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Shower Descaling

Shower Head Descaling

Purpose

To descale and disinfect shower heads to remove limescale and bacteria.

Required Equipment

Acid descaler, sodium hypochlorite (chlorine), bucket, soft brush, PPE

Required PPE

Gloves, safety goggles, apron, overalls

Required Tools

Bucket, soft brush, spanners, descaling solution, disinfectant

Step-by-Step Method

  1. Take the shower head off the hose. Use a spanner if needed.
  2. Take it apart if you can (remove nozzle plate and flow restrictor).
  3. Make a descaling solution in a bucket (follow the instructions on the bottle).
  4. Soak all parts in the descaler for 15-30 minutes.
  5. Use a soft brush to remove loosened scale from inside and nozzles.
  6. Rinse everything thoroughly with clean water.
  7. Make a 50 ppm chlorine disinfectant solution.
  8. Soak parts in disinfectant for 10 minutes.
  9. Remove and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
  10. Put the shower head back together.
  11. Refit to the outlet.
  12. Run the shower for 2-3 minutes to flush out any remaining disinfectant.
  13. Write down what you did - date, location, shower head ID.

Pass Criteria

Shower head has no visible scale or slime. Nozzles clear and spraying evenly. No chlorine left after flushing. Put back together properly with no leaks.

Fail Criteria

Scale still on inside surfaces. Nozzles blocked. Chlorine still detectable after flushing. Leaks at connections. Parts damaged during cleaning.

Common Problems & Corrections

Scale comes back quickly - Install or service a water softener. Think about dosing. Nozzles still blocked - Soak longer or replace the shower head. Leaks after refitting - Replace washers/O-rings. Use PTFE tape on threads. Rusty shower head - Replace with a scale-resistant one. Chlorine smell after flushing - Keep flushing until chlorine is at mains level.

Warnings

Acid descalers are corrosive - wear proper PPE. NEVER mix acid descalers with bleach or chlorine - this makes toxic chlorine gas. Always rinse thoroughly between descaling and disinfecting.

Relevant Legislation

ACOP L8 (4th Edition), HSG274 Part 2, HTM04-01 (healthcare - monthly), COSHH Regulations 2002