How to fix shower head pressure

Posted at 10:07h in Low Water Pressure by Midlothian Plumber

There’s almost nothing worse than taking a shower with low water pressure. It can take forever to rinse the shampoo out of your hair, or you’ll huddle around the showerhead because the water won’t reach farther out. 

A shower with low water pressure leads to longer showers that use more water and take up more of your time. 

Luckily for you, a shower with low water pressure can usually be fixed by yourself. In some instances, however, you may need professional assistance. If that applies to you, consider calling Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Duncanville or visiting our website to set up an appointment today. 

What causes low water pressure in the shower? 

There are many reasons why water pressure could be low in your shower. 

A common reason is a clogged water system. For example, a clog can form in your showerhead. In that case, the solution is simple, and you can fix the issue without professional help. However, if the clog lies deeper in your plumbing, you may need to call an expert. 

Another reason is that you might have a water restrictor in your showerhead. A typical shower should expel roughly two gallons of water per minute. A water restrictor reduces the amount of water that can flow through a showerhead. They are meant to save you money on your water bill, but you might use more water because it takes longer to wash away soap and shampoo. 

Some apartment complexes or rental homes may have water restrictors installed to save water on tenants. However, debris and particles can also build up around the water restrictor over time, further decreasing water pressure. 

A showerhead can clog in other areas, too. For example, mineral deposit build-up can occur in and around a showerhead’s nozzles. A dent or fold in a shower hose can also contribute to low water pressure. 

How to Test Water Pressure for a Shower 

It doesn’t take an expert to know if you have low water pressure. For the most part, it’s something you can feel. If it gradually lessens over time, you might have a particle build-up of some kind. If it lowers suddenly, there might be a leak or dent. If it has always felt low, then there might be a water restrictor. 

But, to know for sure if you have low water pressure in your shower, here’s a simple method: 

First, take a measuring jug, preferably one liter in volume, and place it underneath the shower. Then, turn it on full power. If it takes more than six seconds to fill up the jug, you likely have low water pressure. 

Ways to Increase Water Pressure in your Shower

Here at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Duncanville, we’ve identified six ways to increase your shower’s water pressure based on the above-mentioned common causes. Some are simple, and others may need professional assistance. 

1. Clean your Showerhead 

Simply cleaning out the mineral build-up in your showerhead can fix your water pressure issues. If you can remove the showerhead, do so and scrub out the inside with a toothbrush or dish brush. 

If you can’t remove the showerhead, take a plastic bag and fill it with white vinegar. Next, stick the showerhead into the bag and tie it around the showerhead’s neck with a rubber band. The white vinegar will slowly break down the particles and make them soft and removable. Next, take off the bag and run water to see if it’s fixed. 

2. Remove the Water Restrictor 

Removing the water restrictor from your showerhead can also improve water pressure. Removal might also clear out mineral build-up around the restrictor. 

It’s fine for you to remove one if you live in an apartment unless otherwise stated. Note that your water bill may increase after removal. But, if you take shorter showers because of increased water pressure, your bill should remain about the same. 

3. Replace your Shower Hose 

A dent in your shower hose can restrict water flow. Take a moment to inspect the hose to see if there are any dents or leaks. 

Some showers have plastic hoses. These are better protected against dents and leaks but tend to fold or crease if pulled at the wrong angle. Take notice if there is a hard crease in your plastic shower hose. 

4. Make sure your Water Shut-Off Valve is Fully Open 

Sometimes, your water shut-off valve may not be fully open. For example, if your apartment building recently had work done or your home had renovations, someone may have turned off the water valve and forgotten to open it or failed to open it all the way. Check under your kitchen sink or near your water heater, where most shut-off water valves are, though the exact location may differ for every home. 

Return the level to be parallel with the water pipe to open your water supply fully. This is also a suitable time to check your water heater to ensure you receive hot water and full water pressure. 

5. Get Creative 

If, for whatever reason, the above methods don’t seem to work, then perhaps your shower water pressure issues are out of your control. That is, your shower water pressure may be dependent on what appliances you are running and when you are showering. 

Showering while running a dishwasher or a washing machine will affect your shower’s water pressure. So make sure you do those at separate times. 

Also, most people shower right when they wake up or just before bed. If your schedule allows for it, don’t shower at these times. That way, you’ll be showering when water pipes are in less demand, meaning you’ll have more water at your disposal. 

