Search...
Home Subscribe
Pie
Home Subscribe
Recent topics Flagged topics Hot topics Best topics
Search...
Search within pep plumbing Search permies
Advance search Google search
Register / Login
Get free rocket mass heater plans and other goodies for subscriing!
  • Post Reply Bookmark Topic Watch Topic
  • New Topic
permaculture forums growies critters building homesteading energy monies kitchen purity ungarbage community wilderness fiber arts art permaculture artisans regional education skip experiences global resources cider press projects digital market permies.com pie forums private forums all forums
Better Wood Heat DIY Rocket Mass Heater DVD Paul Wheaton Tour of Wheaton Labs movie Permaculture bootcamp with people wielding tools rocket mass heater manual FREE! Full online Permaculture Design course and Appropriate Technology Course video Rocket Mass Heaters
this forum made possible by our volunteer staff, including ...
master stewards:
  • Anne Miller
  • Leigh Tate
  • jordan barton
  • Pearl Sutton
  • Nicole Alderman
stewards:
  • r ranson
  • paul wheaton
  • Greg Martin
master gardeners:
  • Carla Burke
  • John F Dean
  • Jay Angler
gardeners:
  • Nancy Reading
  • Mike Barkley
  • L. Johnson

Clean/Decalcify a Shower Head - PEP BB plumbing.sand.cleanshowerhead

BB plumbing and hot water - sand badge
posted 2 years ago
  • Likes 3
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
    Send
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
This is a badge bit (BB) that is part of the PEP curriculum.  Completing this BB is part of getting the sand badge in Plumbing.

In this Badge Bit, you will clean/decalcify a shower head.  (Note that this BB is part of a 6-part choose your own adventure list BB called the Tiny List. You must complete six Badge Bits in the Tiny List.)



Some related articles
  - How to Clean the Shower Head with Vinegar
  - How to Unclog Your Shower Head While You Sleep
  - How to Clean a Shower head with Baking Soda and Vinegar
  - Explosive Shower head Cleaner









To complete this BB, the minimum requirements are:
 - Clean/decalcify a shower head

To show you've completed this Badge Bit, you must show proof of the following (as pictures or a video < 2 mins):
 - Dirty/calcified shower head operating poorly
 - Cleaning/decalcifying the shower head
 - Newly cleaned/decalcified shower head operating properly
 - A description of the method for how the shower head was cleaned/decalcified
COMMENTS:
 
Erik Pehoviack
Posts: 33
Location: Hemingford Nebraska
20
3
I like...
transportation hugelkultur forest garden earthworks building solar
posted 1 year ago
  • Likes 2
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
    Send
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Approved BB submission
Our shower head wasn’t that bad, but I thought I’d give this BB part a shot. The steps were simple.
First, a shot of our shower head before cleaning.



I soaked the shower head in white vinegar to dissolve buildup. It worked well inside the holes but not so much on the surface. This is the same bag of vinegar I used for my aerator.



Then I used a stainless steel scrub brush to remove the dissolved minerals. I didn't want to mar the plastic so easy does it.



Testing the shower head after cleaning rinsed away the debris. As you can see I could have left it soak a bit longer but it was getting late and we both needed a shower!

Staff note (Mike Haasl) :

I hereby certify this BB complete!

 
Mike Haasl
steward
Posts: 12090
Location: Northern WI (zone 4)
3360
3
I like...
hunting trees books food preservation solar woodworking
posted 1 year ago
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
    Send
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Approved BB submission
I cleaned the shower head tonight!  I did the bag of vinegar and then wiggled the rubber nipples to get the chunks off.
Before.jpg
Before
Before
Vinegar-in-a-baggie.jpg
Vinegar in a baggie
Vinegar in a baggie
Done-.jpg
Done!
Done!

Can't miss this one: 2022 PDC Event at Wheaton Labs
Join me at the 2022 SKIP Event at Wheaton Labs

Staff note (paul wheaton) :

I certify that this BB is complete!

 
Carolyne Castner
pollinator
Posts: 134
Location: Zone 8B Blackland Prairie, Tx
82
I like...
cat dog home care personal care urban books cooking food preservation fiber arts medical herbs ungarbage
posted 1 year ago
  • Likes 2
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
    Send
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Approved BB submission
Cleaned the shower head yesterday while cleaning the sink aerators. It didn't have a lot of buildup, but had a lot of staining.

