residues also tend to accumulate inside pipes, causing clogging.

In the case of stuck shower heads, the user must apply a higher force in order to remove them. However, in the case of rusted shower heads, it isn’t recommended to do this, because the rust tends to weaken the metal. So, you may end up breaking the shower head.

In the market there are many chemical products specially designed to remove rust and limescale buildups. They’re very effective and provide excellent results minutes after of being applied.

Step by Step Guide to Remove a Stuck Shower Head

If you have stuck shower heads at home and you can’t remove them with your bare hands, maybe it’s time to learn some new tricks. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide with some simple and practical methods.

Method #1

Things you’ll need:

Procedure:

1. First of all, wrap the connecting nut of the shower head with a dry cloth. This will prevent scratches over the surface.
2. Then, grab the connecting nut with the pliers, applying enough pressure with both hands for a better grip.
3. Finally, turn the pliers counterclockwise to unscrew the shower head.

Method #2

Things you’ll need:

Procedure:

1. Apply a sufficient amount of rust remover on the thread and let the product to take effect for 24 hours. Follow the using instructions carefully and apply the product using rubber gloves.
2. Finally, remove the shower head using your bare hands or apply method #1.

Method #3

Things you’ll need:

Procedure:

1. First of all, fill a plastic bag with white vinegar.
2. Then, tie up the plastic bag to the shower head so the connecting nut remains submerged in the white vinegar. Leave the white vinegar to take effect for 24 hours.
3. Finally, remove the shower head using your bare hands or apply method #1.

Method #4

Things you’ll need:

Procedure:

1. First of all, use a hard bristle brush to remove all the limescale and rust buildup around the connecting nut. That way, the lubricant can penetrate better the thread.
2. Then, apply WD-40 lubricant spray on the connecting nut and leave the product to take effect for 30 minutes.
3. Finally, remove the shower head using your bare hands or apply method #1.

Method #5

Procedure:

1. Fill a plastic bag with hydrochloric acid. Make sure to use protective glasses, rubber gloves and a face mask to manipulate the acid.
2. Tie up the plastic bag to the shower head so the connecting nut remains submerged in the acid. Then, wait 10 minutes for the acid to take effect.
3. Finally, remove the shower head using your bare hands or apply method #1.

Conclusion

Certainly, there are many ways to remove a stuck shower head without recurring to brute force. Many chemical products are effective for removing the rust and limescale that impedes the movement around the thread. Apply hydrochloric acid only if the first methods fail.

Hydrochloric acid is a highly corrosive product and must be handled carefully. Don’t leave the acid to take effect for more time than recommended, because it can also dissolve metal parts. So, stick to the plan and everything will be fine.

You can learn more All Types of Shower Heads