How to Descale Your Electric Shower: A Guide for Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch Residents

If you're a resident to the Bournemouth, Poole, or Christchurch area, you’re no stranger to hard water. While you might regularly descale your kettle, did you know that your electric shower needs the same care?

The hard water in our area leads to limescale build-up, which can impact the performance and lifespan of your electric shower. Descaling it regularly can help it run smoothly, saving you money and avoiding costly repairs down the line.

Here’s how to descale your electric shower and why it’s worth the effort!

Why Descaling Your Electric Shower is Important

The hard water in Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which leave behind limescale. Over time, this limescale can:

• Reduce water flow: Limescale can clog the showerhead and reduce water pressure.

• Affect heating efficiency: Your shower may struggle to heat water properly due to build-up around heating elements.

• Shorten the lifespan of your shower: The more limescale build-up, the harder your electric shower has to work, potentially leading to break.

• Increase energy bills: An inefficient shower can use more energy, which isn’t great for your wallet or the environment!

  
  

How to Descale Your Electric Shower

Here's how to descale your electric shower and keep it in top shape:

1. Turn Off the Shower: Safety first! Before you begin, ensure the power is turned off at the mains and disconnect the water supply.

2. Remove the Showerhead: Unscrew the showerhead from the hose. Most of the limescale tends to build up here.

3. Prepare a Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl or basin. Vinegar is a natural de-scaler and great for breaking down limescale without harsh chemicals.

4. Soak the Showerhead: Submerge the showerhead in the vinegar solution for a few hours. If the build-up is heavy, leave it overnight.

5. Clean the Nozzles: After soaking, use a toothbrush or a soft brush to scrub away any remaining limescale from the nozzles. For stubborn blockages, use a pin to gently clear the holes.

6. Rinse Thoroughly: Once cleaned, rinse the showerhead under warm water to remove any residue.

7. Flush the Shower Hose: If your electric shower has a detachable hose, run clean water through it to flush out any loose limescale or residue.

8. Clean the Heating Element (Optional): Some electric showers allow you to access the heating element. If you can safely do so (check the manual), wipe it down with the descaling solution. If you’re unsure, it’s best to leave the internal components to a professional.

9. Reassemble: Once all the parts are clean, rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove any traces of the descaling solution. Reattach the faceplate and showerhead.

10. Run the Shower: Turn the water and power supply back on. Run the shower for a few minutes to flush out any remaining de-scaler and ensure everything is working smoothly.

    
    

Benefits of Descaling Your Electric Shower

Regularly descaling your electric shower brings several advantages:

• Improved water pressure: Enjoy a powerful shower without weak flow caused by clogged nozzles.

• Longer shower lifespan: Descaling extends the life of your shower by preventing limescale from causing serious damage.

• Lower energy bills: A more efficient shower means it won’t have to work as hard to heat water, which can reduce your energy usage.

• Better shower experience: No one likes a weak, inefficient shower! Descaling helps maintain the performance you expect.

  
  

Time for an Upgrade?

If your electric shower has seen better days and descaling isn’t doing the trick, it might be time for an upgrade. Our expert plumbers in Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch are ready to assist with professional installation to get your new shower up and running in no time.

For more info and reliable plumbing services, contact us today.

Call us on 01202 985368 or book online.

We're your friendly, local plumbers in Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Ringwood and most BH postcodes - always here to help you keep your home running efficiently.

Ps why not check out some of our great reviews on our Plumberly Google page.

PPs We've recently been recommended as a Three Best Rated Plumber in Poole!