If you jump in the shower after a long day and are met by a trickle of water or abnormally low water pressure, it can be a major letdown!
There are many potential explanations for low pressure in the shower, such as a partially closed control valve, a faulty pressure regulator, a leaking pipe, or a clogged showerhead. While you can troubleshoot and fix some of these problems on your own, some may require a call to a professional plumber.
Have the low water pressure blues? Learn a few reasons why you’re struggling with low water pressure and what you can do to fix it!
First Steps
Before troubleshooting an issue with low water pressure in the shower, it is important to determine if it is a widespread concern or just relegated to the shower.
- Are both the hot and cold water in the shower affected?
- Does the sink faucet in the same bathroom have low water pressure?
- Do other areas in your home have low water pressure too?
Once these questions are answered, you can start to troubleshoot your low water pressure issue with the following reasons as a guide.
Reason #1. Partially Closed Control Valve
If you’re lucky, your low water pressure woes have a very simple solution. Examine your home’s main water shut-off valve, which is often located close to the water meter. If you just had plumbing repair done, this valve might be partially closed, which would limit the amount of water that enters your property.
Make sure that the valve is fully open, and recheck the pressure. But if that isn’t the culprit, check out reason #2.
Reason #2. Faulty Pressure Regulator
The pressure regulator works to maintain your home’s water pressure within a safe range of 45-60 psi. It is not uncommon for a pressure regulator to wear out over time or malfunction. If it is not working properly, it could impact the water pressure in your home.
Have a plumber from Best Home Services inspect the pressure regulator to see if it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Reason #3. Leaking Pipes
The plumbing in your home is a complex network of pipes that are mostly concealed behind the walls, below the floors, or above the ceiling. If a pipe is leaking, you might not notice it right away, but you may notice its side effects!
If there is a leaky pipe, less water will come out of your showerhead or faucets. You may also notice your utility bills rising without an explanation.
A leak can cause flooding and costly water damage. If you suspect a leak, call our plumbers at Best Home Services ASAP; 844-921-2833!
Prevent a clog> Plumbing Leak Prevention at Home
Reason #4. Clogged Showerhead
Southwest Florida’s hard water is particularly hard on showerheads. The tiny jet holes in your showerhead develop scale or mineral deposits over time, which affects the pressure and flow of the water in your shower.
An easy fix is to remove your showerhead and soak it in vinegar overnight. You can also use an old toothbrush to scrub the showerhead once the scale has been softened by the vinegar.
If your showerhead is old, you may be better off replacing it, which is relatively cheap depending on your preferences, and is an easy job to re-install.
Learn More> Do I Need a Water Softener?
Say Goodbye to Low Water Pressure Showers
Don’t be disappointed by the water pressure in your shower any longer! Though it might be an easy fix like a clogged showerhead or a partially closed control valve, if these don’t fix the problem, call our plumbers at Best Home Services for 5-star plumbing service today! We will diagnose and fix your low water pressure issue so you can enjoy a robust shower again!
Don’t let low water pressure get you down. Call Best Home Services for a consultation today—844-921-2833!