Why is My Showerhead Making a Screaming Noise?

Your showerhead is making a loud noise because your water pressure is too high or your showerhead is clogged. Whether you prefer to start off your day with a refreshing shower, or rinse off all your cares after a long day, one thing is certain: the last thing you want to hear is your showerhead screaming in agony.

While screaming, screeching or howling in any part of your plumbing system may cause alarm, it doesn’t always signal disaster. A showerhead that sounds like an engine “revving up” could indicate a problem with water pressure.

Water Pressure Could be the Problem

If your water pressure is too high in your home, it could make a loud noise as it rushes through your pipes. High water pressure poses a threat, in that it can lead to leaks or even full-blown breakage in your pipes if it isn’t addressed quickly.

You can test your home’s water pressure, at the PRV, using a water pressure gauge, which is an inexpensive device you can purchase at any hardware store. If you do not have a PRV, (pressure regulating valve), or if yours is compromised or broken, then It is possible for your pressure to surpass 75 PSI, which can wreak havoc with your plumbing system. PSI signifies “pounds per square inch” and is a means of measuring the force of the water entering your home. The PRV is placed in your home where your municipal water enters the home, in order to control the amount of water pressure entering your household plumbing system. Recommended water pressure is 60 PSI and should never exceed 75 PSI.

If you see that your water pressure surpasses this maximum 75 PSI, a plumber from our team can come out quickly to fix the pressure regulating valve, or replace it, if need be. Over time, these valves will eventually wear out and do need to be replaced. If you are not able to test your own water pressure, (and most homeowners don’t), we can test your water pressure and show you the reading, and determine next steps, if any are needed.

You May Need to Clean Your Showerhead

Remove your showerhead and run the water — if the sound disappears, then your showerhead is the problem. It is most likely clogged with sediment or simply worn out with old age. Fortunately, this is an easy fix.

Tie a plastic bag with a mix of white vinegar and water around your showerhead, and let it soak for a few hours. Be sure to dilute the vinegar, rather than using it full strength, so you don’t accidentally erode any of the metal on your showerhead.

After several hours, remove the bag and use a scrubber or toothbrush to loosen and remove any remaining dirt or debris from your showerhead.

If cleaning your showerhead doesn’t work, then it is time to replace it with an updated model that is water efficient. Regulations limit showerheads to allow a flow of no more than 2.5 gallons per minute.

Fix Your Plumbing Problems with Pipe Wrench

If you run into any problems with your home’s plumbing, heating, or cooling, and prefer to forgo the DIY route, our technicians are here to help! Visit our website to learn more about the services that we offer here at Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling or call (865) 583-3957 to speak with a representative directly.