7 Ways to Increase Pressure in Shower

A shower can lose its water pressure over the years for many reasons, leading to low water pressure. It happens so slowly often that it’s hard to notice, but when you least expect it, you’re left with a shower with little to no water pressure whatsoever. But fear not since it is quite easy to deal with different reasons why your water pressure has become weak in your shower.

And this blog I would like to go over my 7 pro tips to improving your shower pressure. You will find that my tips are listed from cheapest and less time consuming to most expensive and more time-consuming. Keep in mind that some of these tips may require you to purchase and install plumbing devices or accessories. It's important to consider this when diagnosing your shower pressure issues and determining the best solution for your situation.

Understanding Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure in your shower can be a frustrating experience, making it difficult to enjoy a refreshing shower. Understanding the concept of low water pressure is essential to identifying the root cause of the issue. Water pressure is measured in bars and is affected by various factors, including the height of the water source, the distance from the water source, and the condition of the plumbing system. Low water pressure can be caused by a combination of these factors, making it essential to diagnose the issue accurately.

Imagine your plumbing system as a network of roads. If there are blockages, narrow paths, or long distances to travel, the flow of traffic (or water) will be slow. Similarly, if your water source is far from your shower or if your plumbing lines are old and clogged, the pressure in your shower will be low. By understanding these factors, you can better pinpoint the cause of your shower’s low water pressure and take the necessary steps to improve it.

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure in your shower can be caused by several factors, including:

• Clogged or blocked showerheads and tap aerators: Over time, mineral deposits can build up and block the tiny holes in your showerhead, reducing water flow.

• Leaks or blockages in the plumbing lines: Even a small leak or blockage can significantly reduce water pressure in your shower.

• Partially closed or faulty water valves or pressure regulators: These components control the flow and pressure of water in your plumbing system. If they are not functioning properly, your water pressure will suffer.

• External factors: High demand on the local water supply or your home’s location in an area with naturally low water pressure can also affect your shower’s water pressure.

• Aging or outdated plumbing infrastructure: Older plumbing systems may not be able to handle modern water pressure demands.

• Flow-restricting showerheads or shower pumps: Some showerheads and pumps are designed to limit water flow to conserve water, which can result in lower water pressure.

By identifying the specific cause of low water pressure in your shower, you can take targeted action to resolve the issue and enjoy a more powerful shower experience.

Plumber's Tape

Plumber’s tape can come in handy in many different situations when it comes to repairing or reinforcing the plumbing in your house. It is something we all have laying around in our house, and I highly recommend getting a role if you don’t have it yet.

One of the simplest and most common reasons your shower doesn’t have the best shower water pressure is the fact that your showerhead may not be perfectly adjusted on to the water pipe in your shower, allowing much of the pressure to escape through the small gap. This is the reason why plumbers tape will come in so handy.

First you will have to unscrew the shower head from the water pipe in your shower. Then, if your water pipe already has plumber’s tape on it, I recommend removing it. Now, in a clockwise direction, roll out some plumbers tape onto the water pipe, wrapping the tape firmly but not too tightly. After all you have to do is screw the shower head back onto the water pipe tightly and check your water pressure to see if that helped.

Clean your shower head

Another main reason you are experiencing low shower pressure could be that your shower head has collected sediment over time due to the amount of minerals in your water. This sediment has slowly blocked many of the holes and small water pathways in your shower head.

This isn’t something to worry about because unless you’re using distilled water, which is usually found in grocery stores, the water you’re using most likely has a concentration of minerals in it. Over time, minerals will begin to build up where they have found themselves to be caught and so will begin to block holes where water comes through.

The way to best get rid of sediment is by unscrewing your shower head from the water pipe in your shower, putting it in a container with white vinegar, and leaving it for up to 24 hours and no less than 18. After you have soaked your shower head in vinegar, all you need to do is rinse it and tap it a bit, and screw it back onto the water pipe in your shower.

This stuff works wonders because of the vinegar's acidity. Vinegar's acidity slowly breaks down the minerals on and around your shower head, slowly unclogging it. That’s why this is one of the easiest and most efficient methods to unclog your shower head and improve your shower's water pressure.

Check your shower head for blockage

Sometimes, things can get lodged into parts in our shower heads without us realizing it. These pieces of things don't have to be very big, for none of the water pathways are holes in our shower heads are usually very big in size, so it is quite a normal reason for shower pressure to weaken.

In order to find what is blocking your shower head and where, the first step that you have to take is of course, to screw your shower head off of the water pipe. Afterwards, carefully take apart your shower head piece by piece, meticulously checking each one of these parts for any particles which may be blocking it. After checking each part, I do recommend screwing it directly back in order to keep the correct pieces and their designated spots.

Once and if you do find where your shower head has been blocked by a particle oh, I highly recommend removing it. Sometimes this can be a very simple and easy task, and sometimes it can be a little bit harder. But I always recommend keeping a small hand drill, some bottlenose pliers, and a screwdriver on hand for these tasks.

Now all you're going to have to do is put your shower head back together in the correct order, screw it back onto the water pipe in your shower, and check and see if the water pressure has improved.

Adjust or Replace the Flow Restrictor

The National Energy Act dictates that manufacturers install flow restrictors in showerheads to reduce water usage. However, these flow restrictors can also reduce water pressure and flow. Adjusting or replacing the flow restrictor can increase water pressure and flow. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Check your showerhead manual: Look for instructions on locating and removing the flow restrictor. This small device is usually found inside the showerhead where it connects to the water pipe.

