When you hop in the shower after a long and tiring day, you expect to be met with a steady stream of hot water. However, this isn’t always the case — and the problem can turn a pleasant shower into a sluggish chore. Yes, we’re talking about none other than low water pressure.
Low water pressure is one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face. Unfortunately, this means that it can have many different causes. The amount of water flowing out of your showerhead can be affected by various factors.
Fortunately, there are ways to increase shower water pressure all on your own. There are several easy fixes you can try, but a few solutions may require additional equipment.
Are you tired of dealing with this frustrating issue? Let’s discuss five tips to increase water pressure in your shower below.
Eliminate Any Kinks
When discussing ways to increase shower water pressure, it can be helpful to mention the simplest fixes first. First and foremost, you’ll want to check the hose for any kinks that could be preventing the water from flowing correctly. You can also inspect the hose to ensure it hasn’t become twisted.
Hopefully, these quick fixes can help improve the water pressure coming from your shower. If not, there’s no reason to worry. There are various other solutions to try.
Examine the Shut-Off Valve
Have you recently had a plumber come to your house? If so, you might want to check to ensure that the water shut-off valve is open all the way. It’s possible that the plumber had to shut off the water supply before performing the service and forgot to open it back up before they left. Even if the valve is closed just a little bit, this can negatively impact the water pressure throughout your home.
Do you only notice this problem when using hot water? Your water heater shut-off valve could be completely or partially closed. You can re-adjust it so that it is fully open once again.
This is one of the easiest tips to increase water pressure in your shower since it doesn’t take a lot of effort. This one simple fix can do wonders for restoring your showers back to their former glory!
Thoroughly Clean the Showerhead
If you have hard water inside your home, you may have noticed a strange white film collecting on the surface of your showerheads. This film consists of mineral deposits — and it’s more than just an eyesore. In fact, this mineral buildup can restrict the flow of water from your showerhead over time, making it near-impossible to rinse the shampoo from your hair.
Luckily, you can quickly fix this problem and increase the water pressure by cleaning your showerhead. You’ll need a few items on hand, such as white vinegar, a bowl, and an old toothbrush.
How to Clean a Showerhead
You can choose whether or not to remove the showerhead. If you want to leave the showerhead where it is, simply fill a plastic bag with white vinegar, then secure the bag onto the head with a twist tie or rubber band. You’ll want to let the showerhead soak for at least a few hours; the best option is to let it soak overnight.
Would you prefer to remove the showerhead from the wall? Once you unscrew the head, start by scrubbing off any visible mineral deposits you see. After you’ve done this, fill a bowl with vinegar and place the showerhead inside it. As stated above, you’ll want to let it soak for a few hours or overnight if possible.
How to Avoid Mineral Deposits
Hard water can cause many problems for homeowners, from streaky dishware to dull-looking hair. If you’re tired of dealing with this issue, your local St. Cloud plumbers might recommend installing a water softener.
These filtration systems remove various minerals, including calcium and magnesium, to alleviate hard water. One of these systems can potentially help you avoid mineral buildup on your showerheads — and, as a result, all of the water pressure issues that come along with it.
Is your showerhead clean and free of any mineral buildup, but the problem persists? If so, there are many more ways to increase shower water pressure. Let’s go over more methods you can try.
Remove the Flow Restrictor
Many showerheads come with flow restrictors already installed within them. As the name suggests, the flow restrictor reduces the amount of water flowing from plumbing fixtures. Of course, these devices can have their benefits. For example, they can help you waste less water, which is a welcome sight for your water bills and the environment.
However, they can also have their drawbacks — especially if you live in an area that’s already prone to low water pressure. Fortunately, you can remove the flow restrictor from your showerhead if it has one.
As you can see, this is one of the more hands-on tips to increase water pressure in your shower. If you’re looking for easier ways to enhance the pressure, remember to keep track of your water usage.
For instance, you won’t want to run the washing machine or dishwasher at the same time you decide to take a shower. Keeping this simple piece of advice in mind can help enhance your showering experience.
Install a Shower Pump
Have you gone through all the ways to increase shower water pressure that were listed above? If none of these previous methods proved to be helpful, there is one more tip you can try: installing a shower pump.
It’s a good idea to contact a plumber to discuss the possibility of installing a shower pump. A professional can help you understand your options and assist with the installation. Although this solution can be on the costly side, it can also be incredibly helpful if necessary.
Schedule Plumbing Solutions You Can Trust
As you can see, there are many tips to increase water pressure in your shower. Some solutions require little effort, while others may require more time and money.
However, if you’re experiencing low pressure in the shower, the possibilities, unfortunately, don’t end here. There are a few larger problems — such as water pipe leaks — that could be causing water pressure issues and wreaking havoc inside your home.
Does your shower still have an inadequate stream of water when it should be a full-on gush? It might be time to call a plumber. Neighborhood Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical has the solutions to keep your plumbing system running smoothly. Contact our Forest Lake plumbers today for more information about how we can help you!