The water will come out of the tub faucet but won't come out of the shower head, what can I do?

Does the tub diverter work? If it does the water will almost stop coming from the tub spout, if that happens try unscrewing the shower head and backflushing it in a sink as sediment might have built up blocking the holes. If you see white build up from hard water soaking it in white vinegar or a product like CLR for a day or more might help.

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Originally Posted by smoothy

Does the tub diverter work? If it does the water will almost stop coming from the tub spout, if that happens try unscrewing the shower head and backflushing it in a sink as sediment might have built up blocking the holes. If you see white build up from hard water soaking it in white vinegar or a product like CLR for a day or more might help.

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The water from the tub spout works just fine

The water from the tub spout works just fine. Do you still think it can be a problem in the shower head? I do have VERY hard water... Thank-you so much for your help.

Has the showerhead ever worked?

If you have really hard water, shower head clogged with calcium or lime buildup is highly likely. And may need cleaned once a year or more often with an acidic cleaner to disolve it.

Yes I previously lived in and do spend a lot of time someplace that has very very hard water. Acidic cleaners were a way of life for the toilet bowl, pots and pans and the sinks as well as the shower and tub.

Hi Jacalyn Libby

If you are not savvy with plumbing tools I would suggest that you get some CLR (calcium lime rust remover) from a local home improvement store, fill a sandwich baggie 1/2 way with the CLR and then allow the shower head to get immersed into the baggie and then tie the bag off with some ties and let the shower head soak in the baggie for a couple hours. Remove the baggie and try the shower head to see if there is improved flow. If flow is greatly improved you should be all set for awhile... if only slightly improved, repeat the steps as outlined and repeat as needed.

If you are savvy with plumbing tools, I would suggest removing the shower head and checking for a blockage at the washer screen of the shower head.

Try this stuff and post back with results, OK?

Mark

Hi Libby,
Does your spout have a diverter knob or is the diverter in the valve? Back to you. Tom

Quote:

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Originally Posted by smoothy

If you have really hard water, shower head clogged with calcium or lime buildup is highly likely. And may need cleaned once a year or more often with an acidic cleaner to disolve it.

Yes I previously lived in and do spend a lot of time someplace that has very very hard water. Acidic cleaners were a way of life for the toilet bowl, pots and pans and the sinks as well as the shower and tub.

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Thanks so much Smoothy,
Once I figured out what the diverter was, I took a rubber hammer to it and it freed up, YEAH!! The shower head isn't flowing smoothly so will take your suggestion, will try white vinegar first or maybe splurge on a good shower head (if I can get it off.)
Thanks again!! You saved me so much money... Appreciate it.

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Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Hi Jacalyn Libby

If you are not savvy with plumbing tools I would suggest that you get some CLR (calcium lime rust remover) from a local home improvement store, fill a sandwich baggie 1/2 way with the CLR and then allow the shower head to get immersed into the baggie and then tie the bag off with some ties and let the shower head soak in the baggie for a couple hours. Remove the baggie and try the shower head to see if there is improved flow. If flow is greatly improved you should be all set for awhile... if only slightly improved, repeat the steps as outlined and repeat as needed.

If you are savvy with plumbing tools, I would suggest removing the shower head and checking for a blockage at the washer screen of the shower head.

Try this stuff and post back with results, OK?

Mark

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Thank you so much for the info... Once I figured out what the diverter was, I took a rubber hammer to it and it broke loose. I will either try the CLR or splurge on a new shower head. Thank-you so much for your advice. Have a great day!