Identify and fix low water pressure in your shower

Table Of Content

• Corroded or Clogged Water Lines
• What Can You Do To Prevent Low Pressure?
• Corroded Plumbing Causes Low Water Pressure
• C​logged Pipes
• Professional Solutions to Low Water Pressure
• What Are You Going to Do When Your Water Heater Fails?
• Additional Tips for Increasing Shower Water Pressure
• Find the best local plumbers in the UK!

Over time, mineral deposits and other debris can build up in the showerhead and restrict the flow of water. Simply remove the showerhead from the arm and soak it in a solution of equal parts water and vinegar for a few hours. Clogged pipes are one of the most common causes of low water pressure in a house. Over time, pipes can get clogged with mineral deposits, rust, and other debris. This can restrict the flow of water, resulting in low water pressure. If you suspect that your pipes are clogged, it is best to call a professional plumber to clean them.

Corroded or Clogged Water Lines

In other cases, it may require more extensive repairs that can be costly. 1.5 GPM is the standard rate for a low-flow showerhead, while 2 GPM is expected of a typical functioning shower and is known as the Current U.S. Federal WaterSense standard. 2.5 GPM is the legal maximum flow rate for all shower heads in the U.S. Low water pressure from a well could also stem from a change in water levels.

What Can You Do To Prevent Low Pressure?

Over time, mineral deposits, debris, or sediment can accumulate within the aerator, obstructing the flow of water. However, it is important to know that repairing or replacing faucets and fixtures is only a temporary solution. The problem will come back over time unless the hard water is softened and the minerals are removed. If you’re having trouble with low water pressure, you should consider HomeWater’s Whole House 4-Stage Water Filter with a salt-free water softener. This low-maintenance system won’t slow down your water flow and it will leave you with nothing but the best-tasting, high-quality, clean water.

Corroded Plumbing Causes Low Water Pressure

The easiest way to increase the water pressure in the shower is to replace the shower head with a high-pressure model. These shower heads, which simply screw into place, increase the pressure without mechanical pumps or other devices. While this won't hold in the water for good, it can drastically change your water pressure and prevent further damage for a time.

C​logged Pipes

This valve may cause restricted flow, but if the internal parts break loose, they could cause the whole system to clog. Find out how a loss of water pressure can happen and what you need to do about it. Also, learn ways to prevent it from happening in the future, ensuring you can count on the pressurized water you expect when you need it. Now, this is not a regular clog that you can dissolve with some kind of a strong solution or by hand. This is a very serious problem that can only be removed by a professional.

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Water pressure problems could be as simple as faulty faucets and fixtures. If you’re experiencing low pressure in a specific area, check for clogging or corrosion that could be slowing water flow. A pressure regulator is an optional fixture that helps standardize the water pressure in your home. If you have one of these in place, it is important to check them if you notice lower pressure happening all over your home. It may read water pressure incorrectly and reduce the water flow to your house at unnecessary times. Not everyone has a water pressure regulator installed in their house so if you don’t have one, you can skip this step.

She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug. All Orchard Home Advisors are experienced agents who know your local market inside and out. Our Home Advisors are experienced local agents who know how to sell for top dollar and help win your dream home. When you list with Orchard, we’ll get your home show-ready and make repairs to increase your home’s value at no upfront cost. Fill a plastic bag with vinegar and secure it around the faucet with a rubber band.

Additional Tips for Increasing Shower Water Pressure

Many different issues—some large and some small can cause low water pressure. The fix might be as simple as opening a valve or adjusting a water pressure regulator. When in doubt, it’s always best to call a plumbing professional who can safely address the problem and prevent costly damage. In the case of clogged pipes, hard water might be the problem.

There should be a main shutoff valve somewhere in the basement, utility room, or near a washer-dryer hookup. This valve will be either a lever shape like your outdoor shutoff, or a knob. Turn the knob counter-clockwise or turn the lever parallel to the pipe to open things up.

If your pipes are iron, copper, or steel, you might experience corrosion. Corrosion also causes metal pipes to become more thin, brittle, and easy to break. Therefore, it is a good idea to replace the pipes altogether if you notice corrosion. Your home’s water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch, or PSI.

However, if your water supply includes any dirt or minerals, it can build up and clog the tiny holes of the aerator. One of the most serious and potentially expensive causes of low water pressure in your home is old, corroded galvanized steel water pipes. Over years or decades, these pipes can corrode so much that they restrict water flow significantly. What’s more, they often corrode internally, so you can’t see the corrosion. It’s when they clog up over time due to the buildup of corrosion and scale that you realize there’s a problem.

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If you’re ever wondering “why is my water pressure low” and can’t seem to fix it, it’s time for professional help. Use a cable or a snake drain and feed it down your drain pipe to unclog them. Regular pipe clearing should be done to avoid them from deteriorating and causing water pressure issues. Similar to a shower head, water heaters can suffer from too much sediment build-up, which can lower your water pressure and also take away years off your water heater tank’s lifespan. In that vein, every homeowner should flush the water heater once a year.

If you decide to re-pipe the plumbing system, it’s better to use PEX tubing rather than copper pipe, as PEX tubing is usually cheaper and easier to install. You can probably find the meter valve in an underground box between your house and the street. Otherwise, it may be located in an interior area like an attached garage or basement or outside on a wall. While your wallet might be less than thrilled about paying for the repair to restore water to your home, it’s a must-do.

Besides, it’s often tricky to pinpoint what’s causing the reduced pressure in the first place, let alone find ways to fix it and get things back in the flow. Sometimes, your pressure regulator is the culprit behind water issues. While a failing pressure regulator usually causes significantly reduced water pressure, it might present itself as little to no running water.

If you can see the pipes, you will likely notice cracks, bulges, or a coating of frost. You can usually find the water meter where the water main enters your home. It’s often on the side of your home’s exterior or in the basement of your home. Jonathon Jachura is a two-time homeowner with hands-on experience with HVAC, gutters, plumbing, lawn care, pest control, and other aspects of owning a home.