Soaked in 9% vinegar for about three hours (while working on a couch repair)

Massaged the rubber tips with my fingers after the soak; got quite a bit of hidden build-up from inside the nozzles and managed to remove most of the staining.

IMG_0224.jpg
Shower head with staining
Shower head with staining
IMG_0225.jpg
[Thumbnail for IMG_0225.jpg]
IMG_0231.jpg
[Thumbnail for IMG_0231.jpg]
IMG_0232.jpg
[Thumbnail for IMG_0232.jpg]
IMG_0249.jpg
Clean and not stained anymore
Clean and not stained anymore

I Solemnly Swear I am NOT the crazy cat lady!
*but not for a lack of trying!

Staff note (Mike Haasl) :

I certify this BB complete!

 
Claire Alexander
Posts: 15
8
2
posted 1 year ago
  • Likes 1
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
    Send
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Approved BB submission
Cleaned the shower head in our guest bath for the he 1st time in 13 years!  Put the vinegar bag over it and cleaned it overnight.  Scrubbed it with a recycled toothbrush and voila!  Good as new!
IMG_20200709_205103326.jpg
Before
Before
IMG_20200709_205516617.jpg
During
During
IMG_20200709_205534581.jpg
During in profile
During in profile
IMG_20200710_085842578.jpg
After!
After!
Staff note (Mike Haasl) :

I certify this BB complete!  Along with your new air badge in plumbing

 
Nicholas Molberg
Posts: 20
12
posted 1 year ago
  • Likes 1
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
    Send
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Approved BB submission
Old showerhead, not been messed with since I moved in. Perfect time to clean it up!
IMG_20200916_154521750.jpg
Here it is, with the spray dial taken off.
Here it is, with the spray dial taken off.
IMG_20200916_155112486.jpg
A nice bath in apple cider vinegar. Just the dregs, not wasting my good stuff
A nice bath in apple cider vinegar. Just the dregs, not wasting my good stuff
IMG_20200918_164001195.jpg
Poured out a day later, and scrubbed in the sink.
Poured out a day later, and scrubbed in the sink.
IMG_20200918_164609217.jpg
Much nicer looking than when I started.
Much nicer looking than when I started.
IMG_20200918_164625658.jpg
Nothing is obstructed anymore.
Nothing is obstructed anymore.
Staff note (Mike Barkley) :

I certify this BB is complete.

 
Kevin Harbin
pollinator
Posts: 278
Location: Zone 7a
186
2
I like...
kids rabbit chicken food preservation fiber arts
posted 1 year ago
  • Likes 2
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
    Send
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Approved BB submission
Quick clean of a shower head with vinegar.

Children, Rabbits, Chickens, Bees

Staff note :

Certified

 
Ashley Cottonwood
gardener
Posts: 815
Location: British Columbia
582
2
I like...
monies home care forest garden foraging chicken wood heat homestead ungarbage
posted 1 year ago
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
    Send
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
I like your videos Kevin!

~ Growing Sustainable Communities ~

 
Kevin Harbin
pollinator
Posts: 278
Location: Zone 7a
186
2
I like...
kids rabbit chicken food preservation fiber arts
posted 1 year ago
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
    Send
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator

Ashley Cottonwood wrote:I like your videos Kevin!


Thanks!

Children, Rabbits, Chickens, Bees

 
Rebecca Blake
pollinator
Posts: 308
Location: Central TX, Zone 8b, multi-generational suburban homestead
117
I like...
kids forest garden urban books medical herbs homestead
posted 1 year ago
  • Likes 2
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
    Send
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Approved BB submission
I soaked the shower head in vinegar by tying a bag of vinegar to it then scrubbed with a brush immediately after removing the bag.

Edit: Cleaner be ware, I hate how the water flows out of this shower head now! Hah.
Dirty-Showerhead.jpg
[Thumbnail for Dirty-Showerhead.jpg]
bag-of-vinegar.jpg
[Thumbnail for bag-of-vinegar.jpg]
Clean-Showerhead.jpg
[Thumbnail for Clean-Showerhead.jpg]

Hill Country Dream: Land Acquired > Home plans driving me crazy (still) > food forest pending

Staff note :

Certified complete

 
Ash Jackson
gardener
Posts: 1219
Location: Denver, 6a / BSk, rental house dweller, going back to Wheaton Labs soon
773
4
I like...
hugelkultur kids forest garden trees books wofati cooking bike rocket stoves
posted 1 year ago
  • Likes 1
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
    Send
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Approved BB submission
I used the "take the shower head off and dunk it in pure vinegar for twenty minutes" method.
IMG_20201003_180724_1.jpg
Before
Before
IMG_20201003_181005.jpg
Dunked
Dunked
IMG_20201003_192934_1.jpg
After
After

My PEP Badge Tracker - An easier way to track your PEP Badge Progress. | Wait, wait, wait; What is PEP? | How Permies.com works.

