Symptoms
- Some jets spray fine while others trickle or stop
- Visible white or greenish crust around the nozzle holes
- Water pressure feels lower than it used to
- Spray pattern looks uneven or angled
Likely causes
- CommonHard water mineral scale (calcium and lime)Minerals in the water dry and harden inside the tiny nozzle openings over weeks and months.
- PossibleDebris from old pipes lodged in the head's inlet screenSediment can collect at the screen inside the head, separate from the nozzle holes themselves.
- PossibleWell water iron or sediment buildupUnfiltered well water can leave more aggressive buildup than municipal water.
What to do
- Remove the shower head from the arm if possible, using a wrench wrapped in cloth.
- Submerge the head fully in a bowl of white vinegar for 1–2 hours (or overnight for heavy buildup).
- If you can't remove it, fill a plastic bag with vinegar and secure it around the head with a rubber band so it soaks in place.
- After soaking, scrub each nozzle hole with an old toothbrush or a toothpick to dislodge remaining scale.
- Rinse thoroughly and run water through it before reattaching, checking spray pattern.
- Check the small mesh screen inside the head's inlet and rinse out any trapped debris.
- Reattach with fresh plumber's tape on the threads if it was removed.
Tools and parts
- Old toothbrush
- White vinegar
- Plastic bag and rubber band (optional)
- Wrench
Replacement shower headSearch: “shower head with self-cleaning nozzles”
When to call a pro
Consider a plumber only if the buildup keeps recurring quickly, which may point to a whole-house hard water issue worth a softener.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.