It’s uncommon for your shower to make noise. But when it does, it becomes a nightmare and you no longer enjoy those quiet moments alone when taking a bath.
If your shower is making loud vibrating noise, then there are several reasons attributed to this. With time, the washers inside of the showers valve will wear out, becoming thin enough such that they vibrate when water flows through them. This vibration increases in intensity resulting to a high pitched sound that you often hear.
The easiest way to fix this problem is to turn off the water supply to the bathroom, then disassemble the faucet and you replace the worn parts on the valve stem or cartridge.
In this guide, I will be sharing with you some of the reasons why your shower head is making loud vibrating noises and the possible fixes to these problems.
1. Worn Out Shower Washer
A shower was washer is small, disk-shaped rubber seal that is placed over the shower showerhead. It has a hole in the center that that allows water to pass through.
Shower faucets are similar to sink faucets in that they both have handles that we use to twist the cartridge valves position just below the decorative unit.
At the base of the cartridges you’ll find a washer that helps prevent leakages and drips by keeping the cartridge tightly shut. When the washers wear out, you may find that your shower leaks and produces loud vibrating noises.
Replacing the shower washer is an easy task that you can achieve yourself. Here’s how you do it:
· You should first turn off the water supply to your bathroom. Otherwise it would be impossible to fit your new washer with water running.
· Open the shower head and locate the rubber seal
· Then remove the shower handle and replace your old shower washer with a new one.
2. Excess Water Pressure from Above Tank
Too much water pressure can make your pipes shake, which can produce a loud, vibrating noise in your shower. This is usually caused by a problem with the water pressure regulator or main water shut-off valve.
You may need to adjust the settings on your water pressure regulator or replace the valve entirely. If you have an older home, your pipes may not be able to handle the high water pressure from the municipal water supply.
In this case, you’ll need to install a water pressure reducing valve before the main shut-off valve.
3. Clogged Showerhead
If your showerhead is clogged with limescale, it can make a loud vibrating noise when turned on.
Limescale is a white, chalky substance that can build up on the inside of pipes and other surfaces that come into contact with hard water. Over time, limescale can cause serious problems by clogging pipes and reducing the efficiency of heat transfer. In extreme cases, it can even lead to complete blockages.
It is formed when water high in calcium and magnesium comes into contact with certain types of materials like metal or ceramic. The calcium and magnesium react with these materials to form a hard, insoluble deposit.
If you have a clogged shower head, there are a few things you can try to clear the obstruction. First, remove the shower head and soak it in vinegar for an hour. This will help to dissolve any mineral deposits that may be clogging the shower head.
Next, use a paperclip or needle to clear out any remaining debris from the shower head. Finally, reattach the shower head and turn on the water to check if the flow is improved. If not, you may need to call a plumber to clear out your showerhead.
Other ways to remove limescale from showerhead include:
- · Use a limescale remover
- · Try vinegar or lemon juice
- · Use boiling water.
- · Purchase a descaling solution
- · Use a toothbrush or a wire brush
- · Get power washer
4. Bad Shower Head Valves
Bad shower head valves are another problem that can cause a vibrating noise. Showerhead valves are devices that control the flow of water in a shower.
They are typically located near the showerhead, and may be operated manually or automatically. Showerhead valves can be used to regulate water pressure, temperature, and flow rate. Some showerhead valves also include features such as pause and spray functions. Over time they can become corroded or damaged. This can cause them to make a lot of noise when they are turned on or off. To fix this problem, you will need to replace the valves.
5. Water Hammer
Water hammer is a condition in which pressure waves cause plumbing pipes to bang loudly. The term “water hammer” is most often used to describe the loud banging noise that occurs when a water-using appliance, such as a washing machine or dishwasher, suddenly stops. However, water hammer can also refer to the sudden increase in water pressure that can occur when a valve is closed too quickly.
This condition can be caused by several things, but the most common cause is simply gravity. When a valve is closed quickly, the water that was flowing through it doesn’t have time to slow down gradually. Instead, it slams into the closed valve and then ricochets back through the pipe. This sudden change in direction creates a pressure.
If your shower is making a loud vibrating noise, it’s most likely due to water hammer. To fix water hammer, you’ll need to install a water hammer arrestor on your water line.
6. Loose Pipes
One of the most common reasons for a loud, vibrating noise coming from your shower is because of loose pipes. The pipes that carry water to and from your shower head are usually made of metal, and over time they can become loose and start to rattle around.
There are a few reasons why plumbing pipes can become loose. Over time, the pipes may settle or shift, causing the connections to loosen. Additionally, water pressure can cause pipes to vibrate and become loose over time. In some cases, it may be necessary to slightly tighten the pipe in order to stop the leak.
Loosening of pipes can be caused by a variety of things, such as age, wear and tear, or even vibrations from other sources (like your washing machine). If you think this might be the problem, there are a few things you can try; first, check all the connections to make sure they’re tight. If they’re not, simply tighten them up with a wrench.