Why Does My Shower Sound Like A Kettle? (Fix the Whistle!)

Everyone loves a relaxing shower and there’s no way you can be relaxed during your bathe if your shower is making a loud, ringing, whistling noise.

This is a common problem that affects millions of homeowners. The cause of a whistling shower isn’t always known immediately. Sometimes it’s takes some investigating. But the good news it that a loud shower can be solved, even at home by yourself without the assistance of a plumber!

Why Does My Shower Sound Like a Kettle?

There are actually many reasons why you shower might be sound like a kettle with a pot full of hot, piping water.

Often, the issue is related to limescale build up in your pipes. But there are more reasons too. Perhaps it’s excess paint on your showerhead, maybe it’s an old device that needs replacing, or possibly debris lodged inside. There isn’t just one reason for this typical, annoying problem that millions of home owners face.

The great news is that a loud shower head isn’t the end of the world and can be solved rather easily.

7 Reasons Why Your Shower is Making a Whistling Noise (And How to Fix It!)

1. Limescale

Limescale may build up in the pipe leading to your showerhead as well as within the showerhead itself. The inside of the pipe grows smaller as more mineral deposit develops. A high-pitched shriek may be heard as water rushes through this tight tunnel at a rapid pace.

Remove your shower head and clean the pipe using a solution that will dissolve the minerals while causing no damage to the metal. In most cases, white vinegar will suffice.

2. Old Age

Showerheads, like everything else, don’t last forever. The inner workings might wear out over time due to usage and limescale development. The same showerhead may not last as long in your house as it would in a totally other part of the nation, depending on the mineral makeup of your water supply.

3. Dirt/Debris is Lodged Inside

A cartridge, which is a sort of valve found within a faucet, may be present in your shower. Cartridge valves have perforations that allow for exact control of water flow and temperature, both of which are necessary for a safe and pleasurable shower. Debris might become stuck in the cartridge holes, causing a whistling sound.

4. Worn Shower Faucet Diverter Valve

Your shower has a valve that you may change using the lever on the faucet. The valve regulates the amount of hot and cold water mixed together, allowing you to obtain a temperature that is warm but not scorching. This valve may get worn out over time, causing whistling.

Additionally, if your shower also serves as a bathtub, you’ll most likely find a handle that allows you to switch between the bathtub faucet and the showerhead. If you hear a squeal while adjusting the handle, this valve needs to be replaced.

5. Damaged Showerhead

It’s possible that your shower is creating loud, irritating whistling sounds because it’s beyond repair and has to be replaced. It might just be a broken shower head, in which case simply changing the shower head will solve the issue. Consider eco-friendly and low-flow shower heads when searching for new shower heads to save money on your monthly water bill.

6. Accidentally Painted

A whistling showerhead might be because the pipes or showerhead itself were accidentally painted. When this happens, it can create noise by blocking air or water with intense pressure. Luckily, you can see if this is the case by simply inspecting your showerhead and looking for any paint you didn’t intend to apply. You can then chip off any paint that’s getting in the way and causing the issue.

7. Narrow Pipes

Narrow pipes might be the cause of a whistling showerhead. Fortunately, the remedy isn’t too difficult.

Water pressure rises and flows quicker when it passes through narrow pipes. A water pressure gauge may be purchased at your local hardware store.

It may be used to check the water pressure in the supply line that leads to your shower faucet. If the water pressure reaches 70 psi, you should decrease it by adding a pipe that is somewhat bigger than the present one.

If the pipe is 12 inches in diameter, for example, replace it with a 34 inch pipe. The water pressure will be reduced and the whistling noise will be eliminated with a bigger pipe.

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When to Call a Plumber?

A squeaky shower is more than a nuisance. The reason of a screeching shower, if left ignored, may lead to more significant plumbing problems down the line.

With a few basic tools and a minimum DIY approach, you can occasionally halt these uninvited symphonies. However, if you believe a repair is beyond your skill set or comfort zone, you should always see a professional. It’s vital to keep in mind that while dealing with plumbing issues, you’re playing with items that may be easily damaged and difficult to repair for most people.

Keep in mind that there are a variety of reasons why your shower squeals. However, the good news is that most repairs are rapid and successful.