Why Is My Showerhead Not Working? 5 Reasons Why

There are few things more frustrating than going to take a shower and finding that you can’t because the showerhead is not working properly. The reason the water isn’t coming out may be as simple as clogged nozzles to trickier plumbing issues that involve calling an expert to diagnose the problem. Here are some common causes that lead to a showerhead not working and how to deal with them.

1. Faulty Diverter Valve

The most common problem leading to a showerhead not working is a faulty diverter valve. This valve directs water between your tub spout and showerhead, so a damaged valve can leave in disrepair. If you notice water coming out of the showerhead and the tub spout, and it is dribbling out of the showerhead, this is most likely your problem.

The Solution

Call a plumbing repair company near you to replace the diverter valve for you. You can attempt to do it yourself, but mistakes can lead to major water damage that can cause more harm than good.

2. Limescale and Calcium Buildup

Another common cause of a showerhead not working is limescale and calcium buildup. Especially in areas with hard water, limescale will accumulate in and around your fixtures, gradually choking the water flow. If your showerhead was working normally but slowly became less and less functional, this could be your issue. The problem can be exacerbated in an area with hard water and no water softener in your house.

The Solution

To unclog a showerhead, disconnect it and soak it for two to three hours in a solution that is one part water and one part white vinegar. It should help break up the limescale. Scrub the showerhead clean using a sponge or toothbrush and reinstall it. A more permanent solution would be to have a plumber install a water softener.

3. Poor Water Pressure

If you have some water flow from your showerhead but it’s trickling out, poor water pressure could be at the root of the problem. This is a likely culprit if the problem was sudden and if other fixtures in your home have low flow as well.

The Solution

Have a plumber install a water pressure booster in your home. If your neighbors have the same issue, but it came on suddenly, you should wait to see if the problem resolves itself—your water authority may be doing maintenance that caused a temporary dip in pressure. If you’re the only home in your area that’s suffering from the issue, call a plumber to make sure you don’t have a water main leak.

4. Plumbing Leak

Speaking of leaks, a leak inside your home could cause your showerhead not to work properly. A severe leak can cause a dip in pressure to other fixtures in your home. This is especially true if the problematic shower is on the second floor and the leak is below it.

The Solution

Call a plumber to check for leaks and assess for water damage. Any signs of leaking require attention, and you should request emergency service. It’s a good idea to shut off the main water supply line to mitigate the damage.

5. Old Showerhead

Finally, the issue could be a broken showerhead, especially if the fixture is old. Leaking from the side or water trickling down instead of spraying could signal that a new showerhead is in your future. 

The Solution

Time to go shopping. Once you find the new piece, you can replace the showerhead yourself, or you can call a plumber for help. Note that high-tech showerheads may need more attention.

When to Call a Pro

You can DIY simple fixes for a showerhead that’s not working. Cleaning to remove limescale and replacing an old, broken showerhead are things most homeowners can do themselves. On the other hand, suspicion of underlying causes such as low water pressure should be addressed by a professional plumber as it could indicate a more severe issue, like a water main leak.