Staff note (Mike Haasl) :

I certify this BB complete!

 
Julie Harris
Posts: 167
45
I like...
homeschooling forest garden urban cooking medical herbs writing
posted 1 year ago
  • Likes 1
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
    Send
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Approved BB submission
Showerhead was surprisingly ugly beforehand (oh, the things we don't notice!).  Soaked it in white vinegar with the showerhead down, in a bag in the sink.  Left it about an hour or so.  Scrubbed off the remainder with an old toothbrush.
showerhead-01.jpg
Before
Before
showerhead-02.jpg
Trying to get it attached on the shower; couldn't get it right
Trying to get it attached on the shower; couldn't get it right
showerhead-03.jpg
Took the showerhead off and soaking in the bag of vinegar in the sink
Took the showerhead off and soaking in the bag of vinegar in the sink
showerhead-04.jpg
Using old toothbrush to brush off what's left
Using old toothbrush to brush off what's left
showerhead-05.jpg
All clean!
All clean!

The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing.

Staff note (Mike Barkley) :

I certify this BB is complete.

 
Leigh Tate
author & master steward
Posts: 2615
Location: Southeastern U.S. - Zone 7b
1394
2
I like...
goat cat forest garden foraging chicken food preservation medical herbs writing solar wood heat homestead
posted 1 year ago
  • Likes 1
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
    Send
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Approved BB submission
Today, I made a start on my plumbing sand badge. I have to say that until this badge bit, I never thought to even look at our shower head, let alone clean it. I was shocked at how gross it was!

Gross before photo. YUK!

I used the vinegar and baggy method because it was so easy and simple.

I left it to soak about three hours, then scrubbed it with an old toothbrush.

Nowhere near new, but much, much better.

My other surprise was to discover that our shower head is not metal, but rather chrome-colored painted plastic! I learned this when I tried to scrub some of the ickiest spots and the paint came off. You can actually see the white plastic in places in the last photo.

That's one of the things I love about the PEP program, I'm learning interesting things and invaluable skills by doing seemingly simple tasks.

Blog: 5 Acres & A Dream
Books: Kikobian Books | Permies Digital Market

Staff note (gir bot) :

Mike Haasl approved this submission.

 
D. Logan
gardener
Posts: 1124
Location: Soutwest Ohio
416
I like...
homeschooling forest garden foraging rabbit tiny house books food preservation cooking writing woodworking homestead
posted 1 year ago
  • Likes 1
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
    Send
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Approved BB submission
The method was simple. I soaked the head in vinegar for a while, then scrubbed it up and rinsed it off. Thankfully I didn't need to disassemble it since the flow greatly improved immediately.
20201205_132405.jpg
Low flow.
Low flow.
20201205_133231.jpg
Soaking the head.
Soaking the head.
20201205_133536.jpg
The improved flow.
The improved flow.

Outdoor and Ecological articles (sporadic Mondays) at http://blog.dxlogan.com/ and my main site is found at http://www.dxlogan.com/

Staff note (gir bot) :

Mike Haasl approved this submission.

 
Opalyn Rose
gardener
Posts: 1111
Location: Washington State
631
2
I like...
forest garden trees rabbit earthworks composting toilet fiber arts sheep wood heat woodworking rocket stoves homestead
posted 11 months ago
  • Likes 1
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
    Send
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Approved BB submission
Here is my submission for the Plumbing & Hot Water - Sand - Clean and Decalcify a Shower Head BB.

