7 Key Signs Your Shower Needs Repairs

Your shower is an essential part of your home and you use it almost every day. When a shower stops working, it can not only be a serious inconvenience, it also puts your home at risk for other plumbing emergencies such as flooding. At Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating, we provide shower repair and maintenance services throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. 

There are several different signs your shower needs repairs. Call your plumber as soon as you notice a problem. Let’s dive in and explore the various possible plumbing issues that can be involved. We will teach you what to look for, so you can quickly identify these serious plumbing hazards.

1) Discoloured Shower Water

Your shower water should appear crystal clear, it’s meant to get you clean after all. If you notice a tint in the colour of the water, chances are your shower needs repairs. The water may be tinted brown, yellow or slightly orange. This is a good indication that your pipes are rusty. Sometimes a small amount of rust from pipes breaks off and taints the water, this is usually harmless and unnoticeable. 

The problem arises when you notice heavy pigmentation in the water. This could indicate a severely corroded pipe. It’s best to run your water for 1-2 minutes and see whether or not it becomes clear, sometimes pipes that have not been used for long periods of time simply need a few minutes to clear out rust and excess build-up before the water is clean. It’s best to call your plumber if this problem persists. They can replace the pipes connected to your shower and ensure your water runs clean again. 

2) Low Water Pressure 

If you notice a sudden decrease in your water pressure, there can be several different causes. In some cases, there is little cause for concern. Low water pressure can occur due to a physical barrier, such as mineral build up around the exterior of the showerhead, it can also happen if you run several different appliances at once. However, it can also be a sign of a more serious problem such as a pipe leak. 

To determine whether or not it is simply caused by mineral build-up, blocking the showerhead, simply visually inspect the nozzle. Minerals exist naturally in our water and they are completely harmless, however, over time they can build up in our sinks and other sources of water. They can be removed in a simple DIY project and there are different cleaning products that can break down the build-up quickly. Here is our full article to learn step by step “How to Clean Mineral Deposits in your Sink or Shower.” 

If there is no sign of mineral deposits blocking the showerhead, it’s possible that a pipe leak is causing the low water pressure. Sometimes a pipe leak is accompanied by a trickling sound in the walls of your home when the shower is running. If you experience low water pressure without a clear cause, you should call your plumber immediately, these are clear signs your shower needs repairs.

3) Dripping or Leaks from the Shower Head 

That classic dripping sound from a leaky shower head is not only bothersome, it may also be a cause for concern. Leaking showers can waste several litres of water per day. Use the drip calculator to determine just how much water you’re losing through a leaking faucet or showerhead. If you aren’t careful, a leaky shower in Vancouver can vastly increase your bills. Leaky showers are generally easy to fix. It is often the case that a band or cartridge has worn down in the showerhead. There are many different types of options when it comes to faucet repair and replacement parts. However, it can be a difficult process and it’s best to call in the plumbing professionals. 

4) Temperature Changes 

It is never a fun experience when the water in the shower turns cold. The good news is, it’s often not the result of a faulty shower, rather, it could be caused by your hot water tank. Hot water tanks heat and store warm water at a set temperature so there is water on hand when you shower, wash the dishes or do laundry.

The downside to having a water tank is that there are times when you end up using all of the hot water available. As the water tank slowly heats more water, you could end up with a cold shower. If you experience this frequently, it might be a good idea to look into tankless water heaters. These systems heat water on demand, which means you will never run out of hot water. 

5) Cracks in the Molding 

Cracks can develop over time in your shower if you have tiles and grout on the surrounding walls. This can also be the result of poor installation, however, the grout in your shower naturally chips off over time. If you see large chunks of grout missing, or cracks forming, it can be cause for concern. Cracks in the grout can lead to water damage and mould in your walls. Grout re-sealing can be a DIY project and you should seal your shower every year at a minimum. 

6) Water Drains Slowly 

If you are in the shower and you notice water collecting by your feet, it could be that you have a clogged drain. Drains can clog for several reasons and usually, it should not be a serious sign that your shower needs repairs. You can fix your clogged drain with a drain snake as a weekend project. However, if the problem persists, it’s best to call in the professionals. Most often, hair and debris can get stuck deep within your drain. A drain snake works by dislodging any material and pulling it out. Drain snakes are effective for minor blockages, however, if there is a large blockage, it’s best to call your plumber. 

Once the problem is resolved, you can purchase a shower drain guard to help collect hair and debris to keep it from getting into your drains. 

7) Unusual Noises

Sometimes the sign that your shower needs repairs can be as subtle as a strange sound in the walls when the shower is running. If you hear unusual noises that range from high pitched squealing to mechanical sounds such as clanging pipes or rushing water, it can indicate that a pipe or valve is loose. Unstable pipes can lead to leaks and should be checked by your plumber. 

Contact Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating for Shower Repairs

At Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating, our trusted team of professionals can identify signs your shower needs repairs. We can repair, replace or assist with plumbing maintenance. If you notice signs your shower needs repairs, call before the situation gets worse or leads to flooding. We service all areas of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, we also provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services if you are in need of shower repair services outside of our regular operating hours. Contact us or call now and get your shower repaired today.