“After my shower is turned on for a minute, I start to hear a sudden roaring sound. Any suggestions of what needs to be done?” – WYSK Reader Gary
NV: Thanks, Gary for this question! I’m giggling to myself because it’s reminding me of a hotel I recently stayed in where the shower sounded like jet engines ramping up for takeoff. Not the most relaxing sound to hear in the shower…unless accompanied by a flight attendant handing you a cocktail.
That whistling, whining, or roaring sound is a result of pressure or restriction somewhere in the plumbing. There are myriad reasons why this noise could be occurring—the house water pressure is too high, a blockage in one of the shower valves, mineral build up in the shower head, etc.
The good news is, in my experience, the problem is most often with the showerhead, making it an easy fix!
Here’s what I would do…
- Remove the showerhead and run the water. If there’s no noise, you know the showerhead’s the noise culprit!
- First try cleaning the head by soaking it in white vinegar. You can check out my previous post on how to do that here.
- If cleaning doesn’t do the trick, it’s time to replace the showerhead. See my post on replacing a showerhead here.
- When buying a new showerhead, look for one that is water efficient, but designed to deliver high pressure. Know that federal regulations have put a limit on showerheads delivering no more than 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute).
If that new showerhead doesn’t do the trick, you can return it and try another brand. If that one still doesn’t squelch the squeal, check the water pressure in your house. If it’s higher that 80psi, trying backing off the pressure a bit by closing the valve slightly to reduce the pressure… see what that does with the noise. I go over how to check water pressure in your house here.
If these steps don’t stop your shower from roaring, it’s probably time to call in a pro, as it’s likely there’s an obstruction in the shower valve somewhere.
I’m all for a happy shower time, so here’s to you silencing that shower, ASAP! Good luck!
Got A DIY Question? Ask-The-Expert!
If you have a DIY home repair, maintenance or improvement question for Norma, now is your chance to ask-the-expert and have her answer. Your burning question may just be the “star” of an upcoming Fix-It Friday column.
Add your question to the comments section below or email it to Women You Should Know.
Fix-It Friday is an exclusive Women You Should Know® editorial series authored by seasoned veteran of home improvement, Norma Vally, the former host of Discovery Home Channel’s series “Toolbelt Diva” and a show on Sirius Satellite Radio by the same name. The weekly column is designed to inspire women – weekend warriors, aspiring handywomen, and even seasoned DIYers – to take on home repairs and maintenance projects with confidence and gusto.
