Last updated: April 25, 2022 at 12:04 pm
A nice warm shower can be the perfect way to relax after a long day or it can be a lovely peaceful way to wake up in the mornings. But when your shower is creating a loud humming noise, it’s hard to feel anything other than anxious about using it.
There is a myriad of potential causes of a humming shower, many of which can be fixed simply and without much plumbing knowledge. Some causes, however, require more expert input. Here are the possible reasons that your shower is making a loud humming noise and what you can do about it!
IN THIS ARTICLE
Why Is My Shower Making a Loud Humming Noise?
It is always worth considering that your shower may be a particularly noisy type of shower, in which case it may not be possible to completely silence the humming noise.
Many showers use shower pumps (power showers), which naturally make more noise than electric showers. This noise is to be expected, and there is often not much that can be done about it.
1. Clogged Showerhead
One of the most common causes of a noisy shower is a clogged shower head. Where water
regularly travels through the pipes and out of the showerhead, mineral deposits and limescale can easily build up both inside and outside of the showerhead. This can cause a humming noise when the shower is in use as the water struggles through the clogged holes.
How to Fix a Clogged Showerhead
Fixing a clogged showerhead could not be easier. It is the simplest solution to a humming shower! You’ll need pipe cleaners, pliers and possibly a step stool. The first step in fixing a clogged showerhead is to turn your water off at the mains. Whilst this isn’t necessarily essential, it removes the risk of slipping or causing water damage to your bathroom. To turn off your water at the mains, locate your water valve and move the lever into the ‘off’ position.
Once your water is off, remove the showerhead. This should just twist and unscrew, but many showerheads require a bit more of a push to detach, so you may need to gently use pliers to remove the head. Ensure you use the pliers carefully so as not to cause any damage to the showerhead.
Using pipe cleaners and a cleaning solution of white vinegar, clean out your showerhead gently. Then place your showerhead in the cleaning solution and leave it to soak overnight. The white vinegar will work to remove any mineral deposits and other grime that may be clogging the showerhead. In the morning, rinse your showerhead and replace it. You can then turn the water back on at the mains.
If your shower is still humming, it is likely being caused by something a bit more serious. Cleaning your showerhead will still benefit you, though, as it can help to improve water pressure.
2. Loose Pipes
If your pipes are loose, they will rattle and hum as the water moves through them. This can worsen with time, and subsequently, make the humming noise worse.
How to Fix Loose Pipes
Should you suspect that your pipes are loose, you should attempt to locate the problem. This may mean moving furniture and rummaging throw cupboards with pipes in. To fix loose pipes, you’ll need some brackets or fixtures, screws, and a screwdriver.
Now that you’ve located the issue, use your brackets to secure the pipes to the wall. Be sure that you use sturdy brackets and that you attach the pipes to a wall which will be able to withstand the rattle caused by the water travelling through the pipes.
Also read: 5 Ways to Fix a Gurgling Bath When Toilet Flushed
3. Leaking Pipes
Leaking pipes are quite common and can cause damage to your home. Water damage is a serious issue, so doing what you can to prevent it is very important for more reasons than just fixing your noisy shower.
How to Fix Leaking Pipes
Much like fixing loose pipes, the first step in fixing leaking pipes is to locate the leak. Then, once you’ve discovered the cause of the issue, you can begin to fix it. To do so, you will need silicone sealing tape.
Clean and dry the area of the pipe that is leaking, making sure there is no debris in the way of your sealant. Then apply the sealant tape to the pipe, covering the leak completely. This should hold the water in, preventing the humming and any further water damage.
Leaks are sometimes large and may involve sections of pipe being replaced. Unless you are qualified, it is wise to hire a professional for this task.
4. Water Pressure Too High
The ideal water pressure for a shower is between 40psi and 60psi. You don’t want your water pressure to be above 80psi. It is common for showers to hum loudly or roar if the water pressure exceeds 60-80psi, as the pipes are made to rattle.
You can get a plumber to check your water pressure if you want to check to see if this is the cause of your noisy shower.
How to Fix Water Pressure Issues
Correcting your water pressure is a relatively easy task and can be done by anyone comfortable using a screwdriver and wrench. You will need a wrench, a flathead screwdriver, and a bucket for any excess water. To start with, turn off your water at the mains. This involves locating the water valve and moving the lever into the ‘off’ position. Once your water is off, you can continue with the task.
The first step is to find your water pressure regulator. It is usually near the main valve, often after it. Locate the regulator, and then find the lock nut and bolt. Using the wrench, loosen the lock nut. Then using the flathead screwdriver, slowly adjust the screw by 1/8th of an inch turns.
When you’re done, tighten the lock nut again and turn your water back on. Go to your shower and test it out, running it at full pelt for 5 minutes. If the humming has stopped, you’ve solved the issue. Otherwise, you may need to adjust the water pressure again or consider that your noisy shower is being caused by something else.
5. Faulty Washer
Your shower will have washers inside of it that are essential for holding parts in place and making sure that the showerhead doesn’t leak. However, these washers can damage over time. Sometimes, this damage then causes them to make noises as they vibrate when the water goes past them.
How to Fix Faulty Washers
You first need to take your showerhead off. You might find that you need pliers to do this, especially if your showerhead is older. Once your showerhead is free, take it apart using a screwdriver. As you take the shower apart, you should see the two washers. Remove both, and replace them with new, non-faulty washers. Then put the showerhead back together and reattach it.
Whilst doing this process, you may also want to clean your showerhead. Removing any limescale and grime will help to reduce the noisiness of your shower.
6. Old Pipes
If you live in an old house, or your shower has not been replaced for many years, the loud humming
may be caused by worn down and eroded pipes. Pipes and showers do damage with age, as with most things. If nothing else is fixing your noisy shower, this may well be the cause.
How to Fix Old Pipes
Unfortunately, the only way to stop any noise coming from your old pipes is to just replace the whole system. This is not an easily done DIY job and will likely require you to hire a professional plumber to ensure the job is done correctly. A new system should last you many years, so whilst it may involve a reasonably large payout, it is an investment in your property.
What Next?
Should you try all of these, and still find that your shower is making a substantial amount of noise, contact a plumber. They will be able to assess the situation and check for faulty shower valves, faulty cartridges, or any other issues.
It may be that your showerhead flow regulator is naturally rather loud – or perhaps the humming noise is coming from your toilets or boiler. Plumbers are qualified to locate the issue and to provide you with a comprehensive solution that won’t risk you accidentally damaging any of the pipes or equipment within your property.
