How to Fix Water Pressure in Your Shower: A Simple Guide

A try start to a relaxing shower is ruined when water pressure drops. Less functional water pressure while you shower can be a major nuisance, whether it feels more like that trickle than the stimulating stream or an irregular flow leaving you less-than-clean. Thankfully, you can attempt a few fixes before calling the plumber.

In this article, we are going to discuss the reasons for low water pressure in your shower and basic measures you can follow to fixing shower water pressure on your own.

The water pressure in the shower is low and how to improve it?

An illustration showing different possible causes of low water pressure

To solve the issue, it is necessary to first figure out why. Below is a list of some usual suspects:

  • Another problem you may face while fixing shower water pressure is clogged showerhead — the mineral deposits from hard water can build up, causing a blockage.
  • Damaged or Old Showerhead: Usually, it is also there that the problem comes from, if the shower head is out of date.
  • Water Valve Problems: If your home is equipped with a main water valve, and it’s not open all the way, then you can experience weak water flow in many of areas throughout your house — including the shower.
  • Pipe Issues: There could be a leak or corrosion in the pipes leading into your property, which may cut off some of water pressure.
  • Low Municipal Water Pressure: If your entire home has low water pressure, it could result from a problem with the local water system.

These problems fuel the right actions on how to fix shower water pressure in your bathroom.

How to Fix Your Own Shower Water Pressure

1. Clean Your Showerhead

A close-up of a showerhead being soaked in a plastic bag filled with a vinegar solution

One of the simplest ways is to clean your showerhead. These tiny holes can become clogged due to mineral deposits and debris that decreases the flow of water through it.

To clean your showerhead:

  • Take off the showerhead and let it sit in vinegar mixed with water for up to a few hours or overnight.
  • Clean the nozzle with a toothbrush to eliminate whatever is left out and built up.
  • Give it a good rinse and then patch back up to see if your water pressure clears.

If the showerhead — either at a tilt or on an expander arm, though they may vary in composition — that you have selected not be removable, then fill a plastic bag with this vinegar solution instead (sufficient to immerse it during application), fasten it around the fixture’s end firmly with a rubber band and let sit.

2. How to Check and Fix the Water Valve

A person checking the main water valve in their home

The Main Water Valve for Your Home Determines the Pressure Everywhere If it is not opened up all the way, then this can have an impact on how pressure gets built in your shower. Find the valve, as described above and be absolutely sure it is all of the way open. This one easy fix will often clear up low pressure and make your shower water flow feel good as new.

3. Replace the Showerhead

Replace the Showerhead
Source: homedepot.com

Often times, all you need is a new showerhead. New-age showerheads are more efficient at delivering water without wasting it. It manufactures models that are aimed to boost water pressure (sometimes referred also pressure-boosting technology). Simple bolt up installation and basic hand tools will fit this easy DIY project.

4. Inspect for Pipe Leaks

Inspect for Pipe Leaks
Source: callhamilton.com

Yet, if you have poor water pressure in your home it could be a sign that even something like dripping pipes is having considerable repercussions. In fact, sometimes the weakest sounding alert can harrow into well-signified evidence of shower pressures waning without anyone ever knowing there was an issue to begin with (as far as performance goes).

Watch out for signs of leaks – damp patches on walls, ceiling or floors. When it comes to leaks, your best bet is always calling in a professional plumber that can assess and eliminate the problem where necessary.

When to Call a Professional

Should you find that after following the above suggested steps and still have low water pressure, it might be necessary to call in a professional plumber. Recalcitrant blockages, corrosion in your pipes and issues with the plumbing system (or low pressure coming through from the mains) often demand a professional eye. In fact, depending on the issue professional plumbers can come out and inspect your home to get right down to what is going on behind those walls.

Conclusion

It may seem trivial but it can be annoying, fortunately we are often able to correct the cause of water pressure deficiencies in the shower without having to call a plumber. Taking care of a number of minute things — from cleaning or swapping the showerhead to checking on the water valve can go a long way.

If the problem persists, never hesitate to consult an expert for them to guarantee that you still get enough water pressure from your shower! So fixing a low water pressure shower head becomes quite doable with these how to steps and you will once again be able to experience real invigoration in your showers.

Read Next: Choosing Custom Shower Doors to Match Your Bathroom Style

Olivia Parker
Olivia Parker
I love turning houses into homes. At Updated Home, I share decor ideas and DIY tips that I've actually tried myself. What worked, what didn't, and what's worth your time and money.

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