flux in shower head

WallyGater · Feb 16, 2009

after flushing the system for a good 10 minutes, I then installed the new shower head. after running the new head, I noticed a residue coming out of it. It looks like solder flux, or it might be pipe dope. It looks more like flux than it does pipe joint compound. the shower head is brass, with a brushed nickel finish. How can I clean it out. It does not come apart, so I was hoping I could soak it in something. What can I soak this shower head in that will dissolve the flux, but wont ruin the finish?

Kingsotall · Feb 16, 2009

It'd be nice to hook up a hose from outside to it. The added pressure would surely do the trick.

Sponsor · 2022-01-29T12:20:58-0800

hj · Feb 17, 2009

flux?

What did they do? Put the flux on with a paint brush? Normally, the flux is "evaporated" when the joint is heated. I don't think I have ever seen flux in the water after doing a joint. I suppose one way would be to take the head off and rinse it out.

Howard M Emerson · Feb 17, 2009

wallygater said:
after flushing the system for a good 10 minutes, I then installed the new shower head. after running the new head, I noticed a residue coming out of it. It looks like solder flux, or it might be pipe dope. It looks more like flux than it does pipe joint compound. the shower head is brass, with a brushed nickel finish. How can I clean it out. It does not come apart, so I was hoping I could soak it in something. What can I soak this shower head in that will dissolve the flux, but wont ruin the finish?

I suggest taking off the shower head, put on a kettle of boiling water and hold the head opening with some long pliers over the screaming steam hole for about a minute or so. If you can somehow have the head pointing down at the same time that will certainly help it do a better job.

While you're doing that the shower should be running, only hot water, to make sure everything else is out of the pipe before putting it back on.

HE

WallyGater · Feb 17, 2009

excellent idea Howard. thanks

flux in shower head

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