my shower's gone rogue and sprays everywhere but down

Funny timing - just last month I had a tenant call about a “possessed” shower that sprayed sideways, up, and basically everywhere but where it should. I figured it was just the head, but after soaking it in vinegar and poking at the nozzles, the problem barely improved. Ended up unscrewing the whole thing and found a chunk of mineral gunk lodged way back in the pipe elbow. Never would’ve guessed unless I took it apart.

It’s wild how much buildup can hide in those old pipes, especially if you’re in a hard water area. Sometimes even a brand new showerhead won’t help if the blockage is further up the line. Did you happen to check if your shutoff valve or supply line has any buildup too? Had one case where the culprit was actually a half-closed valve from a previous repair job… made me rethink blaming just the fixtures every time.

I figured it was just the head, but after soaking it in vinegar and poking at the nozzles, the problem barely improved. Ended up unscrewing the whole thing and found a chunk of mineral gunk lodged ...

Honestly, I’d be careful blaming the supply line or shutoff valve right away. In my experience, most “possessed” spray patterns are still just a clogged or warped showerhead, especially if it’s plastic. Sometimes the mineral buildup actually warps the spray plate itself, and no amount of cleaning helps. Swapping in a metal head can make a surprising difference, even if the pipes are old. Just my two cents.

Sometimes the mineral buildup actually warps the spray plate itself, and no amount of cleaning helps.

That’s been my experience too, especially with the cheaper plastic heads. Even after a vinegar soak, the spray just goes wild if the plate’s warped. I switched to a metal low-flow model last year - less plastic waste and it’s held up way better. If you’re in a hard water area, those plastic ones just don’t last.

I hear you on the plastic heads - mine started spraying sideways after a year, even with regular cleaning. Tried patching it up, but it just wasn’t worth the hassle. Ended up grabbing a basic metal one on sale, and it’s been solid so far. Not fancy, but at least the water goes where it’s supposed to now.

Ended up grabbing a basic metal one on sale, and it’s been solid so far. Not fancy, but at least the water goes where it’s supposed to now.

Did you notice any difference in water pressure or flow with the metal one? I keep hearing metal lasts longer, but I’m always a bit skeptical about whether it’s actually better for water efficiency. Also, any idea if it’s recyclable when it eventually gives out? I’m trying to avoid more landfill stuff if possible...