To document the completion of the BB, I have provided the following:
  - a before picture of the showerhead
  - an in-progress shot of you cleaning/decalcifying the showerhead
  - an after picture of the newly cleaned/decalcified shower head
  - a description of the method for how the shower head was cleaned/decalcified

I soaked the showerhead in the same white vinegar bath as the faucet aerators (reuse).  I also used a silicone scrubber and some dish soap to remove the last of the calcium and debris.
1.jpg
before with calcium and dirt
before with calcium and dirt
2.jpg
soaking
soaking
3.jpg
after a bit of a scrub
after a bit of a scrub
4.jpg
I had to share this as I saw my reflection on the face of the showerhead
I had to share this as I saw my reflection on the face of the showerhead
5.jpg
After - streams are straighter and with more even flow :)
After - streams are straighter and with more even flow :)

explore the intersection of permaculture, community, and the cycle of life at
Herland Forest Natural Burial Cemetery and Windward Education and Research Center

Staff note (gir bot) :

Mike Haasl approved this submission.

 
J Crozier
Posts: 73
Location: Alberta, Canada
67
I like...
kids monies chicken building woodworking homestead
posted 8 months ago
  • Likes 1
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
    Send
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Approved BB submission
To clean my shower head I took it off and soaked it in vinegar for an hour or so (with my kitchen tap aerator). I rubbed all the rubber tips with my fingers to break up any of the bits of buildup left, then I rinsed it with warm water.
Before.jpg
Covered in calcium
Covered in calcium
Soaking.jpg
Soaking in vinegar
Soaking in vinegar
After.jpg
All clean
All clean

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."

Staff note (gir bot) :

Mike Haasl approved this submission.

 
Edward Norton
master pollinator
Posts: 1018
Location: New Jersey since 2019
419
I like...
kids home care foraging trees books cooking food preservation bike fiber arts writing woodworking
posted 3 months ago
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
    Send
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Approved BB submission
I removed the shower head and soaked for a couple of hours in a beaker of vinegar. Then I gave it a rinse and scrub, flushed it through to remove any remaining residue.
E65BC2D9-622F-40AC-8D88-6E2621EEDC7F.jpeg
[Thumbnail for E65BC2D9-622F-40AC-8D88-6E2621EEDC7F.jpeg]
91BBCF71-43B1-4995-B95C-779AA8926482.jpeg
[Thumbnail for 91BBCF71-43B1-4995-B95C-779AA8926482.jpeg]
AC2C403C-9B9C-4BDA-A395-EA440D10F952.jpeg
[Thumbnail for AC2C403C-9B9C-4BDA-A395-EA440D10F952.jpeg]
5F2A4F73-7757-4871-B195-C864055695F8.jpeg
[Thumbnail for 5F2A4F73-7757-4871-B195-C864055695F8.jpeg]

Cargo bikes are cool

Staff note (gir bot) :

Mike Haasl approved this submission.

 
Opalyn Rose
gardener
Posts: 1111
Location: Washington State
631
2
I like...
forest garden trees rabbit earthworks composting toilet fiber arts sheep wood heat woodworking rocket stoves homestead
posted 1 month ago
  • Likes 1
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
    Send
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Edge case BB submission
Here is my submission for the Plumbing & Hot Water Aspect - Sand - Clean and Decalcify a Shower Head BB (duplicate).

To document the completion of the BB, I have provided the following:
- Dirty/calcified showerhead operating poorly
- Cleaning/decalcifying the showerhead
- Newly cleaned/decalcified showerhead operating properly
- A description of the method for how the shower head was cleaned/decalcified

This showerhead is in my sister's private bathroom.  I soaked the showerhead in a white vinegar bath.  I also used a silicone scrubber to remove the last of the calcium and debris.
1.jpg
Initial state of shower head
Initial state of shower head
2.jpg
soaking in vinegar
soaking in vinegar
3.jpg
status after about 20 minutes
status after about 20 minutes
4.jpg
after 4 hours with scrubber and vinegar bath
after 4 hours with scrubber and vinegar bath
5.jpg
reinstalled and working great
reinstalled and working great

explore the intersection of permaculture, community, and the cycle of life at
Herland Forest Natural Burial Cemetery and Windward Education and Research Center

Staff note (gir bot) :

Someone flagged this submission as an edge case BB.
BBV price: 0
Note: Can you add a picture demonstrating "shower head operating properly "

 
We don't have time for this. We've gotta save the moon! Or check this out:
12 rocket mass heaters microdoc
https://permies.com/wiki/108970/rocket-mass-heaters-microdoc
reply
reply
    Bookmark Topic Watch Topic
  • New Topic
Boost this thread!
Similar Threads
More...