- 100% agree about the difference between old and new low-flow heads. I swapped out a bunch in my rentals last year—tenants noticed right away, especially the ones who’d been dealing with those ancient “mist” models.
- The vinegar trick is gold. I’ve also had luck with CLR for really stubborn buildup, but you gotta rinse it well or the smell lingers.
- Conditioner rinse is a real thing. Had a tenant with super thick hair who’d just fill a bucket from the tub spout and dump it over her head. Not the most elegant solution, but hey, it worked for her.
- Noticed some brands really exaggerate their “pressure boosting” claims. I always check reviews now, and if possible, buy one to test before outfitting a whole building. Some are just duds.
- One thing I wonder: does anyone else notice tenants messing with the flow restrictors? I’ve had a couple folks try to “fix” their shower by removing them, which kind of defeats the purpose...
- Little upgrades like this save me on water bills and cut down on maintenance calls. Wish I’d started sooner, honestly.
I’ve definitely been tempted to yank out the flow restrictor when the shower feels like it’s just politely misting me. But I resisted—mostly because I didn’t want to break anything on my first try. Anyone else find some brands are way easier to clean than others? The vinegar trick worked for me, but I swear one head just held onto that smell for days...
I hear you on the vinegar smell—one of mine smelled like a salad bar for a week. Some shower heads just seem to trap odors, no matter how much you rinse. I’ve noticed the cheaper plastic ones are way harder to get clean inside, too. If you ever do try pulling the restrictor, just keep track of the tiny O-ring... those things love to vanish down the drain.
Some shower heads just seem to trap odors, no matter how much you rinse. I’ve noticed the cheaper plastic ones are way harder to get clean inside, too.
Funny thing—I’ve actually had more issues with metal shower heads holding onto weird smells than the plastic ones. The metal seems to corrode a bit inside over time, especially if your water’s even slightly hard, and that can trap gunk just as badly. I get what you mean about the plastic being a pain to scrub, though.
About the restrictor: I know people love to pull them for better flow, but honestly, I’ve found that a good-quality low-flow head is usually designed to work well with the restrictor in place. If you yank it, you might end up with uneven spray or even leaks around the threads. Not saying it never works, but sometimes the hassle outweighs the benefit—especially if you’re trying to save water in the first place.
And yeah, those O-rings... they’re like socks in a dryer.
I’ve always wondered if the restrictors are more trouble than they’re worth, especially in older buildings. I’ve had tenants complain about low pressure, but when I check, it’s usually just mineral buildup or a clogged screen. Ever tried soaking the whole head in vinegar overnight? That seems to help with both plastic and metal, though the metal ones sometimes get that weird metallic smell after a while. Do you think it’s better to just swap them out every few years instead of fighting with cleaning?
