How to fix low water pressure in the shower

What exactly is water pressure?

The power with which water is forced through your pipes is known as water pressure. If you notice that the pressure from your taps is suddenly unexpectedly low, there may be a plumbing problem that needs to be looked at.

There are several ways to enhance the water from your shower if your taps are functioning correctly.

Low water pressure in your shower may completely spoil the experience. Uncertain about the source of your shower's low pressure? There are several potential causes, including limescale buildup and the sort of shower you use. We're here to explain the issue and show you how to resolve it.

One bar of water pressure is the force required to lift water 10 metres in the air. Water pressure is measured in bars. Each residence must get a minimum level of water pressure from the local water utility.

However, the pressure you experience will vary depending on several variables, such as how close you are to the source, how hilly the terrain is, and how much water your neighbours are using.

Why does the water pressure drop?

Due to limescale buildup, obstructed showerheads are the most frequent reason for reduced shower pressure. These obstructions prevent the water from flowing, resulting in decreased pressure over time. Most showers have a filter installed to protect the pipework from debris; however, limescale can cause the filter to become partially blocked. It's essential to look for kinks or other damage in your shower hose.

If you run the bathroom taps and the water pressure looks adequate, but the pressure in your shower is low, there may be a problem with the shower's height. Generally, there should always be at least a metre gap between the showerhead and the water source or pump since water pressure diminishes with altitude.

• You may have a water-saving showerhead, or the showerhead's water restrictor valve prevents water from flowing freely. These are intended to conserve water; however, the valve may limit the water too much if you reside in a region with low water pressure.

• It is not advised to remove the restrictive valve entirely; nevertheless, you can alter it. 

• To enhance the water flow, you might need to replace your showerhead if your restrictive valve cannot be changed.

• Partly closed or worn valves

• Your shower valve or mixing valve may be worn and need to be replaced if the pressure in your shower is solely affected by hot temperatures.

• If you've recently had work done, turned off your water, or both, make sure your stopcock is fully open. It might have yet to be fully opened again.

Internal Stop-cock Problems

If there is low water pressure throughout your home, your internal stopcock is open, and there are no water problems nearby, you could have one of the following:

• A secret leak

• Obstruction in your pipes

• Your pipes are corroding (which can be expected in houses with very old piping)

Gravity-Fed System Problem

• Older, unrenovated homes are more likely to have gravity-fed systems. With this kind of system, obtaining significant water pressure in the shower might take much work. This is because it is supplied through the pipes by gravity.

• Only a whole-house pump can improve the water supply. The optimum showering experience will be made possible by increasing the water pressure this way!

A Pressure Balancing Valve Check

• A shower with balanced pressure keeps both hot and cold water flowing simultaneously. There is a chance that additional fixtures will cause this type of valve to lose water pressure. For instance, flushing the toilet may impact and lessen the water the shower uses to dispense. However, just the pressure will be affected, not the temperature.

• Installing a thermostatic mixer valve can prevent pressure dips like these. Since the temperature and pressure controls on the mixing valve are independent, your water pressure should always be maintained. However, it does not take into account that many residences prefer installing electric showers.

General Plumbing Problems

• An ancient plumbing system might be the root of your low shower water pressure. Your pipes may rust or clog over time, reducing the water supply. This may impact your home's water outlets.

• Replacing the plumbing in your home may be expensive. On the other hand, new plumbing enhances the chances of your home being sold quickly when it’s time, increases water pressure, and lasts for a very long time. It's worth the expense, although a professional plumber should do it.

Possible DIY Solutions to fix the water pressure

Modify the shower's settings:

• With a flow restrictor, you may change the water pressure in some low-flow shower heads to meet your demands. You might only need to change the flow restrictor. The restrictor must be taken out, and consult the shower's user guide for advice on what to do next.

• An additional flow restrictor is likely to worsen your showering experience if you reside in a region with an already-low water pressure.

• An additional flow restrictor is likely to worsen your showering experience if you reside in a region with an already-low water pressure.

• Some manufacturers of shower heads have recently begun including flow restrictors in their designs to assist consumers in lowering their water costs and to help conserve the environment.

Check the hose:

• Looking for kinks in the shower hose is another fast and easy remedy. If your shower hose is flexible, check to see that it is tight enough to prevent the water from flowing out of the shower head smoothly. This would be especially important if your shower head is a portable one.

Scheduling your shower for a time when your neighbours aren't expected to be doing the same thing is one possible answer. The strain on the supply pipes increases as the region's water demand increases. It makes sense that you could experience more water pressure if you can change your schedule to take your shower when fewer others are likely to be doing so.

If none of the abovementioned "easy remedies" has worked, you might need to check your main water valve. The amount of water that goes to each section of your house is managed by this valve.

Conclusion

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