Taking a hot shower is one of life’s little pleasures. But nothing ruins it like low water pressure. If your shower’s water pressure is driving you nuts, here’s a list of common causes to help you figure out and fix your problem.
Determine the Problem
Before we begin listing the typical reasons for low shower pressure in your shower, you need to determine if the issue is a single or widespread concern.
Are there other rooms that have the same issue? If not, does the sink faucet in the same bathroom as the shower also have low pressure? If you’ve narrowed the issue down to just your shower, then you can examine these common causes of low water pressure.
Low-Flow Showerhead
Low water pressure in your shower doesn’t make for a very relaxing time, and the cause of your problems could be your showerhead. Low-flow showerheads are great at conserving the water you use. But older versions can result in water pressure that is too low, which causes dissatisfying showers for you. Luckily, the fix is simple. Just switch out the showerhead for a new model.
Clogged Showerhead
It’s no secret we have hard water in Arizona. You may notice the mineral deposits it leaves behind on your faucets, but did you know it could be causing the water pressure problems in your shower?
The mineral deposits that accumulate on your showerhead can cause a decrease in the volume and flow of water over time. You might not have noticed it because it forms slowly over time. Good thing this is another easy solution. To remove the mineral build-up, remove your showerhead and soak it in a bowl of vinegar overnight (or eight hours). Then, you can use a small brush or toothpick to remove the remaining sediment from the showerhead holes.
Shower Mixing Valve Worn Out
If you have a single-handed faucet in your shower and your water pressure isn’t great, you should listen up.
Single-handed faucets have an internal part called a mixing valve that controls the quantity of hot and cold water sent to the showerhead. When the valve is stuck or worn out it can cause some issues. You can determine if this is an issue if your water pressure isn’t as strong as it used to be, especially when you try to increase the hot water.
It’s always better to get this piece replaced as worn out mixing valves can corrode and cause more damage over time. Since it can be tricky to gain access to and replace, it’s better to leave this in the hands of a skilled plumbing professional.
Water Heater Issues
If you notice low pressure only occurs when your shower is running hot water, the issue may lie with your water heater. If there’s a problem with your water heater, the hot water pressure will drop but the cold water pressure will remain the same. This could be caused by sediment, which means you’ll need your water heater drained and flushed out. Or it could mean your water heater is breaking down, which may mean you need a replacement.
Blocked or Leaking Pipes
A more complicated potential cause of low shower pressure is problems with your pipes, like clogs and leaks. Just as mineral deposits clog your showerhead, they can also get stuck in a water supply pipe and disrupt the flow to your shower.
Small leaks can also cause a dip in your water pressure but can be tricky to spot. To find out if you have an undetected leak, you can use your water meter to help you. Make sure you completely turn off all water appliances and fixtures. Write down the reading on your water meter, wait half an hour (meanwhile, don’t turn any water appliance or fixtures on), and read the meter again. If the number has gone up since your first checked, you know you have a leak.
Whether you suspect a clog or a leak in your plumbing system, it’s important to have it investigated by a reliable plumber as soon as possible.
Wyman Plumbing & Mechanical is Ready to Fix Your Shower
Don’t put up with weak water pressure any longer than you have to. Contact the Wyman Plumbing & Mechanical team to take a look and fix the problem for good! Our plumbers are licensed, insured, and dedicated to giving you the highest level of service. While headquartered in North Phoenix, we proudly service the entire North Valley area and are ready to help you with your plumbing needs!
