Why You May Have Low Water Pressure In The Shower

The amount of shower pressure that you have is often a personal preference. Some people prefer a gentle stream of water, whereas other people want the water to come out at full blast. One thing that everyone can agree on is that very weak water pressure from the shower is not okay. There are several reasons why you may be dealing with lower water pressure in your shower. Some of these will be discussed below, along with what can be done about them.

Partly Closed Control Valve

Hopefully, the low water pressure that you are dealing with is simple and easy to fix. The first thing you will want to check is the primary shut-off valve to the house. You can usually find this located near the water meter. If you had plumbing work performed on your home recently, the valve may still be partly closed, which can restrict how much water is coming into the house. Sometimes, this valve can get bumped on accident by the homeowner, causing low water pressure. So, make sure this valve is open all the way, and check the pressure in the shower again.

Clogged Showerhead

Over a period of time, mineral deposits can build up in the jet holes of your showerhead, disrupting the steady flow and pressure of the water. You can take off the showerhead and leave it to soak overnight in a plastic bag of vinegar. Use an old toothbrush, or something similar, to scrub the entire showerhead. If your showerhead is old, you may want to simply replace it.

Defective Pressure Regulator

The pressure regulator is a device that is designed to keep the home's water pressure within a particular range. This range is usually 45 to 60 psi, which is deemed a safe range for residential use. It is not at all uncommon for this device to wear out and/or malfunction. If this happens, it could cause your water pressure to weaken. A plumbing professional will need to come out to inspect the pressure regulator to determine if it requires repair or replacement.

Leaking Pipe

Your home's plumbing system consists of a large number of pipes. If one of them is leaking, you are unlikely to see it immediately, although you may notice the warning signs or effects. If there is a leak, you will experience lower water pressure. Unfortunately, a leak can result in flooding and expensive water damage. Therefore, if you believe you may have a leak, contact a plumber immediately.

For more information when you are having trouble with low water pressure in your shower, contact a local plumbing contractor, such as Bud's Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electric.

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