Are you tired of weak, lackluster showers and you want to learn how to increase water pressure in shower? We got you!
Say goodbye to feeble streams and hello to invigorating showers that awaken your senses. In this article, we unveil the secrets to boosting water pressure in your shower, turning it into a revitalizing oasis.
Understanding Water Pressure
Water pressure in your home refers to the force at which water flows through your plumbing system. It is determined by various factors, including the water source, elevation, pipe size, and any obstructions in the plumbing network. Typically measured in pounds per square inch (psi), water pressure can vary from household to household.
The main components involved in maintaining water pressure are the water supply line, pressure regulator (if present), and the plumbing fixtures throughout your home. The water supply line brings water from the main source into your home, while the pressure regulator helps stabilize and control the pressure.
Higher pressure can provide stronger water flow, but excessively high pressure can strain pipes, cause leaks, and damage appliances. On the other hand, low pressure can result in weak flows and inadequate water supply.
Monitoring and maintaining the ideal water pressure in your home is important for efficient and reliable water usage. If you experience issues with low or high pressure, it may be necessary to adjust the pressure regulator, check for any leaks or blockages, or consult a professional plumber for assistance.
By understanding the basics of water pressure in your home, you can make informed decisions about maintaining and optimizing the flow of water throughout your household plumbing system. [1]
How to Test If You Have Low Water Pressure in the Shower?
- Remove any showerheads or aerators: Unscrew the showerhead or aerator from the shower fixture. These components can sometimes restrict water flow and impact pressure.
- Turn on the water: With the showerhead or aerator removed, turn on the water and let it flow freely. Be cautious, as the water may spray in multiple directions.
- Observe the water flow: Take note of the water flow rate and intensity. If it appears weak and lacks force, it is likely that you are experiencing low water pressure in your shower.
- Perform a comparison: To ensure accurate results, compare the water flow in your shower to other faucets or fixtures in your home. If the water pressure is noticeably weaker in the shower compared to other areas, it further supports the likelihood of low water pressure specifically in your shower.
If your shower indeed has low water pressure, several potential causes could be behind it, such as clogged pipes, mineral deposits, or a malfunctioning pressure regulator. Consulting a professional plumber is recommended to diagnose the exact issue and find the appropriate solution.
How to Increase Water Pressure in Shower
Why is that?
We have two options here – either you have a serious plumbing issue (pipe-related) or you have a dribbly shower.
Unfortunately, having an issue with your plumbing system is the most complicated cause of obstructed shower pressure.
When pipes corrode or when debris blocks them partially over time, you will experience constricted water flow.
Yet, leaks and pipe damages can fall into the “culprits” category as well.
If everything seems fine with the shower itself and it works well, but you are still receiving that miserable pressure, stay with us for a couple more minutes.
Other Causes of Low Shower Water Pressure
We mentioned some, but there are more reasons for the issue you are facing now:
- You have a water-saving shower head
Most people overlook their shower heads completely when diagnosing the issue.
If you are still using an old-fashioned shower head, move on to the next section.
On the other hand, if you have a modern shower, it is highly likely you have a water-saving shower head.
The main purpose of these shower heads is to prevent wasting water and to low down water bills.
Yet, this could make a mess with your morning and evening showering routine.
Double-check on your shower head.
- Your shut off valve is obstructed
An obstructed shut off valve is another commonly overlooked cause of low shower pressure.
In case you had a plumbing issue and for some reason, you closed your valve, take a look at it once more.
Is it fully open?
Some people leave it half-open when performing DIY plumbing repairs.
And, if you had a professional deal with the thing, you can locate the valve under your kitchen sink.
- A dirty showerhead
We are not blaming you here – don’t get us wrong.
Actually, dirt and limescale from old pipes are the main culprits for low shower pressure in numerous cases.
These two can create an obstruction that is invisible to the eye, but you would feel it on your skin.
Sometimes debris blocks even protection filters, designed to protect your shower from pipework filth.
Checking on your shower hose is always a smart thing to do.
If you find out the only thing that was preventing you from having a proper shower were mineral deposits, unscrew the detachable part of your shower head and soak it in vinegar for a couple of hours. In case you detected serious buildup, leave it to sit for about 8 hours in vinegar, then scrub the rest away with a toothbrush.
- Faulty water pressure regulator
One thing that certainly can mess up with your shower pressure is the water pressure regulator.
Yet, with some people, a failed pressure regulator causes an increase in water pressure, while with some causes a reduction.
Take this into account when you will be inspecting the issue.
- Worn out volume control
If you have a single control shower, then you already know there is a volume valve that controls the shower pressure, right?
Over time, volume control on a single shower wears out and deteriorates shower pressure.
However, when you find yourself in this situation, you don’t have much choice.
The only thing you can do is to replace your old shower with a new one.
- Bad timing
No matter how funny this sounds at first, bad timing may be the cause you are having bad experiences with your shower.
