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Home Warranty

Home Matters Blog

How To Increase Water Pressure in the Shower

After a long day, there are few things better than stepping under a showerhead with hot, steamy water cascading around you. But what happens when you step into the shower and all you get is a pitifully weak dribble of water? Learning how to increase water pressure in the shower can help you reclaim that rejuvenating experience.

The Lowdown On Why Water Pressure Is A Big Deal

Water pressure is the force that pushes water through pipes and into fixtures, such as faucets and showerheads. It’s measured in pounds per square inch (psi) and determines how powerful and steady the water flow is when you turn on the tap.

High water pressure is not just about comfort; it’s also about efficiency. With the right amount of water pressure, your appliances work better, your showers are more enjoyable, and chores like washing the dishes or doing the laundry are more energy efficient. On the flip side, low water pressure can turn a simple shower into a frustrating experience and indicate underlying issues in your plumbing system that need attention.

Now that you know why water pressure is important, it’s time to fix your low water pressure. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to get you going:

How to Fix Low Water Pressure in the Shower

1. Start Troubleshooting

Running through a few preliminary questions may help you identify the cause of your low water pressure showerhead even faster.

Does the low water pressure impact both the hot and cold settings? If both settings are problematic, it could be as simple as a clogged showerhead. If only the hot water is affected, it may be your water heater.
Does the sink in the same bathroom also have low pressure? If so, it could be the result of a clog or closed valve somewhere in your home.
Do any other rooms in the house have the same issue? If your entire house is experiencing this issue, it could be your pressure-reducing valve. (Don’t worry; we’ll explain what that is in a minute.)
Do you have a low-flow showerhead? While these are great for conserving water, they can interfere with your shower enjoyment! Consider swapping it out for a quick DIY solution.

Keep your answers to these questions in mind as you navigate through your options on how to improve water pressure in the shower.

2. Check the Showerhead For Clogs

Water can carry minerals like calcium, magnesium, lime, and silica that can gradually build up and clog your showerhead, reducing water pressure.

If only your shower is experiencing low flow, the showerhead could be clogged. Remove the showerhead and turn the water on. Do you have a good flow now? If so, the shower head is the culprit. Either install a new one or clean it as below.

To give your low water pressure showerhead a quick, scrub-free clean, soak the head in a bag or bowl of vinegar overnight, taking special care to cover the nozzles in vinegar. The vinegar will remove those mineral deposits while you sleep!

If you find any remaining sediment in the nozzles after removing the showerhead from the vinegar, use a tool like a safety pin or needle to clear it out.

3. Check the Water Heater

Do you get good water pressure when using cold water in the shower or elsewhere in the home, and low water pressure when stepping into a steamy shower? If so, the problem may lie in your water heater.

For most homeowners, fixing a water heater is a little beyond the typical DIY project, so we recommend checking with our plumbers to see if yours should be repaired or replaced.

4. Check Your Valves

Your plumbing system has many valves—maybe even more than you realize—and closing or adjusting any of them can have a negative impact. Has anyone worked on the plumbing system lately? If so make sure all the shut-off valves are turned on completely. Check on your:

Water meter valve
Main shutoff valve
Inline valves

Open them all the way, then check your shower pressure again.

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5. Look For Corroded, Blocked, or Leaking Pipes

Those same minerals that can clog your nozzles can also damage old pipes, especially metal ones. Mineral deposits can gradually block off supply lines, and corrosion can gradually eat away at your pipes, causing leaks.

Look for evidence of water damage, such as:

Mold or musty smells
Discoloration in your ceiling
High water bill
Bubbling or flaking paint

Repairing any leaks may help improve low water pressure in the shower.

6. Consider the Mixing Valve

Does your shower have one handle or two? If there’s one handle for controlling temperature, your shower uses a mixing valve to combine hot and cold water.

But when a mixing valve is stuck or worn out, you may experience inconsistencies in temperature or even reduced water pressure.

Unfortunately, accessing and replacing a mixing valve is another complicated assignment, so contact our plumbers for additional support!

7. Check the Water Pressure Regulator

Your water pressure regulator is usually located right outside of your home and is responsible for keeping your pressure in a safe, desirable range—typically 46–60 psi.

But when the pressure regulator fails, your water pressure can dip well below those levels, leaving you disappointed every time you hop into the shower.

In general, a water pressure regulator should only be replaced by a qualified plumber, so call before you do any work!

Is Low Water Pressure Dampening Your Day? Don’t Worry. Be Warranty.

Don’t let low water pressure in the shower get you down. Whether it’s a sneaky clog in the showerhead, some grumpy old pipes, or a tricky water pressure regulator, the tips above will have you singing your favorite tunes in the shower in no time.

Ensure you're prepared for covered plumbing mishaps with a Home Warranty Plan from American Home Shield^®.

Our plans cover parts of kitchen appliances, laundry appliances, electrical systems, HVAC systems, and even those pesky plumbing systems with low water pressure.

Check out our FAQs or contact us to learn how we can keep your home humming happily.