How To Increase Shower Pressure

There's nothing like a refreshing and invigorating shower to start your day or relax after a long day at work. However, low water pressure could quickly ruin your showering experience, making it feel like you're standing under a dripping tap rather than a refreshing waterfall.

If you're tired of weak water pressure in your shower, this post is for you! In this article, we'll explore some tips and tricks to increase the low pressure in your shower and ways to help you enjoy a more satisfying showering experience.

Why Is Your Shower Pressure Low?

Understanding the underlying causes of low shower pressure can help you determine the best solution to increase shower pressure. By addressing the primary cause of the problem, you can enjoy a more powerful and satisfying shower experience. Low shower pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Clogged shower head

Mineral deposits and sediment can build up in your showerhead over time, restricting water flow and reducing shower pressure.

Old pipes

Over time, pipes can corrode and become clogged with sediment, reducing water flow and causing low water pressure in your shower.

Water pressure regulator

If your water pressure regulator is set too low, it can restrict water flow and cause low shower pressure.

Water leaks

Water leaks in your plumbing system can cause a drop in water pressure, reducing shower pressure.

Flow restrictor

Many shower heads come with a flow restrictor, which limits the amount of water that flows through the showerhead. While this can help conserve water, it can also cause low shower pressure.

Multiple water outlets 

Multiple water outlets in your home, such as a dishwasher or washing machine, may compete for water flow and cause low shower pressure.

Hot water temperature

If the hot water temperature is too low, it can reduce water pressure and cause low shower pressure.

Ways to Increase your Shower Pressure

There are copious ways you can increase your shower pressure. Note that if you don't have the right skills to work on your shower, you should seek help from a professional plumber. Here are some of the most effective and cost-effective ways to increase shower pressure in your home.

Clean your shower head 

A clogged shower head can be a common culprit of low shower pressure. Over time, mineral deposits, dirt, and grime can accumulate in the small openings of your showerhead, restricting water flow. To increase shower pressure, try cleaning your shower head.

To do this, remove the shower head from the shower arm and soak it in a solution of white vinegar and water for a few hours. This will dissolve the mineral buildup and unclog the openings, allowing water to flow freely.

Replace your shower head

If cleaning your shower head doesn't improve shower pressure, it may be time to replace it. A new shower head can improve water flow and provide a more powerful shower experience.

When choosing a new shower head, look for one with a high flow rate and adjustable settings. Some shower heads even have a massage or pulsating setting that can increase water pressure and provide a more invigorating shower experience.

Install a shower pump

A shower pump is a device that increases water pressure by boosting the water flow to your shower. A shower pump can be a good solution if your home has low water pressure.

Shower pumps come in different sizes and capacities, so you'll need to choose one that is appropriate for your needs. If you're uncomfortable installing a shower pump, you can hire a professional plumber to do it for you.

Check your water pressure regulator

The water pressure regulator is a valve that controls water flow into your home. If the regulator is set too low, it can cause low shower pressure. You can check your water pressure regulator by using a pressure gauge to measure the water pressure at your home's main water supply.

The ideal water pressure for most residential homes is between 40 and 60 psi. If your water pressure is lower than this, you may need to further adjust your water pressure regulator.

You can adjust it by turning the screw clockwise to increase water pressure or counterclockwise to decrease pressure. If you're uncomfortable doing this, you can hire a plumber to adjust the regulator.

Replace old pipes

If your home has old plumbing, the pipes leading to your shower may have become clogged or corroded over time. This can restrict water flow and cause low shower pressure.

If you suspect that your pipes are the problem, you may need to have them replaced or cleaned by a professional plumber. Newer pipes are less likely to become clogged or corroded, which can improve water flow and increase shower pressure.

Check for water leaks

Water or shower leaks can also cause low shower pressure. If there's a leak in your home's plumbing system, it can reduce the amount of water that reaches your shower. To check for leaks, turn off all the water in your home and check your water meter.

If the meter is still running, you may have a leak somewhere in your residence's plumbing system. You can hire a plumber to locate and repair the leak, which can improve water flow and increase shower pressure.

Remove flow restrictors

Many modern shower heads come with flow restrictors that limit water flow to conserve water. While this is good for the environment and helps save on your utility bills, it can also reduce shower pressure when you want to increase it.

To do this, remove the showerhead from the shower arm and look for a small plastic or rubber disc in the shower head. This disc is the flow restrictor. You can remove it by gently prying it out with a small screwdriver or needle-nose pliers. Once the flow restrictor is removed, reattach the showerhead to the shower arm and test the water pressure.

Increase hot water temperature

Sometimes low shower pressure can be caused by low hot water temperature. If the hot water temperature is too low, the water pressure will also be lower. You can increase the hot water temperature by adjusting the thermostat on your water heater. Be careful not to set the temperature too high, as this can be dangerous and damage your plumbing system.

Flush your water heater

Another water heater-related problem may be that your water tank may have been blocked by sediment, or the pipes may also be blocked by debris. The best option to increase water pressure is to drain your water heater and flush out all your pipes. This helps remove all debris in the drains and solves the issue of low shower pressure caused by debris blockage.

Check for multiple water outlets

If you have multiple water outlets in your home, such as a dishwasher or washing machine, they may compete for water flow. This can cause low shower pressure. You can try turning off other water outlets when you shower to see if this improves water flow and increases shower pressure.

Consider upgrading your plumbing system

If none of the above solutions work, consider upgrading your plumbing system. An older plumbing system can cause low water pressure and other problems. Upgrading to a new plumbing system can improve water flow and increase shower pressure. However, this can be a costly and time-consuming project, so it's crucial to weigh the costs and benefits before making a decision.

Check for kinks

Another quick solution is to check for kinks in the water line or hose. If your shower features a flexible line instead of pipes, ensure no kinks prevent fast water flow. For a handheld shower, ensure that the hose isn't twisted.

Best Showers for High Water Pressure

Some showers are more appropriate for homes experiencing low water pressure. So, it's good to check out the type compatible with your home's plumbing. You should also determine the best kind in terms of design, size, budget, and lifestyle. Here are some of the best showers for high shower pressure.

Electric showers

A great benefit of an electric shower is that you will receive instant hot water when you require it. The hot water you get depends on the power rating, measured in kilowatts. The higher the kilowatt rating, the more improved the water flow.

Digital and mixer showers

Digital and mixer showers are a great choice if you want to enjoy high water pressure because they can be fitted to gravity-fed or mains systems. Mains pressure from a combi boiler can increase water flow in your shower, while gravity-fed systems need a pump to give sufficient pressure.

Need Help Fixing Low Shower Pressure?

In conclusion, low shower pressure can be caused by various factors, as seen in this article. Fortunately, as also seen, there are several DIY solutions you can try to increase shower pressure.

However, some solutions, such as installing a shower pump or upgrading your plumbing system, may require professional help. If you have tried the DIY solutions and are still experiencing low shower pressure, it may be time to seek a professional plumber.

A licensed plumber can diagnose the root cause of the problem and recommend the most appropriate solution to increase shower pressure. It's important to address low shower pressure promptly, as it can indicate underlying plumbing problems that can lead to more costly issues in the future.