It actually matters how your inmates use water while you are showering.
Is the dishwasher running while you are taking your shower?
Is your wife doing laundry?
Maybe the kids used up most of the water from the boiler?
Have you ever heard of tankless gas water heaters?
These are great for multi-member families, and save you energy and some money at the same time!
Try to shower only when your inmates are not consuming a significant amount of water.
Yet, if you take your showers before bed when everybody is sleeping, and you still have an issue – move on to the next section.
So How to Increase Water Pressure in Shower?
Just as we promised, we are going to break down a couple of quick tips on how to increase water pressure in the shower.
You can read through them first and then decide which one seems like a solution you need:
- Remove the aerators
Manufacturers build aerators directly into shower heads to, guess what, produce more air when you turn the water stream on. [2]
Although aerators truly provide a full wet, comfy shower experience, these also reduce water pressure eventually.
Luckily, it won’t take you much to remove the aerator.
As it is located in the shower head, you want to disassemble it first.
You will need a plumber tape here, so if you don’t have some in your home, visit a store before you start with the removing process.
Also, you will need a screwdriver.
An aerator resembles of a plastic washer and is easy to remove with a screwdriver.
Just in case you can’t locate it, find your shower’s manual and double-check where the aerator is installed.
If removing the aerators doesn’t restore a solid shower water pressure, you can put them back.
- Unclog the shower head
This is something we’ve already explained in the previous section.
If salt, sediment, and gunk have built up in your shower head, you should clean it properly.
Just make sure to remove it carefully and be careful when scratching off blockages, as the chrome finish on shower heads is a bit delicate.
- Remove the flow regulator
Remember the pressure regulator we talked about 2 minutes ago?
Even if the flow regulator is the main cause of why your shower is giving you trickles, you can remove it too.
These regulators are meant to control the water flow, but many homeowners find them useless and remove them at the discretion of their homes.
You are going to need some help from your owner’s manual again, as it can tell you where the regulator is located and show you the picture of it.
However, even if you can’t find the manual, you can recognize the flow regulator easily, as it is brighter and lighter in color than the other shower head components.
When you remove the regulator, you will certainly have a way better shower experience.
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- Replace your old shower head
- Replace your old shower head
Well, this solution imposes itself as one of the most logical ones.
If you have been using the same shower head for years now, maybe it is about time to replace it.
Yet, you can replace the one you have bought recently as well.
Now you would be asking why the hell you should replace the relatively new head.
Well, we told you about aerators and pressure regulators.
Some shower heads are a true challenge to open and to take out these parts.
A way quicker fix would be to just buy a new head.
However, go for the classic-styled one now.
We know, you love those whistles and bells, but newer design shower heads tend to build up more limescale and deposits and are tricky to clean.
These deliver way more water pressure, while manufacturers have improved their design so they fit different-themed bathrooms easily.
- Fix any leaks
If nothing from the above doesn’t seem like the right solution, you are maybe having an issue with leakages.
Wherever in your home is a leak, it may be affecting your shower pressure negatively.
It will take away a significant amount of water, leaving you frustrated after each showering.
This doesn’t mean you should look for leaks within your bathroom only.
Instead, inspect the sink, under the sink, pipe connections, also behind your shower wall.
If you happen to detect a leak, you will need some piping tape (again).
Seal the leak with some tape, but this is a short-term solution for low water pressure in your shower.
In most of the cases, calling a professional plumber would be the smartest thing to do.
- Install a shower pump
You’ve tried everything, and nothing seems to work.
Don’t get desperate over this, as we have an ace up our sleeve.
Installing a shower pump is definitely the most reliable option if you want to fix your shower water pressure long-term. This is a mechanical device that activates once you turn the water on.
All of the water leaving the tank flows through the water pump and reaches your shower.
As the water is flowing through it, the water pump boosts its pressure, ensuring you have your shower properly.
- Install a power shower
A power shower is an as effective solution as a shower pump with low shower pressure.
This device feeds your shower with both hot and cold water and provides plenty of hot water from the water tank.
Similarly to the water pump, a power shower has a pump that boosts the water pressure.
The main thing with a power shower is that this is a costly option.
If you have a tight budget, a shower pump would save you some money while performing pretty much the same task.
Read Also: No Water Pressure In Shower But Plently Everywhere Else
Bottom Line
If you are sick of your shower sabotaging you day after day, we hope this article came to the rescue.
Don’t let anyone steal that precious experience and mess up with your routine.
What you read requires no special plumbing experience, which is great.
After all, you learned how to increase water pressure in shower.
We hope our quick tips and solutions would help you regain that water pressure and enjoy a welcoming shower every morning and night.
Michael Davis is a heating & plumbing expert who currently works as independent contractor in SC. He also writes for Plumbertip.
For almost 10 years he worked on various plumbing tasks across South Carolina.
