Whether you like hot or cold, a nice shower at the end (or beginning) of a long day is a key zen moment for many of us. That is, as long as your shower isn’t screeching in your ears. If you can hear your shower whistling or squealing down the hall, it’s probably in need of some TLC. From simple fixes you can DIY at home to replacements you’ll want to bring residential plumbing services in for, we’ll cover 5 reasons your shower is whistling. Read on to learn more about this pesky problem and what you can do about it.
Need complete plumbing services in Ardmore, OK? Service Plumbing Co. Inc. does it all. Whether you need help with residential plumbing, commercial plumbing or sewer services, we’ve got you covered. Call (580) 223-1780 today or visit us online to learn more.
5 Reasons for a Whistling Shower
Singing in the shower is all fun and games, until the shower starts singing back. A whistling, squealing or sharp hissing sound when the water runs can stem from several places. Aside from being an ear-piercing annoyance to you, your family members — and potentially even your neighbors — noises like these indicate problems that warrant attention. Let’s dive in.
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1. The Showerhead
A common issue, especially in areas with hard water, is the way mineral deposits can build up in plumbing and inside of components like your showerhead over time. Hard water is so named because it has a high mineral content. The tiny holes in your showerhead can become clogged with hard water mineral build-up over time. As your plumbing uses pressure to expel water from the showerhead, clogged nozzles can increase this pressure and cause a whistling or squealing sound as water tries to escape. In some cases, the showerhead can simply be cleaned. If your showerhead is on the older side, it might make more sense to replace it outright.
This is a fairly simple and inexpensive repair homeowners can usually take on themselves. The effects of hard water can be mitigated by treating your household water supply with a water softening system. If replacing the showerhead doesn’t solve the problem, the issue lies elsewhere.
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2. A Faulty Shower Valve
The shower valve controls the flow and mixture of hot and cold water when you adjust the corresponding handles. A worn out or faulty shower valve can lead to the offending noises, and you may notice leaks around temperature control handles as well. In order to access this valve, you’ll probably need to get at it from the other side of the wall (and from behind the shower). Unless you are certain you understand what you are looking for, it’s probably best to leave this one to a qualified Ardmore plumber.
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3. The Diverter Valve
The diverter valve is the handy piece of equipment that allows you to switch water from the showerhead to the tub faucet. Pretty neat, right? As with the shower valve, which controls water flow, and subsequently, water temperature, the diverter valve can wear out over time. This can leave your shower signing its laments every time you seek a relaxing sanctuary. Homeowners can test this valve to see if it’s the culprit by checking if the sound changes or stops when pulling on the diverter handle. If it does, you’re right on the money.
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4. The Showerhead Pipe
Similar to a clogged showerhead, the showerhead pipe can fall victim to mineral deposits and limescale buildup over time. As this buildup constricts the pipe, a whistling, squealing or hissing sound may occur. The fix for this one is to remove the showerhead and attempt to clean the pipe. While this one can be done at home, a professional plumber will have access to specialized equipment that ensures the job gets done right and in a timely fashion.
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5. A Blocked Shower Cartridge
The shower cartridge is located in the shower valve, and a blockage due to rogue debris here can certainly make your shower sing. This part is tough to get to and replace, so it’s wise to consult a plumbing pro to rid your shower of its whistling woes.
Regular Shower Maintenance
As with all home fixtures and appliances, a neglected shower can lead to problems like the noises discussed above. Another issue that might crop up in your bathroom sanctuary is a shower that smells like sewage. If the shower is used infrequently, the issue may be that the P-trap (piping shaped like a “P” or “U”) underneath the shower has dried up. This section of piping typically holds enough water to create a natural seal, preventing sewage gases and bad odors from traveling up your pipes and into your home. The fix here is often simply to run the water for a few minutes.
If this is not the case, there might be significant biofilm build-up in your shower drain. Shower products like soap and shampoo can combine with dirt, sweat and oils to form biofilm. As this substance collects in your drain, it can harbor bacteria that leads to bad odors. Clean out your shower drain by adding one cup of baking soda and following up with a cup of white vinegar. Allow this solution to sit for up to 30-minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Ardmore Residential Plumbing Services
Service Plumbing Co. Inc. offers complete plumbing services in Ardmore, OK, and the surrounding areas. We’ve been in the business for over 30 years, which means we’ve seen it all. There isn’t a singing shower our team can’t fix. If you’re ready to get your zen moment back, but don’t want to deal with the headache of troubleshooting and DIY fixes, we’ve got you covered.
Dealing with a plumbing emergency? When the issue can’t wait, we’re happy to help. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day for plumbing emergencies. We’re also proud to offer senior and military discounts, along with free estimates for new product and system installations. Our team provides residential plumbing, commercial plumbing and sewer line services. Don’t let plumbing problems rack up! Call (580) 223-1780 today or visit us online to learn more. If you have questions about our services, you can always email our team at serviceplumbinginc@gmail.com.
