Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevy Baby
Tried the new valves last night and that didn't make a difference. I suspect that there is a blockage in the pipe that goes up to the nozzle. I just don't know how to clear it: can you snake a small copper pipe?
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yes. if youre only going from the shower head mounting to the point at which it intersects the control valves in the shower itself, you can. I wouldnt suggest using anything as rigid as a coat hanger however. a sturdy extra long nylon wire tie or something like it (a piece of weed eater line would be dandy), while perhaps not sturdy enough to break any clog it encounters, would likely stop at the point of interruption. while also allowing it to make any turns you might have between A and B.
if you can get the line all the way through to the valving area, you may be able to tie a small knot in the line and by drawing it back through the way it came, clear the clog a bit. its not perfect but it may tell you whats interfering by carrying the debris to you. be careful not to pull too hard if you encounter resistance, as you may end with a broken bit of line in the pipe, making things worse.
if you suspect that the outflow pipe is clogged or collapsed (the pipe from the valves to the showerhead itself) you can somewhat determine this by pouring/injecting a dyed (food coloring or some such..not actual dye) solution of water into the showerhead end and looking to see if it easily flows from the removed valves. if its just a trickle, the clog is likely between point a and b. if it flows readily, your interference is elsewhere, probably between the valves and the incoming water.