Shower Heads

[Photolomy]

I need to replace the shower heads in a 1978 53' MY. I assume they are just standard fittings. Any suggestions? The current heads are clogged because of hard water at its current location. Unfortunately, the boat isn't here and I will be visiting it next weekend one last time before it is delivered and I want the showers to work well.

[scottinsydney]

Have you considered taking off the shower heads and putting some CLR or other sediment / scale cleaner in to dissolve the solids. There are several types of cleaner that should do the job. Often used in washing machines and dishwashers.

I have just used CLR to clean up the drain mechanism for the bathtub.

[oscarvan]

(White) Vinegar works in a pinch....

[jim rosenthal]

I'm assuming you mean the actual showerheads in the shower stalls, NOT the items of the same name that are part of the engines' exhaust systems...

Yes, they are standard plumbing fixtures. Boat water systems tend to operate at lower pressure than house systems, so a shower head that works fine at home may not work too well on a boat. You can unglog what you have by soaking it in vinegar (you can do this without removing the shower head by filling a plastic bag with vinegar and zip-tying it around the shower head.

If you want to replace them, Speakman is a good brand- many of them are adjustable flow, which helps.

If you want the ultimate shower head, which will not clog, look on the web for Shower Clear- it opens up and drains after you are done using it, so it stays dry. No mold, no calcium buildup. But not cheap. About $250 each, so you have to really want it. (I did)

[Photolomy]

Thanks for the replies. Actually I wanted to replace the flexible pipe and the shower head. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures while I was up there last time, and the boat is about 30 minutes from Home Depot, so I was hoping to grab the shower heads (complete with flexible pipe) on my way to the boat from the airport, rather than having to go to the boat and then back to Home Depot. Vinegar / CLR might work on two of them, though I remember the flexible pipe being broken on the third.

[davidwigler]

Home Depot replacements worked fine for me including the hose. Not sure what brand I bought.

[Scarlett]

Second David’s comment. Most hose and head systems sold by retailers will fit the standard pipe fittings used by Hatteras. There are some nice sliding bar systems that we used allowing adjustment on height of the shower head. John

[drburke]

My boat is a 1984 and the stuff is all Moen. As was said before, standard household items work. My full upgrade parts listed below--all fit this application and GREATLY improve the shower at minimal cost.

The shower head I bought was (to me) least attractive, but had the best reviews on Amazon and excellent low-flow performance.

Do yourself a favor and get a new cartridge (it is the one with z-shaped o-rings) and watch a youtube video about removal and replacement. Lube generously with silicone grease.

The best upgrade was to replace the cheap plastic knob with a heavy chrome lever (see below). Got new fitting for hose-to-wall connection and entire setup made for *much* nicer appearance.

I am taller so wanted an adjustable height, and also added a shut-off valve which is optional. The two side baskets don't project into the shower space as much as the original.

Got everything in 48 hours from Amazon:

1. Danco 80004 single metal diverter handle: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GLSKVI
2. Pfister 016-170C Drop Elbow: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015CAVKQ/
3. PULSE ShowerSpas 1010-CH Adjustable Slide Bar: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001C9KGGQ
4. Niagara Conservation 2.0 Gpm Niagara Massage Showerhead: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002OSMVE4
5. Danze D466000 Wire Shower Basket: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OEPQ02
6. Kit For Moen Single Handle Faucets 1200 1200B Stem Cartridge: https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-S.../dp/B005M4L0Z8
6. (optional) KES K1140B chromed-brass shower head shut-off : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HSWPYIG/

DAN

[memelanie]

Have you considered taking off the shower heads and putting some CLR or other sediment / scale cleaner in to dissolve the solids. There are several types of cleaner that should do the job. Often used in washing machines and dishwashers.

I have just used CLR to clean up the drain mechanism for the bathtub.

For hard water, the best solution is to install a water softener. Secondly, you can also choose a shower head with a filtering function, such as a stone handheld shower head. They can remove chlorine, iron, rust and heavy metals, thereby filtering and softening water, improving skin dryness and itching due to poor water quality.