Have you noticed your water pressure getting weaker over time? The mineral-rich waters often deposit sediments into the pores of your showerhead and sink faucets. Here’s another plumber tip: There’s a simple solution that only costs a few cents and is safe for the environment. “A green cleaning product!” you ask. Yes, there is a simple disinfectant that removes minerals that are sitting in your kitchen right now. For most surfaces in your bathroom, especially your plumbing hardware, a mixture of white vinegar and water will do the trick.

A gradual decrease in water pressure usually indicates that the minerals have built up in your faucet aerator. The aerator is the small disc that your water streams through, adding air bubbles to your water. They are included in most faucet designs to conserve water. When they collect minerals, however, it’s time to clean them with a simple vinegar solution.

For Cleaning Sink Faucets:
To clean the aerator on a sink faucet, unscrew the spray head from the faucet and pop out the small aerator. Then soak it in the vinegar solution for a few minutes to loosen the sediments. Clean it with an old toothbrush to make sure it’s clean. If you notice the mineral deposits have dirtied your spray head, it may be a good idea to soak and scrub that as well.

For Cleaning Showerheads:

Because the mineral deposits in a showerhead are usually deeper in the spout, you’ll want to soak your showerhead in a container of vinegar solution for a few hours to overnight. The acid in the vinegar should remove all lime and sediments. Be sure to rinse it clean before putting it back to remove the smell.

Vinegar is quite an amazing bathroom cleaning tool. It kills germs, cuts through soap scum, and kills mold. Take advantage of its fighting power to save money and go green. If these tips don’t solve your water flow problems, feel free to call our Fairfax plumbers for professional help. The problem may require a replacement faucet, or the sediment may be in your pipes. As always, you can get a plumber in your home for free***, so there’s no need to put it off. Call F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at 703-690-0449.