How to Increase Water Pressure in Shower

How to Test Water Pressure for the Shower

You love a warm and comforting shower after a tiring day. The water droplets instantly rejuvenate you. You enjoy your own moment without being worried about anything at all.

But, the whole experience may become a meltdown if the shower pressure is not enough. A shower with low pressure will not have the desired water speed and may not offer you the relaxing bath you desire. Instead of a full-blown shower, you get a low stream that does not do the job properly.

Is that the case? Then you are in the right place. In this article, you will learn about different tricks to increase the water pressure in the shower to make your bathing experience more enjoyable and relaxing.

So, read on to know more about those exciting hacks!

What Causes Low Water Pressure in the Shower?

Before you jump on to the solutions, let’s find the probable causes of low water pressure in the Shower.

• You are Using a Low Flow Showerhead

Low-flow showerheads come with flow restrictors to save water. But, these decrease the water pressure with a poor jet stream.

• There is Dirt

 It will not offer the desired result if your showerhead is dirty because the dirt is already blocking the water flow!

• The Water Valve is Damaged or Closed

A water valve is used to maintain the water pressure through the water pipeline. But, with time, these valves lose their efficiency. Probably, the valve is worn out and damaged and has failed to retain the maximum pressure for the shower.

In some cases, closed valves are the culprit. Closed valves decrease the water flow, and you get a poor shower stream!

• The Pressure Regulator is not Working Properly

The water pressure regulators keep the water pressure range under 46-60 psi to ensure that you get the best water flow within safe limits. If this pressure regulator is damaged or not working properly, you will get decreased water pressure in your home’s showers and other water outlets.

• The Pipe is Leaking

A leaking pipe often causes decreased water flow as a large portion of the water leaks out during supply.

How To Increase Water Pressure In Shower

Now, you know the root of the problem. Hence, move on to the methods for increasing the water pressure in shower-

• Clean The Shower Head

The easiest thing you can do to increase the shower pressure is clean the showerhead. With time, the shower heads acquire dirt and sediments. This can block the water path and the showerhead holes, resulting in lower water pressure.

So, the first thing you need to check is the state of the dirt and give the showerhead a proper clean.

First, unscrew the showerhead. If it comes with a filter, remove that, also. Now, check the dirt status. If there is a visible build-up, get it cleaned thoroughly with vinegar. You can use any vinegar for this. Take a large bowl and fill it with vinegar. Now, submerge the showerhead in this vinegar and soak it overnight. Next morning, take it out and rinse it with water.

You can use an old toothbrush to clean out the dirt for filters. Now, reinstall the filter and the showerhead and check the water flow. Removal of dirt will definitely give better shower pressure.

• Check For A Flow Restrictor

Modern showerheads often come with flow restrictors to save water. Even though these restrictors offer you to cut down water usage and water bills in the long run, they decrease the water pressure and water flow through the shower.

Check out the user manual of the showerhead to find out if that comes with a flow restrictor. If you do not have that, check online from the manufacturer’s website about this. You will definitely find the right information.

Removing a flow restrictor can increase the shower pressure if there is a flow restrictor. You will find the method of removing the showerhead in the user manual. Some manufacturers also offer video guidelines for removing the flow restrictor.

After removing the part, try using the shower again to check its flow. If the flow has not increased, move to the next hack.

• Check For Kinks

Often the water pressure in the showers decreases due to the presence of the kink in the water line or the hose pipe. Most often, users with flexible hoses experience this problem. Kinks or twists decrease the water flow. Hence, if there is less pressure in the handheld shower with a flexible hose, ensure it is placed properly without any twist.

• Check That The Valve Is Fully Open

Another easy way to improve the shower pressure is to open the valve to its full capacity. Often this water valve is shut off during plumbing work. The plumber may have forgotten to open it after completing their work.

If you have moved or relocated to a new place and found that the shower’s water pressure is worse, probably a closed valve is the main cause. Maybe the past inhabitants did not use showers often and closed them. Whatever the reason is, a closed valve is one of the main reasons behind the lower water pressure.

First, find the water valve. It is usually located where the main supply line enters your home or bathroom. Most valves come with a red lever. Check if it is open. If not, then open it to its full capacity.

Now, again open the showerhead to check out the water pressure.

• Check For Leaks

Is there not enough water pressure in the shower? A probable cause can be a leakage in the supply line. Often leakages cause the water to spill out from the pipe and decrease the water flow.

So, check out the conditions of the water pipes inside your bathroom or the mainline. If you find any leaks or a leaking pipe, give a call to your plumber. Leaking pipes are not good for you, and repairing them is the best way to restore water pressure.

• Open The Water Heater Shut-Off Valve

Suppose the water pressure is normal in other water outlets except the showerhead, and you have tried different methods without any positive results. In that case, it is time to check out the water heater valve.

Your home water heater has a separate line connecting to the shower. Often the valve is closed during summers when the heater is not in use. But, this valve restricts the water flow of the shower.

Hence, check out this first. If the valve is closed, open it properly. You will find that the water pressure has increased a lot.

• Flush The Water Heater

Often the water heater is the main reason behind lower pressure in the shower. Probably the water heater is the cause behind the problem. The heater and tank may have acquired sediment and dirt that have blocked the water pipes. This can cause the water flow to become slower than usual. In such cases, flushing out the water heater and the related lines often cleans the debris. The result? You get better water flow in your shower.

• Buy A Low-Pressure Shower Head

Probably the water pressure is lower in the shower because you live in a place with lower water pressure. The best way is to get a specially designed shower head for low water pressure areas. Three showerheads have a special design to increase the water stream and offer you a powerful jet stream despite the lower pressure.

So, if the water pressure is low in your location, get such a showerhead to solve the problem.

• Install A Shower Pump Or Similar

Shower pumps are specially designed bumps that boost the water pressure. Even though these are more expensive than the showerhead, you will get good results. The pump will increase the water flow and ensure you always get high jet flow while showering.

So, if you have tried all the possible hacks but did not get any results, get a shower pump. You can call a plumber to get the best recommendation and installation of the pump.

• Take Showers During Off-Peak Hours

Are you taking a shower during the morning or the rush hours before the office or school time? Then probably everyone inside the building is using their showers alongside you. When many people access showers from a single supply line, often the water pressure decreases, and you do not get the desired result.

You can avoid this issue by rescheduling your shower time. Take a shower before the peak hour of school or office time to enjoy better water flow. Probably, you are among the few who are shown during this off-time, resulting in increased water flow.

• Turn Off Other Appliances

Are you using appliances like the washing machine or dishwasher that require a constant water supply? Then the shower pressure will not be satisfactory. It happens because you have diverted the water supply to multiple channels, and hence you are getting less water in the pipeline connecting the shower.

Try turning off appliances like dishwashers or washing machines while you take a shower. You will experience better water flow and increased pressure for a comfortable shower.

Conclusion

Here are the details on the causes of decreased water pressure in the shower and how to increase the water pressure. Most of these hacks are easy, and you can try them at home without any professional help. You can try each of them to find the right solution. But, before that, determine the probable cause that is causing this problem.

If you are not able to solve the issue, it is best to get professional help from a plumber. It may cost you some money, but you will get a positive result.