6. Call the Pros 

If all else fails and you haven’t been able to fix your shower’s water pressure issues on your own, give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Duncanville a call or visit our website to schedule an appointment today. 

You may have underlying plumbing issues that extend beyond your shower. A visit from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Duncanville will ensure your home’s water system is working to its full potential. 

Ways to increase water pressure in your shower

The ways to increase water pressure in your shower are: 

1. Clean your showerhead. 
2. Remove the water restrictor. 
3. Replace your shower hose. 
4. Check if your water shut-off valve is fully open. 
5. Don’t run other water-using appliances while showering and shower at non-peak times. 
6. Call a professional plumber if all else fails. 

Check out this link for recommended household water pressure psi!

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Duncanville serves the Southwest Dallas cities of Cedar Hill, Dallas, DeSoto, Duncanville, Glenn Heights, Grand Prairie, Maypearl, Midlothian, Oak Cliff, Oak Leaf, Ovilla, Red Oak, and Waxahachie with a team of certified plumbers. In addition to emergency plumbing repair, some of the plumbing services provided by the company include faucet repair, drain services, toilet repair, plumbing fixture installations, tub and shower installations, kitchen sink repair, faucet installation, water heater repair/replacement, and garbage disposal replacement. Call us today at (972) 263-5010 to schedule an appointment!

“Not again.” It’s an understandable thought when you step into a shower with low water pressure. Sure, it’s an annoying issue but it can also signal a larger plumbing problem. 

Low pressure in a shower can be caused by several issues such as a clogged showerhead, a worn-out mixing valve, closed valve, leaking pipe, or even a faulty water heater. Don’t get overwhelmed though, because we’re here to help you narrow down and identify the cause of your shower woes. 

How to fix a shower with low water pressure

The first thing you should do is determine if the low pressure is a single or widespread issue. 

• Is both the hot and cold water of the shower affected?
• Does the sink faucet in the same bathroom also have low pressure?
• Are there other rooms that seem to have the same issue?

With the answer to those questions in mind, you can begin to investigate these common causes of low water pressure in showers.

1. Low-flow showerhead

Conserving water is a good thing, but old low-flow showerheads can be too stingy with water and make it feel like the pressure is lacking. Luckily, swapping out the old showerhead with a new model is an easy DIY job.

2. Clogged showerhead

Over time, mineral deposits can accumulate inside the small holes of the showerhead, disrupting or blocking the water flow. To remove the mineral build-up, let the showerhead sit in a bowl or bag filled with vinegar overnight. Next, use a small tool to brush or poke any remaining sediment from the showerhead holes.

3. Worn-out mixing valve

If you have a single-handle faucet in your shower or tub, it may have an internal part called a mixing valve that controls the amount of hot and cold water sent to the showerhead. If that valve is stuck or worn out, it can throw off the temperature and pressure. The mixing valve can be tricky to access and replace, so it should be left to an experienced plumber. 

4. Faulty water pressure regulator

The water pressure regulator’s job is to keep your home within a safe water pressure range (usually 46-60 psi). Unfortunately, this important component can fail, allowing the pressure to get excessively low or high. The water pressure regulator is typically located on the water supply line before it enters the home and should only be replaced by a qualified plumber. 

5. Closed valve

There are several valves throughout your plumbing system. If any of them are partially closed – often done by accident – you could experience low water pressure. Make sure the water meter valve, main shutoff valve, and all inline valves are entirely open.

6. Water heater issue

If the low water pressure only occurs when turning on the hot water, then the issue may lie with your water heater. Contact a plumber to see if the unit needs to be repaired or replaced.

7. Corroded or leaking pipes

Old pipes, especially ones made from metal, can corrode or rust from the inside. If mineral deposits are stuck in a water supply pipe, they can disrupt the flow to your shower (or other faucets). Similarly, if you have a small leak somewhere in your plumbing, low water pressure could be a noticeable symptom. It’s important to locate and fix the leak as soon as possible. 

Have a plumber fix your shower

Don’t put up with a weak shower one day longer. Call Pratt Plumbing to have a licensed plumber in the Amarillo, TX area take a look and fix the problem for good. Schedule an appointment today at (806) 373-7866.