Bathroom water pressure issues are no fun, particularly when they affect your shower. Low shower water pressure can make bathing harder and leave you feeling less clean in the end. Beyond that, it can rob you of the relaxing, refreshing experience you crave.
Depending on the cause, there may be a variety of ways to fix low shower pressure. Consider these causes and their potential solutions in a little more detail.
Common Causes of Low Shower Pressure
Low shower water pressure might stem from problems with the showerhead or larger plumbing issues.
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Clogged or dirty showerheads can restrict the flow of water. Soapscum, limescale or water-borne contaminants may be the cause.
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Old or narrow pipes may not provide an appropriate water flow to supply modern fixtures.
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If you have low household water pressure, there might not be enough force in your pipes to keep your showerhead working.
Many showerheads also contain water-saving flow restrictors designed to help reduce water waste. Most of these restrictors are designed to ensure a consistent water supply. However, some may cause too much of a pressure drop when hooked to your specific water line.
How to Quickly Boost Your Shower Pressure
The good news is that there are often a few simple steps you can take to try to fix low shower pressure.
Clean or Soak the Showerhead
A simple cleaning is sometimes all that is necessary to restore shower pressure, and many modern showerheads even come in easy-clean designs. Using gentle soap and water or an appropriate bathroom cleaner, wash the face of the showerhead using a sponge or microfiber cloth. Pay particular attention to the exit nozzles and surrounding areas.
When removing limescale or other hard buildups, it may be necessary to soak the showerhead before cleaning. Soaking your showerhead in vinegar is a tried-and-true limescale removal method. You can also soak the showerhead in a commercial limescale product diluted in water.
Check for Kinks or Blockages
You can usually unscrew the showerhead from the main fitting to check for and clear blockages. If your showerhead is attached to a hose (e.g., a handheld showerhead), flush the line using soapy water, a drain snake or an appropriate drain cleaner. Use caution if you find that the problem lies within your main plumbing (as opposed to within the fixture). Only attempt to flush these lines using approved methods or with the help of a plumber.
Remove the Flow Restrictor
It may be possible to remove your showerhead’s flow restrictor to restore water pressure. However, doing so may also overcorrect the issue. This could lead to a significant pressure increase that makes showering uncomfortable. The increase in pressure might also strain your pipes and damage the fixture itself.
Long-Term Solutions to Improve Shower Flow
Beyond cleaning and clog removal, a few more permanent solutions may help you improve your shower’s water pressure.
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Installing a high-pressure showerhead may provide added power. These showerheads have specially designed spray patterns and water distribution to create a more powerful flow.
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Old or outdated pipes may not work well with newer fixtures. Therefore, you may need to upgrade your shower valves or plumbing.
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Consider adding shower pumps or pressure boosters to your main water lines.
If you notice that your home seems to have low overall water pressure, contact a plumber or your local utility provider to address the issue. They may be able to check your main water valve (which controls your home’s entire water supply) for any issues. They might also recommend improvements (like pressure boosters) to remediate the problem.
When to Replace Your Showerhead
You might find that your shower's water pressure remains bad even after you've cleaned the fixture and inspected your lines. If so, it may be time for a showerhead replacement. Old showerheads or those with significant rust, mineral deposits, damage or leaks cannot function properly. This may lead to both water waste and a drop in shower pressure. Modern fixtures are designed to function optimally with modern plumbing, and choosing the right showerhead can help ensure that you create a perfect experience.
A Better Shower Starts with the Right Tools
If your shower has pressure problems, it’s something to look into. Cleaning your showerhead or addressing your home’s low overall water pressure may help. Sometimes, though, you’ll need to upgrade to a newer showerhead. When it’s that time, Mintera has the solution with modern, mint-condition recertified products from your favorite brands like Delta and Peerless. Shop our full showerhead collection today and get ready to level up your relaxation.
