I've definitely noticed the vinegar trick helps, but honestly, mineral buildup seems inevitable over time no matter what fixture you have. I'm curious though—has anyone found that water-saving showerheads are more prone to clogging? I installed one recently for efficiency, and it seems to need cleaning way more often than my old standard one did. Maybe it's just me...
Yeah, I've noticed that too—water-saving showerheads do seem to clog up quicker. I think it's cuz the holes are smaller to reduce flow, so even a tiny bit of mineral buildup becomes noticeable fast. Regular vinegar soaks help, but it's definitely more maintenance overall.
I've definitely run into this issue myself. Installed a water-saving showerhead last year to cut down on bills, and it's been a mixed bag. Sure, the water usage dropped noticeably, but man, the maintenance is real. Even with regular vinegar soaks, I feel like I'm constantly dealing with weaker pressure or uneven spray patterns. Personally, I'd rather deal with that extra bit of hassle than pay higher water bills, but I get why some folks might feel differently...
Have you considered maybe switching brands or models? I've installed quite a few of these, and honestly, some budget-friendly showerheads outperform pricier ones. Might save you from constant vinegar baths...
I've tried a few budget-friendly showerheads myself, and honestly, it's been hit or miss. Some were surprisingly decent, but others felt like standing under a sad drizzle—definitely not the refreshing shower experience I was hoping for. I get your point though; expensive doesn't always mean better. Still, I'm skeptical about going too cheap because I've had a couple of those "bargain" models start leaking or clogging up within months. Then you're back to square one with the vinegar baths...
Maybe there's a sweet spot somewhere in the middle? Personally, I'd rather spend a bit more upfront if it means less hassle later on. Plus, water-saving is important to me—not just for the bills but also because wasting water feels wrong somehow. But hey, if you've got a specific brand or model that's budget-friendly AND reliable, I'm all ears.