Is your RV shower head clogged? Camping and RVing have become popular recreational activities for families and solo travelers alike. However, nothing ruins a road trip faster than having issues with your shower! Mineral deposits and sediment can accumulate quickly in the showerhead, leading to reduced water flow, pressure, and an overall diminished shower experience. This article aims to provide RV owners with valuable information on the causes of clogged showerheads, how to prevent them, and DIY cleaning methods to restore optimal performance. We will also cover professional services available for those experiencing persistent clogs or plumbing issues. Whether you’re a seasoned RV traveler or new to the lifestyle, maintaining your RV showerhead is crucial to a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
Why is my RV Shower Head Clogged?
Clogged RV shower heads can be a common issue when traveling to different campgrounds and RV parks due to variations in water quality and hardness. Mineral buildup and sediment can quickly accumulate in your RV showerhead, leading to reduced water flow and pressure. Therefore, it’s crucial to check the water quality and hardness levels of each campground or RV park before filling your freshwater tank or connecting to their water source. If the water is known to have a high mineral content, using a water softener or filtering system can help prevent clogs and extend the life of your RV showerhead.
DIY: Cleaning a Clogged RV Shower Head
Cleaning a showerhead in an RV is a simple process that can be accomplished with just a few household items. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Distilled white vinegar
- Plastic bag
- Rubber band, zip, or twist tie
- Toothpick or paper clip
- Old toothbrush
- Dry baking soda
- Soft, lint-free cloth
Fill a plastic bag with distilled white vinegar, being careful not to overfill. Place the bag over the showerhead, making sure it is completely immersed in vinegar. Fasten the bag securely with a rubber band or twist tie, and let it soak for several hours, or even overnight for especially dirty fixtures. After soaking, remove the bag and run hot water through the showerhead for a minute to flush out any mineral deposits. If any nozzles are still clogged, use a toothpick or paper clip to unclog them, and scrub the fixture with an old toothbrush dipped in dry baking soda. Finally, polish the showerhead with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove water spots and give it a finished look. This simple process can help extend the life of your showerhead and ensure a comfortable showering experience while on the road.
No Vinegar?
If you don’t have any distilled white vinegar on hand, don’t worry. There are other options for cleaning your showerhead. You can use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice mixed with water instead. Both ingredients contain acids that can help dissolve mineral buildup. Just follow the same soaking and cleaning instructions as with vinegar.
Not Handy or Need a Professional?
While a DIY fix can be a cost-effective way to unclog your showerhead, if problems persist, it may be time to seek professional help. A pro can inspect your RV’s plumbing and offer a long-term solution, which may involve fixing deeper issues. Professional showerhead replacement services from a mobile RV technician can cost between $45 and $200 per hour. If you’re unsure whether to hire a pro or handle the task yourself, it might be a good idea to jump online to one of the many RV forums or Facebook groups.
The cost of replacing a showerhead is typically under $200, with labor accounting for about $100 of that cost. However, if plumbing issues are to blame, the cost will be higher, ranging from $75 for a basic showerhead replacement to over $1,000 if you need to get an in-depth plumbing issue resolved. The latter is not typical, and the average cost to replace a clogged RV showerhead using a service provider is around $200. It’s even cheaper if you can do it yourself.
Portable Water Softeners May Help
Using a portable water softener is an effective way for RV owners to prevent clogged showerheads and extend the life of their plumbing system. Hard water is a common problem in many RV parks and campgrounds, which can lead to the buildup of mineral deposits and sediment in your RV’s plumbing system, causing clogged showerheads, faucets, and water heaters. Portable water softeners work by removing the minerals responsible for hard water, such as calcium and magnesium, through an ion exchange process. This process creates soft water that is gentle on your RV’s plumbing and prevents mineral buildup. By using a portable water softener, you can avoid the hassle of dealing with clogged showerheads and other plumbing issues, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable road trip. Additionally, soft water can also provide benefits such as softer skin and hair, better lather from soap and shampoo, and reduced soap scum buildup.
Regular Maintenance Is Important
Regularly cleaning showerheads is essential to prevent clogs and ensure optimal performance. The frequency of cleaning will depend on several factors, such as the hardness of the water in your RV park or campground, the frequency of use, and the type of showerhead you have. You may also want to look at our post on the importance of cleaning RV water lines. As a general rule of thumb, RV owners should aim to clean their showerheads every three to six months, or more frequently if they notice reduced water flow or pressure. However, if you’re in an area with particularly hard water, you may need to clean your showerhead more frequently, even once a month. By incorporating showerhead cleaning into your RV maintenance routine, you can prevent an RV shower head clog and potential costly plumbing repairs.
Benefits of a High-Quality RV Shower Head
Upgrading your RV showerhead to a high-quality model can also help prevent clogs and improve your shower experience on the road. Look at some of the best RV shower heads we recommend. Many RV showerheads on the market today feature advanced filtering and water-saving technologies, making them ideal for use in areas with hard water. Additionally, some models come with adjustable spray patterns and pressure settings, allowing you to customize your shower experience to your liking. While the initial cost of a high-quality RV showerhead may be higher than a basic model, the long-term benefits of improved water flow, pressure, and overall shower experience make it a worthwhile investment for frequent RV travelers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a clogged RV shower head can be a frustrating and common issue for RV owners on the road. However, make sure you take proactive steps to prevent clogs, such as regular cleaning, or installing a water softener or filtration system. You can also use specialized showerheads specific to recreational vehicles. Following these steps, RV owners can avoid the hassle of dealing with plumbing issues and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable road trip. Additionally, conserving water and reducing the amount of sediment that enters the plumbing system can also contribute to the prevention of clogs. By incorporating these preventive measures into your RV maintenance routine, you can enjoy worry-free showering and make the most of your travels. If you are unable to clean or replace the showerhead yourself, seek professional help from a reputable RV technician.
