Low Water Pressure In the Shower: 7 Common Causes and Solutions
November 16, 2023
Picture this: You come home after a long day at the office, kick off your shoes, and reward yourself with a hot shower. However, you realize that all you’re getting is a drizzle, not a strong water stream. When this happens, you’re most likely dealing with low water pressure in the shower.
Low water pressure is what it sounds like—weak water that dribbles from faucets and shower heads instead of full force. Here, we’ll explore some of the most common causes of low water pressure, how to increase it, and the best showers to provide a steady stream of water.
What Causes Low Water Pressure in the Shower?
There are several reasons for low water pressure in the shower. The plumbing might have a closed valve, a low-flow showerhead, or a faulty pressure regulator, to name a few culprits. If you want to know more about common causes and how to fix low water pressure in the shower, continue reading to know more or call your local plumber.
-
Faulty Pressure Regulator
A water pressure regulator reduces the home’s water pressure by keeping it within a safe pressure range. The pressure becomes too low when the regulator fails, leaving the home with low water flow.
What causes a faulty regulator? One of the most common causes is sediment buildup inside the regulator valve. Over time, this buildup restricts the home’s water pressure. If you believe this is reducing your home's water pressure, consult an expert plumber.
Fortunately, our YES! plumbers are certified and experienced and can quickly get your home’s water flowing like it should. Give us a call at 844-216-9300 to set up an appointment.
-
Faulty Mixing Valves
Some showers have an internal device known as a mixing valve, which controls the amount of cold and warm water a showerhead receives. Unfortunately, mixing valves can wear out, reducing the pressure sent through the showerhead. Faulty mixing valves can also affect the shower’s temperature.
If you notice adequate water pressure everywhere in the house except the shower, a mixing valve is likely the problem. It’s essential to consult a plumbing expert for a mixing valve replacement.
Call us at 844-216-9300, and we’ll send an experienced plumber to replace your current valve with an efficient one that delivers optimal water temperature at the proper force.
-
Blocked Showerhead
Over time, mineral deposits will contaminate the showerhead and disrupt the water flow. The good news about managing blocked showerheads is that there’s a simple solution that doesn’t require intense labor or tools.
Follow these steps to remove mineral deposits:
- Disconnect the showerhead from its arm.
- Rinse the head to remove debris through the opening.
- Soak the showerhead in vinegar to dissolve any remaining deposits.
Add a few tablespoons of baking soda to the vinegar solution for extra cleaning action. Rinse the head with water before reinstalling it onto the shower arm.
-
Water Heater Problems
Water heater trouble can cause low hot water pressure in the shower. If the shower’s hot water pressure seems too low, the water heater is likely the main problem.
A water heater can cause problems if sediment or dirt accumulates, blocking the exit pipe. Blockage can slow the water flow significantly. A good water heater should have hot water flowing with the same pressure as cold water.
The first step to fixing a water heater blockage is to flush the built-up sediments inside the water heater tank. Attach a long hose to the drain faucet (hose bib) while putting the other end where it can drain water. Drain the tank until the water runs clear.
If you’re not comfortable with repairs, don’t worry. Our reputable team offers quality water heater repair and replacement services to get your tank operating as it should. Schedule service with our team by calling us at 844-216-9300.
-
Leaking Pipes
Leaking or broken pipes are no fun, but they should never be ignored. Pipes can leak because they’re too old, not well-maintained, or have contaminants, like mineral deposits, inside the supply line. When pipes leak, water drains out instead of traveling to the fixtures.
To determine if damaged or leaking pipes are causing low water pressure, walk around the house and check for any of the following:
- Damp spots
- Puddles
- Bulges or dripping from the ceiling if the bathroom is on an upper level
- Sounds of drips in the walls
Don’t forget to check the water pipes inside your bathroom to help pinpoint the exact pipe causing water trouble.
-
Low-Flow Showerhead
A showerhead doesn’t need to be defective or dirty to minimize water pressure. Low-flow showerheads come with a regulator to reduce the amount of water flowing through the showerhead. However, they can also decrease water pressure.
This is another reason water pressure drops in the bathroom and not the entire home. One solution is to swap out the showerhead for one that doesn’t restrict water pressure. You can read more about selecting the best showers along with built-in features for streamlining water pressure in the section below.
-
Municipal Water Supply Concerns
Problems with your city’s municipal water supply can also affect water pressure. In some cities, businesses and homes receive their water through underground pipes called water mains. If your home’s water pressure drops, there might be an issue with the city’s underground valves.
The best solution is to contact the city’s Department of Public Works and determine what’s happening. Ask about recent upgrades, repairs, or damages to the city’s underground pipes. The sooner you do, the sooner you can enjoy a refreshing shower after a hard day’s work.
The 4 Best Types of Showers for Increasing Water Pressure
Learning how to fix water pressure in the shower doesn’t have to be complicated. However, if you’d rather avoid the maintenance hassles, select showers that streamline water pressure. Here are four types of showers that can accomplish that.
-
Digital Showers
One of the benefits of digital showers is that they allow you to control the temperature and flow rate of the shower with a control panel. Plus, they come with pre-programmed features that enable you to modify shower duration, helping you and your family save on water usage and utility bills.
Digital showers are also compatible with any water pressure since you can find ones with both low and high water pressure settings.
-
Electric Showers
Electric showers don’t use a boiler to heat water. They rely on a heating element to raise the water temperature. Cold water is pulled through and heated.
Electric showers have a temperature dial to adjust the temperature for comfort. You can install a shower pump to increase the shower’s water pressure.
-
Power Showers
Unlike an electric shower, a power shower combines hot and cold water from the home’s supply. It doesn’t rely on an electric current to heat household water. Power shower benefits include a pre-installed pump inside the unit that boosts the shower’s water pressure.
-
Mixer Showers
Like power showers, mixer showers don’t rely on an electric supply to heat water, relying instead on a boiler. Mixer showers also mix hot and cold water to achieve optimal temperatures.
Mixer showers don’t come pre-installed with a shower pump, but you can add one if you like. For added water pressure, install a shower pump above or below the water source, such as a water tank. A pump will supply the needed pressure boost for a better shower.
Contact YES! today and a professional plumber can tell you what will work best for your home.
Select YES! for Your Water Pressure Needs
In addition to water pressure issues, you might be concerned about your home’s overall water consumption. If you want to learn more about how much household water you consume, check out our guide on water guzzlers.
But if water pressure is the primary concern, YES! can save you the trouble of dealing with low water pressure in the shower. When pressure troubles arise, don’t delay. Contact YES! and we’ll send an experienced professional to identify the exact problem and take steps to provide a comfortable shower for you and your family.
Last Updated: November 16, 2023