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.
