Why Does My Shower Squeal?

Owning a home comes with a lot of maintenance and repair concerns. As a homeowner, you never know when something will pop up that is a cause for concern. When dealing with plumbing, any issues that arise should be dealt with right away. Letting plumbing concerns go too long can create a long-term problem for the plumbing. The shower faucet and bathroom sink faucets are not immune to plumbing issues or concerns.

Let’s take a look below at what can cause your shower to squeal.

What Causes This To Happen?

Believe it or not, there are a variety of reasons why a shower can squeal when it wears out over time. Let’s take a look below at what those reasons might be.

• Old Showerhead – As you use your shower the inner parts of the showerhead will break down. As limescale builds inside the showerhead, the parts can begin to age and fall apart. Minerals in your water source will determine how fast or slow your showerhead will break down. Remove the showerhead and replace the shower to solve the problem.
• Limescale Buildup – Unfortunately, limescale can build up inside the pipes that feed your showerhead. Not only does the showerhead get clogged, but the actual pipes can also. You will begin to notice a lower water pressure. Also, as high-pressure water is pushed through a small opening, a high-pitched noise occurs. To reduce the whistling or squealing sound clean the clogged showerhead pipe from the mineral deposits.

What Else Could Be The Cause?

• Handle Valve is Worn – The valve control for your hot and cold water can become worn. If the valve breaks down, the water temps are no longer controlled and could cause your skin to burn. Additionally, as they wear down a whistling sound might begin to occur.
• Diverter Valve is Old – A diverter valve is needed to send water from a shower head to the tub faucet. If you have a bathtub option in your shower, then this part could also break down. As you adjust the handle to change the flow of water from your bathtub to your showerhead or vice versa, a squealing noise can occur in the shower valve.
• Shower Cartridge Debris – This valve can be found inside a faucet. These types of valves have precise holes that control the water flow and temperature of your shower. This ensures a safe and comfortable showering experience. Consequently, if debris gets into the valves and blocks the cartridge holes, a shower whistling noise can occur. Due to the preciseness and location of this valve, you will want to hire a professional plumber.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Now that you know why your shower squeals, you can read up on why your bathroom smells like sewage. In some cases, these reasons can be linked together. Having a clog or a disruption in the plumbing lines can create a plumbing issue.

Next, you can read up on what a sewer scope inspection entails. Having this information allows you to understand exactly what the sewer scope inspection portion of your home inspection is.
Lastly, if you found a leak in your plumbing that is causing issues in your plumbing, you are likely going to replace the plumbing. In many cases, the sewer line can break and need an upgrade. Unfortunately, this is the more expensive portion of the plumbing setup.

When Do I Call A Professional?

Using a master plumber for all of your plumbing concerns is a great idea. One small issue could turn into a larger plumbing breakdown. Instead of troubleshooting every little possibility, use an expert to save time and money. Also, call on your local home inspection team. They can inspect the pipes and all of your plumbing during a full home inspection. Additionally, they can refer you to a reputable master plumber.

Conclusion

When dealing with plumbing it is a great idea to get a full home inspection. Older homes might have older plumbing pipes and materials that have been used. Additionally, a homeowner might have upgraded the plumbing system and an issue might have occurred during this time. Having the information from your local home inspection team about the condition of your plumbing system is key. Call on your local home inspection team for a plumbing sewer scope inspection during a full home inspection. Reach out to Edifice Inspections in Peachtree Corners, GA for a complete home inspection with a sewer scope.