Why Does My Shower Filter Keep Clogging?

shower filter that keeps clogging
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Having a clogged shower filter can be extremely annoying and inconvenient, as it can reduce water pressure and the amount of time available for showering. It is important to understand why this happens so you can take the necessary steps to prevent it from occurring.

This article will discuss why shower filters may be prone to clogging and what solutions are available for avoiding this problem.

Key Takeaway
  • Shower filters may become clogged if the water in your shower is too hard or contains high levels of sediments.
  • To fix this problem, you should periodically clean your shower filter and replace it when it is too clogged to be effective.
  • You can also use a water softener to make the water softer and easier on your pipes and appliances.

Reasons Why Your Shower Filter is Clogged

A shower filter is necessary to keep your skin, hair, and overall health in good condition. Here is a list of the best shower water filters that you can check out.

However, if the water flow has slowed down or the pressure has decreased, your shower filter might likely be clogged. There are several reasons why this can happen, and understanding them can help you prevent future problems. 

Your Tap Water is “Hard”

If you’ve noticed that your shower filter is clogged, the culprit might be “hard” tap water. Hard water contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can cause buildup in pipes and appliances over time. While hard water is generally safe to drink, it can create many issues for your home’s plumbing.

One of the most noticeable effects of hard water is its impact on showerheads and faucets. Over time, minerals from the water can accumulate on these surfaces, forming unsightly stains or even causing blockages. This buildup can reduce water flow and decrease the effectiveness of your shower filter or other equipment that depends on an uninterrupted flow.

shower filter uses  hard water

Other Sediments Could Clog the Shower Filter

Other sediments could also clog the sediment filters and affect their performance. These sediments can include dirt, sand, rust particles, and organic matter such as hair and skin cells.

Dirt particles can enter your home’s plumbing system through cracks or breaks in pipes. Sand can also be present in your water source if you live near a body of water or have well water. 

In addition, rust particles are often found in older homes with corroded pipes. Organic matter like hair and skin cells are inevitable when showering but can accumulate over time.

These sediments reduce the water flow of your shower filter but can also cause damage to it by clogging up the filter cartridge.

Use of Flow Restrictors

Another common culprit behind clogged filters is the use of flow restrictors. These restrictors are designed to limit the amount of water from your faucet or showerhead, but they can also cause problems if not used correctly.

A flow restrictor works by reducing the amount of water that flows from your hot water heater, which can help you save money on your water bill. However, if the restrictor needs to be installed correctly or if it’s too small for your plumbing system, it can cause low water pressure and lead to clogs in your filter. This is because when there isn’t enough water flowing through your pipes, sediments and other particles have a greater chance of settling and accumulating in your filter.

How to Fix a Clogged Shower Filter?

A clogged shower filter can be a frustrating and unsanitary experience for anyone. Luckily, fixing it is relatively easy and can be done with just a few simple steps. Here’s how you can do it:

Clean the Shower Head Regularly

Over time, minerals and sediments accumulate in the tiny holes of your shower head. As these particles build up, they block the water flow, creating clogs. This is especially true if you live in an area with hard water containing high levels of calcium and magnesium deposits.

To prevent a clogged shower head, it’s important to clean it at least once every few months. Several ways exist, including vinegar or a commercial cleaning solution designed specifically for shower heads. You can also replace it with a new shower head. 

Use a Water Softener

Another way to prevent clogged shower filters from hard water is using a water softener. Water softeners remove minerals from the water, making it softer and easier on your pipes and appliances. They use an ion exchange process to replace the mineral ions with sodium or potassium ions.

Not only does using a water softener help prevent clogged shower filters, but it also has other benefits for your home.

water softener for shower filters

How to Clean Shower Filters With Vinegar?

Over time, the filter can become clogged with mineral deposits or bacteria, leading to reduced water pressure and even unpleasant odors. Cleaning your shower filter regularly will help it function correctly and extend its lifespan.

One of the most effective ways to clean scale build-up on a shower filter is using vinegar. Vinegar has natural cleaning properties that break down mineral build-up and kill bacteria.

  • Turn off the water supply. Remove the shower head or filter from your shower hose and place it in a container filled with equal parts of water and vinegar.
  • Leave it to soak for at least two hours, but you can also leave it overnight for better results.
  • After soaking, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub gently around the surface of the filter screen to remove any remaining dirt or debris. Then wash and fix it back. 
man cleaning shower head with vinegar

How to Clean Shower Filters With a Commercial Cleaning Solution?

  • To begin with, you need to turn off the valve from the water pipe and remove the filter from its housing.
  • Next, rinse the filter under warm running water to remove loose debris or sediment.
  • After this initial cleaning, you can soak the filter in a mixture of warm water and a commercial cleaning solution for at least 30 minutes.
  • Once you have soaked the filter sufficiently, remove it from the cleaning solution and rinse thoroughly under rerunning water. This removes any remaining residue on the surface of the filter.

Apart from cleaning your shower filter, you can use the above methods for even cleaning your shower drain to remove any rust. 

Conclusion

Shower filters are an important aspect of a healthy and functional bathroom. There could be many reasons behind a clogged shower filter, such as hard water, other water sediments, or flow restrictors. To solve this problem, you should clean your shower filter regularly with vinegar or a commercial cleaning solution. This will keep your shower filter clean, clear, and functional. 

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