5 Reasons Your Shower Makes a Squealing Noise

If your shower is squealing, screaming, or whistling at you every time you take a shower, it’s safe to say things are not working as they should with your home plumbing. Before considering shower time earplugs, here are some of the most common causes of shower squealing noises and what to do about them.

Why Your Shower Makes a High-Pitched Sound

There are a few possible reasons why your shower makes a high-pitched sound. In some cases, you can determine the issue with a bit of investigating. Other times, you might need the help of a plumbing pro to figure out what’s going on and how to fix it.

The five most common causes of shower whistles and squeals:

1. Broken or clogged showerhead. Sediment can clog the small holes in the showerhead, which may result in a loud squealing sound. Remove the showerhead and give it a good cleaning, and then replace it to see if the sound stops. If not, the showerhead may be broken. Luckily, replacing the showerhead is an easy fix and should only take a few minutes.
2. Clogged showerhead pipes. If the problem isn’t due to the showerhead, another potential issue is a clogged pipe. Try to fix this by removing the showerhead and using a snake or other narrow, flexible tool to clean mineral deposits from the pipe leading to the showerhead.
3. Faulty shower cartridge. In some cases, the shower cartridge may be broken or damaged. This is a little more difficult to fix since the cartridge is located inside the faucet assembly. To get the job done right, contact your local Mr. Rooter® Plumbing for assistance with this repair.
4. Worn or broken diverter valve. The diverter valve is the knob you turn or pull to make the water stop running from the tub faucet and flow into the shower pipe instead. This valve can wear out over time, and a damaged diverter valve can sometimes result in that annoying squealing sound. Fortunately, it’s easy to test. Turn the water on and toggle the diverter. If the sound changes when you activate the diverter, the diverter is the problem and needs to be replaced.
5. The water pressure is too high. This issue goes hand-in-hand with other problems, such as clogged pipes, but can also be a symptom of a bigger issue with your home’s plumbing. Take the guesswork out of the shower hassle by turning to experienced local plumbers for diagnosis and a long-lasting solution.

Related Content: How To Replace a Shower Arm

Is a Squealing Shower Dangerous?

Squealing showers don’t sound pleasant and can even make you feel a bit nervous. So, it makes sense to wonder if a squealing shower is dangerous. The answer is: it can be. If the squealing is the result of rusting or corroding pipes, you could be getting debris in your drinking water.

Unfortunately, plumbing problems like these rarely resolve on their own. If the issue is clogged or debris-filled pipes, they’re only going to get more clogged over time. If the problem is a faulty valve or cartridge, it’s only going to degrade more. This can result in increased damage to your plumbing and more expensive repairs in the future.

Shower Whistles or Squeals? Let Us Help!

Some causes of shower head squealing are easy to diagnose and fix, while others are more complex. If you’ve tried everything and still can’t get your shower to be quiet, it’s time to call in a professional. Your friendly neighborhood Mr. Rooter Plumbing has the professional-grade tools and expertise to solve any plumbing problem and restore your quiet, peaceful shower time. Give us a call or request an estimate online today.