Metal heads really are worth the extra money, especially if you’re dealing with hard water. I’ve noticed the plastic ones just don’t last—same issue with cracking at the threads. I do think a lot of people underestimate how much gunk builds up in there. Sometimes just soaking isn’t enough, like you said. I’ve had to use a pin to poke out the nozzles on mine before, which is tedious but works. Vinegar’s great, but I’ll admit I’ve used CLR on stubborn buildup when vinegar didn’t cut it... not ideal, but it saved me from buying a new head. Regular cleanings definitely save headaches down the line.
“I’ve had to use a pin to poke out the nozzles on mine before, which is tedious but works.”
Funny you mention that—last time I tried the pin trick, I ended up spraying myself in the face when I turned the water back on. Guess I missed a chunk of gunk somewhere. I’m with you on metal heads lasting longer, though. The plastic ones always seem to split at the worst possible time. Vinegar’s my go-to, but I’ve never tried CLR... might have to give that a shot if things get desperate.
Metal heads are definitely sturdier, but I’ve seen even those get clogged up if the water’s hard enough. The pin trick works, but I always wonder if it’s just pushing stuff further in sometimes. Ever tried taking the whole head off and soaking it overnight? That’s usually my move—vinegar or CLR both do the job, though CLR can be a bit harsh if you’ve got any rubber washers inside.
Funny thing, I once had a customer who swore by boiling her shower head in a pot of water and vinegar. Not sure I’d want to use that pot again, but she said it worked. As for plastic heads splitting, yeah, they’re notorious for that. I’m skeptical about how long any of the “self-cleaning” ones last, too. They sound good on paper, but in practice... not so much.
Ever notice if your water pressure’s dropped overall, or is it just the weird spray pattern? Sometimes it’s buildup in the line itself, not just the head.
Boiling the shower head in vinegar... now that's dedication. I’ve seen folks try all sorts of things, but I usually stick to the overnight soak—less risk of melting something I didn’t mean to. You’re right about CLR being a bit much for anything with rubber, though. Had a buddy who learned that the hard way—came back to a leaky mess the next morning. Ever had to deal with those old galvanized pipes? Sometimes the gunk’s way further back than you’d think, and then it’s a whole different headache.
- Overnight vinegar soak is my go-to too—boiling sounds like a recipe for melted plastic and regret.
- CLR’s great until it eats your gaskets for breakfast. Had a neighbor who basically turned his shower into a sprinkler system after using too much.
- Galvanized pipes? Oh man, those are like the haunted houses of plumbing. You think you’ve cleared the ghost (gunk), but it’s lurking way back in the walls.
- If your shower’s spraying everywhere but down, sometimes it’s just a crusty washer or a rogue bit of scale stuck in the head. Quick poke with a toothpick can work wonders... unless you’re dealing with 50 years of pipe history, then all bets are off.
- Pro tip: If you hear weird noises after cleaning, run for cover. That’s how I learned to never trust an old pipe on a Monday morning.
