What do to if your shower is not working properly?
6/17/20242 min read
Troubleshooting the Issue
If you're having issues with your hot water, first check to see if the problem is isolated to just your shower. If so, remove the showerhead and see if there are any obstructions in it. You may also want to try turning on all of your faucets throughout the house and seeing if they work properly (this will help rule out an issue with your water heater).
Problem with the Showerhead
To troubleshoot the showerhead, you'll want to remove it from its mount and run some water through it. If you can hear any water coming out of the holes on top of your showerhead, then this is not your problem! However, if there's no sound at all when you run water through it (or if there are only small drips), then you may need to replace or clean your existing showerhead.
Problem with the Valve
If your shower valve is not working properly, it's possible that there is a problem with the valve itself. This can cause water to come out at an inconsistent rate or not at all. If this happens to you, call a plumber immediately to diagnose and fix the issue.
Problem with the Main Water Line
If you have a problem with the main water line, it's best to call a plumber. They can diagnose and fix the issue quickly. If you have neighbors who also share your hot or cold water line, ask them if they are experiencing similar problems with their showers. If so, this could be an indication of a larger issue that needs to be addressed by professionals
Problem with the Water Heater
The first thing you should do is check the temperature setting. If it's too high, turn it down and see if that fixes the problem. If not, call a plumber to diagnose and fix the issue.
If your water heater isn't working properly, there are two likely culprits: either something has gone wrong with its internal mechanism or an electrical component has failed (in which case you'll want to call an electrician).
Conclusion
If you're having trouble with your hot or cold water, the first thing to do is troubleshoot the issue. Isolate if it's isolated to the shower? If so, then it might be something simple like a clogged drain or loose pipe joint. If not, there might be an underlying problem that needs professional assistance from a plumber.
If you don't feel comfortable fixing this yourself and want to call in someone else for help, here are some things you can ask them:
What do they think is causing my problem?
How much will it cost me?
Are there any guarantees associated with their work?