Starting your day with warm water pressure can be such a mood booster. But what happens when the water pressure in your shower head becomes too low? This can be quite a bummer, when you experience low water pressure in your shower, especially if you’re used to starting your day with a powerful stream of water.
If you are facing low water pressure in your shower, don’t worry. In this article, we will show you how to increase water pressure in shower heads in 10 easy steps.
Table of Contents
- What Causes Low Water Pressure In Your Shower Head?
- 10 Ways To Increase Water Pressure In Your Shower Head
- Bonus Tips To Increase Water Pressure
- Start Fixing Water Flow With Inexpensive Measures
What Causes Low Water Pressure In Your Shower Head?
Before we discuss steps to increase the water pressure in the shower head, let’s first find out the reason for your low water pressure in the shower head.
There are several factors that can contribute to low water pressure in your home. It could be due to old pipes that are corroded or clogged. Debris can also build up over time and restrict water flow. Another possible reason is that the water pressure regulator might be set too low.
If you live in a rural area and your main water supply comes from a well water system, then it’s likely that you have low water pressure due to the distance the water has to travel.
Whatever the reason is, there are steps to improve the water pressure in your shower head.
10 Ways To Increase Water Pressure In Your Shower Head
- Clean Your Shower Head
Before you get into a whole lot of troubleshooting, it’s always a good idea to clean your shower head first. Water that reaches your shower head has minerals. Over time, mineral deposits can build up and clog your shower head, which can reduce the shower’s water pressure.
To clean your shower head, shut off the water mains, unscrew the shower head from the pipe and soak it in white vinegar overnight. In the morning, brush away any debris with an old toothbrush and rinse it well with water. If your shower head has a filter inside, make sure to clean that as well.
If you are unable to clean your shower head, you can always buy a new one. There are many different types of shower heads available on the market, choose with a washer inside. A washer restricts the flow of water, but you can also widen it to increase water pressure.
Read More: How To Clean Shower Head Without Vinegar – Top Tips
- Check The Water Restrictor / Flow Restrictor
Due to the implication of the National Energy Act (in the US) back in the 1990s, all shower heads are now required to have a flow restrictor. A flow restrictor is a small valve-like plastic structure (with pores) that limits the amount of water that flows per minute to reduce water bills and conserve water.
However, a water restrictor can also be the reason why you have low water pressure in your shower head. If your shower head is new, it’s likely that the flow restrictor has very small pores that are restricting water flow in your shower head. These pores are also prone to get clogged with time.
Check your water restrictor, remove your shower head and you will see the flow restrictor inside. Remove the water restrictor and soak it in white vinegar overnight and then brush away any debris with an old toothbrush. Rinse it well with water before putting your shower head back on.
If you can’t find the water restrictor, look for the user manual of your shower head. You can also permanently remove the flow restrictor, but this will increase your water bill. So make sure to only do this if you’re willing to spend more on your water bill.
- Fix Leaks In The Shower Head
If there are leaks in your shower faucet, it will also reduce water pressure. Sometimes the gasket of the shower head can wear out and cause a leak. The shower head might also be loose and need to be tightened.
To fix leaks, unscrew your shower head and check the gasket. If it’s damaged, you will need to replace it. To do this, simply take the old gasket to a hardware store and buy a new one that is the same size.
If the shower head is loose, tighten it with a wrench. Be careful not to over-tighten it as this might damage the threads. Also, use a cover towel to avoid scratching the finish of your shower head.
Read More: 2 Methods to Fix a Leaky Shower Head
- Check For Kinks In Supply Line
If the above steps don’t work, then it’s time to check the water supply line. Sometimes, the water supply line can be kinked, which will restrict water flow and reduce pressure.
If your shower has a flexible line, then kinks might be the reason for low water pressure. To fix this, simply remove the flexible supply lines and check for kinks. If you find any, straighten them out with your hands.
If your shower has rigid supply lines, then kinks are not the problem. However, corrosion or mineral deposits can build up inside the pipes and reduce water flow. In this case, you will need to replace the rigid supply lines to increase your water pressure in shower heads.
- Check The Main Water Shut-Off Valve
If you have checked all of the above and you still can’t find the reason for the low water pressure, then it might be an issue with your main water valve.
Maybe you had your plumbing work done recently and the plumber accidentally turned off the water main valve or it is partially turned off. This will reduce water pressure in your entire home, not just the shower.
To check the main water valve, locate it (mostly near the water tank or water meter) and turn it on fully. If you’re not sure where your main water valve is, you can always call a plumber to come and check it for you.
