Had the same issue when I moved into my first place—thought it was the filter too, but turned out the showerhead itself was the culprit. Vinegar soak definitely helps, but if it's really stubborn, you might need to poke through the holes with a toothpick or something similar. Also, totally agree about cheap filters... learned the hard way that spending a bit more upfront saves headaches later on.
"Vinegar soak definitely helps, but if it's really stubborn, you might need to poke through the holes with a toothpick or something similar."
Haha, been there, done that... but honestly, sometimes the toothpick method just delays the inevitable. Had one tenant who swore by vinegar and toothpicks until he finally gave up and replaced the showerhead—instant fix. Not saying your method doesn't work (it usually does!), but if you're spending more time poking holes than actually showering, might be worth biting the bullet and grabbing a new one.
Haha, vinegar and toothpicks are fine for a quick fix, but honestly, once the showerhead starts spraying sideways, it's usually on borrowed time. Had one that I stubbornly cleaned every few weeks until I finally caved and replaced it—best $20 I've spent in ages. Sometimes it's just easier to accept defeat and upgrade rather than fighting a losing battle with mineral deposits...
Did you notice any actual difference in water pressure after swapping it out? I'm dealing with a similar rogue showerhead right now, and I've been hesitating because I wasn't sure if a new one would really help or if it's more of a plumbing issue. Also, was installation straightforward? I'm not exactly handy, so if it's complicated, I might just stick to the vinegar routine a bit longer...
"Did you notice any actual difference in water pressure after swapping it out?"
Honestly, if your showerhead is spraying everywhere but down, it's probably more about mineral buildup or worn-out nozzles than actual plumbing issues. Swapping it out usually does the trick—I've seen plenty of cases where a new head makes a noticeable difference in both spray pattern and perceived pressure. But just to be cautious, I'd first check if the water pressure at your sink or other fixtures seems normal. If they're fine, then it's almost certainly the showerhead itself.
Installation-wise, it's generally straightforward. Most showerheads just screw on and off easily with some plumber's tape wrapped around the threads to prevent leaks. Just make sure you don't overtighten it—hand-tight plus a gentle turn with a wrench is usually enough. If you're really unsure, there are tons of quick YouTube tutorials that walk you through step-by-step.
The vinegar routine can help temporarily, but eventually, you'll probably end up replacing it anyway... might as well save yourself the hassle and get it sorted now.
