We all appreciate a relaxing shower after a long hectic day before we settle in. A hot shower is a perfect way to relieve stress or prepare for a busy day, but low shower pressure can be frustrating.
Low shower pressure makes it hard to rinse off the soap and shampoo, making the experience infuriating and stressful. We all want a shower that not only looks good but functions well too. Fixing your shower pressure is easy, and you will be enjoying perfect showers in no time.
Reasons for low water pressure
It is vital to understand why water pressure in your shower head is low before attempting to fix it. If you know the source of the problem, you can deal with it comprehensively and prevent it from re-occurring.
The main reasons for low water pressure are;
- Accumulated dirt and grime can clog the showerhead
- Your water supply pipe is too narrow
- The pressure tank has a problem
- Area shortages with water cycling that affects water pressure
How do I check the water pressure in my shower?
Checking the water pressure in your shower is quick, and the only things you need are a bucket preferably transparent with a measurement scale and a stopwatch. You should turn off all taps and faucets in the house before testing the water pressure.
- Place your bucket under the showerhead and turn on the water allowing a steady stream of water to enter the bucket. Using a bucket will help you get a clear reading and avoid wasting water.
- Please turn on the water until you reach maximum pressure and let it run for at least thirty seconds. Pour out the water in the bucket.
- Place the empty bucket under the showerhead again and start the stopwatch. Let the water run for precisely one minute.
- Measure the water in the bucket and convert the liters into gallons. One liter is equal to 0.264172 gallons. Therefore, if you collected three gallons of water, your water pressure is three gallons per minute (GPM).
How do I increase water pressure in my shower?
If you get a low water pressure reading, there are a few ways to troubleshoot and fix it.
- Check the faucet aerator.
A blocked faucet aerator is one of the common reasons for low water pressure in your shower head. Check for corrosion, dust, or sediments and clean them out as soon as possible.
- Clean the showerhead
If your faucet aerator is okay, check your showerhead next. The small holes in the showerhead can get clogged by water impurities and dirt over time. It would be best to clean the showerhead regularly using a toothbrush or small brush to reach into the small holes.
If your showerhead has a filter, it is a good idea to remove it and clean that too. You can soak the showerhead overnight in a vinegar solution to remove any visible mineral or dirt build-up. Screw back the showerhead after cleaning to see if the water pressure improves.
- Check for water leakages.
Sometimes the problem is water leakage in the water supply line. If you suspect a water leak, you should check the entire water supply line. Repair any leakages as soon as possible to fix the water pressure and prevent damage to your walls.
It is possible to get more than one leakage, so you should check the entire line.
- Adjust your main water valve
Ensure that your main shut-off valve is at maximum speed to get more water flow in your house and, therefore, higher water pressure in your shower.
- Replace your shower head
If you still have low water pressure after cleaning your shower head and improving water flow into your house, it might be time for a new shower head. When buying a new showerhead, ensure that it has wider openings to increase water pressure. A low-pressure shower head is an ideal option if you have low water pressure.
- Check the water heater.
If your water pressure is acceptable when using cold water but becomes low when you turn on the hot water, the issue could be the water heater. Ensure that the water heater shut-off valve is open and working and clean any dirt out of the water heater lines.
- Install a water shower pump
Installing a shower pump is the ultimate fix if all the other solutions do not work. The pump draws water to the showerhead creating a more effective solution. It is, however, more expensive and requires a plumber to install.
- Reduce water consumption around the house
Ensure that you do not use water on many things concurrently to ensure enough water flow to the shower. Turn off the water in the kitchen or bathroom and do not use the dishwasher or do laundry while taking a shower.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing low water pressure in your shower head, you can use these valuable tips to fix the problem. You can troubleshoot the problem by checking the faucet aerator and water heater, cleaning the showerhead, adjusting your main water valve, or installing a low-pressure showerhead. Ensure your water flow is okay by checking for any leaks, adjusting your main water valve, and managing water use in the house. Installing a water shower pump will increase water flow in your shower.
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