Many consider their daily shower to be an escape after a long, stressful day. However, when there are strange noises in the pipes or showerhead you may be eager to stay out until the problem is solved. Try not to get too worried about these noises and focus instead on figuring out what’s wrong and how to fix it.
Are you in need of an expert plumber in the Red Oak area? Contact Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating to fix the problem with your shower. Give us a call at 469-557-2703 to schedule an appointment today.
Continue reading for six reasons why your shower is making whistling or squealing sounds when turned on.
1. Old Showerhead
Strange noises such as whistling may occur if your showerhead is approaching ten or more years. Over time, mineral deposits will begin to form on your showerhead. The harder the water is, the more deposits there will be. These deposits will clog the small water nozzles which can lead to a whistling or squealing sound. Rust and corrosion may be another issue in an older showerhead.
Fortunately, there is a one-size-fits-all solution to these problems – all you have to do is purchase and install a new showerhead. Here’s a pro tip: look for low-flow showerheads to conserve water and save on utility bills.
2. Clogged Showerhead
Did you know that your showerhead can get clogged just like the drains in your home? A clog shouldn’t be difficult to notice as you’ll sense the decrease in water pressure. Things like hard water, mold and mildew can quickly clog a showerhead. Before you turn to chemicals, here is a natural cleaning solution you can try:
- Fill a gallon sized zip-lock bag halfway with vinegar.
- Pour baking soda into the vinegar (the solution will react and cause fizzing).
- Put the bag over the showerhead, make sure the head is in the solution, and secure it with a zip tie.
- Wait a few hours, remove the bag and wipe it down.
The showerhead should be sparkling clean after completing the above steps. If you don’t have the patience or time to soak the showerhead, purchase a replacement.
3. Clogged Pipe
Mineral deposits will wreak havoc on your shower pipes if left to build up. Not sure if you have hard water deposits in your pipes? A surefire sign that you do is existing deposits on faucets and showerheads. When water has to pass through an opening made smaller by deposits, it may make a whistling sound.
You can try to fix this problem on your own, but you may need to employ the help of a plumber. Remove the showerhead and pour boiling water into the pipe. Then, add baking soda and vinegar followed by more boiling water. This mixture should remove mineral calcification and have your pipes working running like normal. Unfortunately, depending on the shape of your pipe, it just may not be feasible to do this. In this case, it’s best to call for plumbing repair services.
4. Worn Out Shower Valve
A high-pitched whistling sound could be the result of a worn out shower valve. This part is responsible for controlling the pressure of your shower and regulating the temperature of the water. When water passes through a worn shower valve, a whistling sound may occur due to high pressure.
The shower valve is located in the wall of your shower, near the handle. This will require opening up the wall to access the valve. You will need to call a bathroom plumbing technician with the right tools and expertise to take care of a valve replacement.
5. Shower Cartridge
If there are no issues with the shower valve, the plumber will check the shower cartridge for any blockages. Located inside of the shower valve, the cartridge is responsible for regulating the water flow and the temperature of the water. These two parts ensure that your shower is comfortable and relaxing.
A whistling sound indicates that the shower cartridge needs to be replaced. Get in contact with local plumbing services to get started on these repairs. After replacing the cartridge, the strange noises should subside.
6. Issue With the Diverter Valve
Some people enjoy a nice, hot bath to relax at the end of the day. The diverter valve is the part responsible for switching the water from the showerhead to the faucet. To check if the whistling or squealing sound is coming from the diverter valve, listen for any changes when you pull the pin. If this is when you start to hear noises, the part needs to be replaced.
Although it may look easy, the diverter valve should be replaced by a technician. If installed incorrectly, there are potential risks of water damage to your home. They have the experience and the tools to get these repairs done quickly and safely.
Benefits of Shower Maintenance
There are many benefits to completing and scheduling regular shower maintenance. Here are some of them:
- Conserve water and reduce utility bills.
- Properly functioning components.
- Save money on unnecessary repairs and replacements.
- Less opportunity for mold and bacteria growth.
Shower maintenance often comes with scheduled professional plumbing maintenance. This is an easy way to get ahead of the game and keep up with what your shower needs.
Red Oak Plumbing
Starting to notice strange noises coming from your shower? Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating has the experts to handle any job — big or small. Don’t ignore the issue at hand when there is a plumber with years of experience right around the corner. We have the tools necessary to get your plumbing system running like new. Trust the best name in the game: Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating.
Need a dependable plumber that offers high quality customer service? Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating is the best choice for you and your home. Contact us at 469-518-4211 or schedule an appointment with our team online.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.