Blocked or low-pressure shower head

Free DIY guide — no sign-up required. Written by a qualified Gas Safe engineer.
DIY Friendly💷 £0£515–30 min

Not sure if this matches your problem?

Use our interactive tool — answer a few questions and get a personalised diagnosis.

Diagnose my problem →

Most likely cause & what to check

1

Limescale build-up in the shower head nozzles is the most common cause of uneven or weak spray.

2

Remove the shower head by unscrewing it from the hose (turn anti-clockwise).

3

Soak the shower head in a bowl of white vinegar overnight, or use a proprietary descaler for 30–60 minutes.

4

Use an old toothbrush to scrub the nozzles — they should poke out freely when clean.

5

Rinse thoroughly and refit. Run the shower briefly before using to flush any residue.

6

If the shower head is heavily corroded or the nozzles are permanently blocked, replacement heads are inexpensive.

🛠 Tools & materials you may need

White vinegar or descalerOld toothbrushAdjustable spanner

🔗 Some links above are affiliate links — if you buy through them we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This keeps the site free.

Prefer to have it done for you?

Get a vetted local engineer to handle it — no hassle, Gas Safe registered.

Find a local engineer →

Was this guide helpful?