When your shut-off valve is fully open, it will increase shower water pressure. If it’s already on, however, then there might be an issue with your plumbing and you should call a professional.
- Call A Plumber To Fix Leaks In Pipeline
As mentioned above, many times the issue is with the water line and you will need to hire a plumber to fix it. Leaking pipes are a common reason for low shower water pressure.
If you have ruled out all other possible causes and you’re still having low water pressure, then it’s time to call a professional. A plumber will be able to diagnose the problem and may be able to increase shower pressure instantly.
Hiring a plumber can be expensive, but it’s worth it to have a functioning shower. So if you’re having water pressure issues, don’t hesitate to call a plumber.
- Check The Water Heater Shut-Off Valve
If you are getting good water pressure from the stream of cold water but not from hot water, then it might be an issue with your water heater. Every water heater has a shut-off valve that controls the flow of water into the heater. Over time, this valve can become partially closed and reduce water flow.
To check the shut-off valve, locate it and turn it on fully. It is mostly located near the water heater. If you’re not sure where it is, you can always consult the owner’s manual or call a plumber.
If the water pressure in your shower is unusually low, check to see if the shut-off valve is turned off. If it is, turn it on and it will improve water pressure in shower head. If the valve was already on, then there might be an issue with your water heater and you will need to call a plumber.
Read More: 9+ Causes And Fixes For Low Hot Water Pressure!
- Flush The Hot Water Pipes & Heater
Like your other pipes, your hot water pipes can also become clogged with sediment over time. This will restrict water flow and reduce pressure. The same goes for your hot water heater and hot water tank.
To flush your pipes and heater, you will need to turn off the power to your water heater. Then, open all the hot water taps in your home and let them run until the water runs clear.
Once the water is clear, turn off the taps and turn on the power to your water heater. This will improve the hot and cold water pressure in your shower should to normal.
If you’re still having low water pressure, then remove the pipes (the flexible ones) from your water heater and check for sediment. If you find any, flush it out with a garden hose. You can also dip these pipes in a bucket of vinegar to remove any sediment.
- Install A High-Pressure Shower Head
If you have tried all of the above and you’re still not getting enough water pressure, then you might need to install a high-pressure shower head. These shower heads are designed to increase water pressure and can make a big difference in your shower pressure.
There are many different types of high-pressure shower heads available, so make sure to choose one that is compatible with your shower. You can find these shower heads at most hardware stores or online.
Installing a high-pressure shower head is a relatively easy task that you can do yourself. Simply follow the instructions that come with the shower head.
Also, it is a relatively inexpensive way to increase water pressure in your shower. But again, if the main pipeline is the issue, then this will not solve your problem.
- Install A Shower Pump / Water Pressure Booster
If nothing else has worked, then you might need to install a water pressure booster pump. These pumps are designed to increase water pressure in your home and can make a big difference.
Installing a water pressure booster pump is not a DIY project and should be done by a professional. The cost of installation will depend on the size of your home and the complexity of the job.
But if you’re having serious water pressure issues, then install a shower pump to boost the pressure. It might be your best option.
You may find special shower pumps designed specifically for shower heads or to give you extra power in the shower. These can be a great way to get more water pressure if you can afford the bigger counterpart.
Bonus Tips To Increase Water Pressure
Maybe you have tried everything and still, have low water pressure. Then the problem may be related to your water use and timing. If everyone in your home is taking a shower at the same time, then that might be the issue.
Sometimes we don’t realize it, but the water pressure in your shower day falls during a certain time. This is usually in the morning when everyone is getting ready for work or school and this may reduce the amount of water in the supply line. So, if you can, try to stagger your showers.
Another tip is to not use too many water-using appliances at the same time. For example, if you’re running the dishwasher and washing machine at the same time, then that can put a strain on your water pressure. So, try to spread out your laundry and dishwashing throughout the day.
Finally, make sure you’re not using too much water at once. If you’re filling up the tub or running the shower for too long, then that can also affect your water pressure. So, try to be mindful of your water usage and time your showers accordingly.
Start Fixing Water Flow With Inexpensive Measures
There are many different ways to increase water pressure in your shower. But before you start spending money on expensive solutions, try some of the cheaper and easier options first.
Often, something as simple as cleaning your shower head or removing sediment from your pipes can make a big difference. So, start with these simple tips and see if they help.
If you’re still having trouble, then you can move on to more expensive solutions like installing a high-pressure shower head or a water pressure booster pump. But often, the simpler solutions are all you need.
Also, a professional plumber can come and take a look at your system to diagnose the problem and recommend the best solution. But again, sometimes, the above tips are all you need to get more water pressure in your shower.