Quick answer
A showerhead that dribbles instead of flowing is almost always limescale in the jets. Unscrew it, soak it in vinegar for thirty minutes, brush the face and refit — that resolves most cases for the cost of nothing. If the flow is still weak with the head removed entirely, the restriction is upstream in the mixer, the branch line, or a flow restrictor that was never taken out.
Common causes
- Limescale blocking the showerhead jets
- Flow restrictor insert still fitted from new
- Low pressure on that branch line
- Scaled or failing mixer cartridge restricting flow
- Partly closed isolation valve feeding the shower
- Corroded galvanised branch pipe narrowing the bore
What you can do now
- 1Unscrew the head, soak it in vinegar for thirty minutes, brush the face and refit
- 2Run the shower arm with the head off — good flow there confirms the head was the problem
- 3Check for a removable flow restrictor washer inside the head or the hose
- 4Open the shower isolation valves fully
- 5Compare against another shower or tap in the house to gauge whether it is local or general
When to call a professional
Call only if descaling the head and servicing the mixer do not restore the flow. At that point the restriction is in the branch pipe, and on older galvanised plumbing that usually means the bore has closed up with corrosion. A plumber can confirm by testing flow at the isolation valve, which establishes whether re-running that branch is warranted.
Typical cost in Johannesburg
Free DIY · R450 plumber service
Indicative ranges only. We provide written, itemised quotes before any work.
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