How to Fix Low Water Pressure in the Shower: Causes, Solutions, and Prevention

One weak shower can make your day frustrating, and those unsatisfactory 5 minutes of bathing experience will haunt you till the next good one. But when you have shitty water pressure on your shower head, even the most mundane of things to do, like washing shampoo out of your hair, becomes a pain in the ass. 

In this post, I will take you through the most common reasons behind low water pressure and how to really measure your shower’s water flow, followed by practical solutions on how to increase low water pressure, bringing back a cool, refreshing, strong shower!

Why does your shower have low water pressure?

There can be many reasons behind low water pressure in the shower, such as plumbing problems or something clogging up inside of your fixtures or issues relating to a problem with the source itself. Here are the common causes of lower water pressure that may impact your showerhead.

1. Clogged Shower Head or Flow Restrictor

The tiny holes in your shower head can get blocked by mineral deposits from hard water, which results in weak water pressure in the shower. Today most modern showerheads are fitted with flow restrictors as standard to try and save on water, which in turn can cause poor pressure due to the restrictor being too low.

To test for this problem, remove the flow restrictor or wash the showerhead by keeping it in vinegar over night so it can dissolve any mineral deposits. This quick fix often makes a world of difference by turning a low-pressure shower into the high-pressure experience we all love.

2. Valve Issues and Water Flow Obstructions

Occasionally, the valve that moderates hot and cold water can malfunction or only be partially open, which will in turn decrease the flow of water through your showerhead. Sometimes, an old or defective mixing valve is unable to properly detect the right balance between hot and cold water, leading to low water pressure issues.

You need to check and ensure the main shut-off valve as well as shower valves are fully turned on, because they might have been adjusted while plumbing repairs were done. If that is the issue, a licenced plumber will need to come take a look and put in new valves.

How to Test for Low Water Pressure in Your Shower

Before fixing your shower, you have to validate if the pressure is really low. Here are steps to measure water pressure in the shower accurately:

1. Use a Pressure Gauge

One great way without calling a water heater repair service is to use a simple item called a pressure gauge that will help you decide if the water pressure in your shower is normal or not. Household water pressure usually ranges between 46-60 psi. If you receive a reading that falls in under 40 psi, this would point towards an issue with your plumbing system or water supply line.

2. Test the Flow Rate

Flow rate is another way to quantify pressure. Fill a one-gallon container and time how many seconds it takes to fill (from your showerhead). If its a decent shower, it should be able to fill the container in 10 seconds or less. If it takes any longer, you probably have weak water pressure in your shower.

Causes of Low Water Pressure in the Shower

If the above tests confirm that you do indeed have low water pressure in your shower, let’s try to figure out why.

1. Clogged Pipes or Plumbing Issues

As water flows through your old and corroded pipes, the inside of those lines will degrade, causing them to restrict over time. Low pressure and a light shower are two signs that minerals from hard water have settled in your pipes. We can argue that this only worsens the problem in some instances and would eventually require an expert plumber to upgrade or update your plumbing system, which will restore the original water pressure.

Moreover, a leak anywhere in the home or main water line may also lead to this drop in water pressure. If you have wet spots in the house or above-average water bills, those might be signs that your plumbing needs to be checked.

2. Problems with the Water Supply

One of the causes of low water pressure in showers can be your main water supply. When the main shut-off valve or water pressure regulator located on the incoming home line is set too low, it will reduce water flow. A qualified plumber will need to replace the faulty or incorrectly set regulator with the necessary pressure in a safe water pressure range.

3. Faulty Water Heater

If you only have low pressure using hot water, it is likely from your hot water system. A malfunctioning or undersized water heater may not be able to create enough pressure. Ensure the mixing valve connected to the heater functions efficiently so that not only is there no interruption via installing valves but also water flows properly.

How to Fix Low Water Pressure in Your Shower

Once you know why your shower pressure is low, it will be easy to correct and solve the problem with a simple fix in order for you to have high-pressure water in the shower again. Read on for efficient assistance with the common pressure issues.

1. Clean or Replace the Showerhead

Weak water pressure in the shower could be due to an old showerhead covered with minerals. Another great cleaning method is to soak the shower head in a vinegar solution for an entire night. If your current shower head is compromised or simply outdated, it might have a drastic impact on water performance. Try replacing this with low-flow alternatives that are designed to keep pressure in check.

2. Adjust or Replace the Pressure Regulator

If you suspect that your household water pressure regulator is not operating correctly, then contact a professional to have it serviced. The regulator is normally situated on the water supply line before it empties into your home. Call in a plumber to take care of the component, though; it is not safe for your home’s water pressure to be out of balance.

3. Install a Shower Pump

Households that are experiencing low water pressure problems can benefit from a shower pump, as it is one of the ways to increase the level of said household’s water pressure. A power shower is good as long as you require pump assistance, especially in an older home with dilapidated water supply lines or a residential structure with lengthy plumbing.

Tips to Prevent Low Water Pressure Issues in the Future

In order for you to continue having your fantastic and relaxing shower experience, routine maintenance is essential. These are some of the things that you can do to avoid such low water pressure in the shower ever again:

• Check for Leaks: Inspect your plumbing system for timely detection of any leaks.
• Clean Showerheads Regularly: Eliminate mineral deposits by soaking your showerheads in vinegar a few times every year.
• Monitor Water Pressure: The range for most homes is 46-60 psi, so it’s important to keep an eye on your pressure gauge.
• Upgrade Old Pipes: Updated plumbing using new materials can help reduce buildup and increase pressure in case your pipes are old or have been drafted into the space.

Conclusion

Sometimes a low-pressure shower feels like the end of days, but in fact these showers are almost always easily repaired. 

First, you need to identify the underlying issue and whether it is as simple as cleaning your shower head up really well, checking some valves, or calling in a professional plumber. Knowing how to increase water pressure in the shower can turn an annoying dribble into a powerful spray that you can look forward to eagerly every morning before work. 

By promptly calling for repairs and with regular maintenance, you can avoid most future plumbing issues so that your shower will continue to be a delightful experience.

Low-flow showerheads, blocked pipes, and a malfunctioning mixing valve can all affect the rate of water flow present in your shower. So keep working diligently since it is going to help maintain that perfect amount of pressure for years down the line! 

But if you are ever in doubt, just remember to call this number and call out for a licenced plumber to come help repair your shower properly.