Why Is My Shower Head Clogged

A clogged shower head can become annoying over time, and it’s one of those problems that seem harder to solve than they actually are. Sometimes you might feel like you’re the only person in the world who has this problem, but in reality, clogged shower heads are extremely common! The following list of causes of clogged shower heads, from drain cleaning Markham  experts, will help you understand what might be causing your own shower head to clog up. Here we go!

Rust

One of the most common causes of clogged shower heads is rust. Make sure your shower head isn’t located in an area where it can be easily exposed to water, like a place that gets splashed by bathwater, rain or hard water. Check under and behind your shower head regularly to ensure that no corrosion has occurred. If you do find rust, try using a product like CLR or a similar acid-based remover.

Dirt

The most obvious cause of a clogged shower head is hair, soap scum and other grime. Cleaning your shower with a mild cleanser will get rid of that debris and help keep your shower head clear for much longer. If you’re worried about how often you should clean your shower head, remember that it’s not something you should do on a daily basis. But once every few months should be enough to keep it free from gunk.

If you have hard water in your home, try using vinegar or baking soda instead of harsh chemicals like bleach; they’ll still cut through dirt but won’t strip away any rubber parts on your shower head. If nothing seems to work, maybe you should replace your shower head. Please seek the assistance of a plumber Markham to choose the right shower head.

Sediment

Hard water and minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium can accumulate in your shower head. This is a bit more expensive to fix than most other clogs, but if you’re handy with tools, you should be able to fix it yourself. The first step is disassembling your shower head; then use a pipe cleaner or small brush (you can buy one specifically for cleaning shower heads) to clear away all that gunk.

Algae

If you’re noticing a thick layer of green sludge at the bottom of your shower, you have algae to blame. Algae is a natural substance that comes from water left in contact with copper or other minerals, or can come from excessively hot showers. Algae-induced clogs are likely to stick around longer than others, so call in an emergency plumber Markham if it doesn’t clear up on its own.

5 Ways to Handle Drain Problems

Drain problems seem to crop up at the most inconvenient times. When you have drain problems, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and like there’s nothing you can do to fix them…but that’s not true! Whether you need help figuring out why your sink or tub won’t drain or how to clear a clogged toilet, our plumber Markham has 5 ways to handle drain problems so you can get on with your routine.

Keep Your Drains Clear

To keep plumbing issues from cropping up, get in a regular routine of clearing drains. Every month, flush your sink with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down your drain and follow with 1/2 cup vinegar (or white vinegar if you prefer). This will not only keep your drains clear but also neutralize odors that build up over time. If you do experience a clog, try pouring boiling water down the drain; it usually works like magic. If nothing seems to work, it’s better to call in a professional specialized in drain cleaning Markham.

Unplug the Sink

Even a simple clog can lead to major damage in your plumbing system. First, unplug both ends of your sink and run water through it for 20 minutes to make sure all food scraps or other blockages are cleared out. Next, grab an auger, a long metal pole, and run it down your drain while someone flushes water through from above.

Use a Plunger

Plungers are probably your best bet. You can try a few different plunging techniques, too—push straight down and then pull back up quickly, twist in a circular motion before pushing down, or push down and then pull back up slowly. If you don’t feel like plunging manually, you could use an auger.

 Use Chemical Drain Cleaners

If you’re dealing with a slow drain, you might be tempted to reach for a chemical drain cleaner. While it will clear your drain fast, it can also harm your pipes. When used incorrectly or too frequently, these products can do serious damage. In fact, even regular use of these products can lead to corrosion of your pipes.

Call in the Pros

Most drain problems are best handled by a professional. It’s not that common DIY fixes won’t work; it’s just that they may require extensive knowledge and expertise to execute effectively, and even then there’s no guarantee of success. If you aren’t well versed in plumbing, call in a professional emergency plumber Markham. You may be surprised at how affordable it is.

Avoid Future Clogs

Run your garbage disposal for 30 seconds after each use. Keep a basket in your sink for hair accessories and other small objects that can clog up your drain. Always use cold water when washing dishes. Don’t pour grease down a sink or garbage disposal; instead, allow it to cool and solidify before disposing of it in an appropriate container. When a problem pops up, please call in a professional and get it fixed ASAP.

Signs That It's Time To Replace Your Water Heater

Replacing your water heater may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it could actually lead to frequent repairs and likely to cost you more in the long run. However, that doesn’t mean you have to replace your water heater right away. There are several signs that indicate it’s time to take action on this project. Keep an eye on the following tell-tale signs that indicate it’s time to replace your water heater ASAP.

Leaking Water

If you notice water leaking from your water heater, there’s a good chance that something is wrong with it. While water heaters do need routine maintenance and occasional repair work, replacing them can be very expensive, so knowing when they are nearing failure is important. Leaking water indicates that there’s a problem with your tank, which can cause potential damage to your property as well as higher utility bills due to increased utility usage. Call your plumber Markham and find out whether you need a replacement or repair.

Uneven Temperature around the House

If you find that different rooms in your house have drastically different water temperatures, it’s time for a replacement. Instead of turning up the heat in one room or using more blankets in another, you should look into replacing your heater with a newer model. You’ll save energy and money.

Unusual Noises Coming From the Tank

If you hear loud banging or hissing noises coming from your water heater, it may be time for a replacement. These sounds indicate that there is something wrong with your tank, such as corrosion. Your tank could be leaking, and no home should be without running water for long periods of time. Even if there isn’t an actual leak present, these noises are indicators that you need a replacement soon. Contact an emergency plumber Markham if you hear strange and unusual noises emanating from your water heater.

The Temperature Setting Doesn't Have an Effect on the Hot Water Supply

If your water heater has started to show its age, a problem with temperature settings may be present. If you find that there is no change in temperature when you turn up or down your thermostat, then it’s time for a replacement. Additionally, if hot water doesn’t seem to come out at all, then something has gone wrong internally and replacement is necessary.

Leaky Pipes From Underneath the Home

If you notice your water bill skyrocketing, it’s possible that a leak has formed underneath your home. This can indicate that it’s time for a water heater replacement. If you aren’t sure what to look for when attempting to find these leaks, don’t worry; your plumber Markham can help with an inspection. Or better yet, make an appointment before those leaks become too serious and potentially cause damage or injury in your home.

Malfunctioning water heaters can be dangerous. So, if you notice any of these signs, please call your plumber and have the heating system checked. A professional can suggest the right solution.