2. Remove the flow restrictor: Carefully take out the flow restrictor and clean it thoroughly. Mineral deposits can accumulate on it, further reducing water flow.

3. Reinstall or replace: You can either reinstall the cleaned flow restrictor or replace it with a high-flow restrictor if you prefer more water pressure.

4. Test the water pressure: Turn on your shower to see if the water pressure and flow have improved. If not, you may need to consider other solutions.

Adjusting or replacing the flow restrictor is a simple and cost-effective way to boost water pressure in your shower without compromising on water conservation.

Inspect Water Valves and Pressure Regulators

Water valves and pressure regulators are crucial in maintaining water pressure in your shower. Inspecting these components regularly can help identify any issues causing low water pressure. Here’s how to do it:

1. Check the water valves: Ensure that all water valves in your plumbing system are fully open. Partially closed valves can restrict water flow and reduce pressure.

2. Inspect the pressure regulators: Look for any signs of damage or malfunction in the pressure regulators. These devices control the pressure of water entering your home.

3. Check the pressure gauge: Use a pressure gauge to measure the water pressure in your plumbing system. It should be within the recommended range (usually between 40-60 PSI).

4. Adjust or replace as needed: If you find any issues with the water valves or pressure regulators, adjust or replace them to restore proper water pressure.

Regular inspection and maintenance of water valves and pressure regulators can help ensure consistent water pressure in your shower, providing a more enjoyable shower experience.

Consider replacing your shower head

Sometimes the problem isn't the actual water pressure in our homes, but the shower head itself which is giving us low water pressure in our showers. This is due to the fact that what are the most common types of shower heads are water restricting. This means that there is a valve or mechanism within the shower head which only allows a certain amount of water to go through it. This has its pros and cons because on one hand it is very good for the environment, and it saves water which is always the way to go; but on the other hand, it could mean that the water pressure in our showers is not on par with our expectations or preferences.

If you have a water restricting type shower head, I recommend looking online for ones which are not water restricting. These are usually the same price, and you can usually even find the same type or model of your previous shower head, just without the water restricting mechanism.

Once you find a shower head that suits your needs and preferences, all you have to do is uninstall your previous shower head, and install the new one. I highly recommend checking the threading on the water pipe itself in case it's a little worn, so you have the chance to put a bit of plumbers tape around the water pipe before screwing on the new showerhead, as mentioned in my first pro tip.

Install a shower pump

In case you don’t know, shower pumps work as follows: the pump is activated when the water is turned on in your shower, and as the water travels towards your shower from the water tank, it has to pass through the shower pump you have installed. Once the water is in the shower pump, the pump uses an impeller to boost the water pressure before it reaches your shower. This completely ensures that the water pressure reaching your shower is top-notch and top speed, for there really is no other way the water can go except for through the water pump.

Install a pressurized unvented cylinder

This pro tip is definitely one of the more heavy-duty ones, for it does involve removing and replacing the cold water tank in your household with a pressurized cylinder. This is one of the more complicated tips that I have on this list, and I highly recommend leaving it all up to a professional so that you don’t injure yourself or cause any permanent damage to your home.

Another advanced solution to consider is installing a cold water accumulator tank, which can help maintain consistent water pressure by storing cold water specifically for your shower.

Pressurized unvented cylinders are very easy to find on the market, and I highly recommend looking into it whether or not you have low water pressure, for it is a great way to renovate older plumbing systems, and a great way to get more out of what you have, water-wise.

On a side note, they can be a bit costly, around €1500 or a bit less, so I also highly recommend finding one that fits your water system well, and is made from high-quality materials that way you can get the most out of your investment.

Install a power shower

Just like the option above, installing a power shower is one of the more lengthy and expensive options, but it is one of the most effective options in the long run. Essentially, a power shower is exactly what a shower pump is, except it boosts hot water and cold water, and additionally warms the water for you. This eliminates the necessity of having a separate water heating tank oh, and allows you to install just one thermostatic power shower to fix all your pressure problems.

Alternatively, you might consider installing an electric shower, which operates independently from the main water supply and can provide consistent water pressure regardless of your home's plumbing situation.

Power showers are so effective in fact, that they allow you to have body jets, rain shower heads, and other luxurious shower accessories. In other words, not only is this boosting your water pressure, but it is effectively eliminating the possibility of you ever having low water pressure again.

These do, unfortunately, required the expertise of a professional plumber, because there are many ins and outs that the average person probably would not know. Of course, you can always take this project on by yourself if you feel confident in your plumbing skills, or if you read and watch enough tutorials as the process goes on. But in order to make it a lot more time effective and hassle-free, I highly suggest looking for a professional who you trust to do this task for you.

There you have my 7 pro tips on how to improve your shower pressure. I hope that this help, and I hope that you don’t have any trouble doing them. Please stay tuned, for we upload many informational guides and blogs that will most definitely help you in any circumstance regarding your bathroom.

Conclusion with Final Tips

Increasing water pressure in your shower can be a simple and cost-effective solution to improve your shower experience. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can identify and address the root cause of low water pressure in your shower. Remember to:

• Regularly clean and maintain your showerhead and tap aerators

• Inspect your plumbing lines for leaks or blockages

• Adjust or replace the flow restrictor as needed

• Inspect water valves and pressure regulators regularly

• Consider installing a shower pump or power shower to significantly boost water pressure

• Consult a professional plumber if you are unsure about any aspect of the process

By following these tips, you can enjoy a refreshing and invigorating shower experience with improved water pressure. Don’t let low water pressure ruin your showers—take action today and transform your daily routine into a spa-like experience!