How to Increase Water Pressure in Your Shower? Say Goodbye to Weak Shower Streams

Last updated on December 12, 2023

Learn the easy steps to increase the water pressure in your shower. From checking for clogged pipes to installing a pressure-boosting shower head, we’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to weak shower streams and hello to a powerful, invigorating shower experience.

One of life’s small joys is taking a hot shower. It is a time when you can forget your everyday stresses, however, nothing ruins a shower more than having inadequate water pressure. If your shower is more of a drip than a blast, you could be searching for solutions to fix the situation.

This article discusses how you can increase shower water pressure.

What Causes Low Water Pressure in The Shower?

A primary cause of low water pressure is often a malfunction in the plumbing system. This could be due to plumbing problems such as clogs or leaks. So, the first step is to make sure low water pressure isn’t the result of other plumbing issues in your home or apartment.

Another issue might be that the water mains that feed water to your home are very old. This is usually the case in cities where upgrading the main water pipelines presents a challenge for the local government, so low water pressure results from old pipes.

Alternatively, if you are farther away from urban centers, you may be supplied with water from a well and this could also present a possible factor for low pressure.

Finally, you may be experiencing low water pressure because of a malfunctioning or broken water pump. When we can trace the cause of low water pressure in showers back to the method by which water is supplied, this problem can be easily fixed.

Can I increase the water pressure in my shower without calling a plumber?

Yes, you can increase the water pressure in your shower without calling a plumber by following the simple steps we discuss in this article.

What is a water pressure regulator and where is it located?

A water pressure regulator, also known as a pressure-reducing valve (PRV), is a small valve installed on a home’s water supply line to reduce the high pressure of water flowing from the mains and maintain a more uniform pressure throughout the home’s plumbing and fixtures.

The downstream (or home) side of a pressure regulator is equipped with a spring-loaded valve that controls the pressure. As the spring is compressed to varying degrees, the pressure is altered.

Typically, a water pressure regulator is situated where the main water line enters the home and next to the main shut-off valve. That way if the water pressure regulator needs to be serviced or replaced, you may easily do so by turning off the main water supply.

Can using a high-pressure shower head increase water pressure?

If you want a more intense shower without increasing your water cost, a high-pressure shower head is the way to go. The water pressure and flow rate of a high-pressure showerhead are both higher than those of a standard showerhead.

In some cases, this is achieved by incorporating a massaging function into the showerhead itself, and in other cases, the flow reducer that is legally required to be in every showerhead is simply removed. Most people agree that showering with a high-pressure showerhead has several advantages.

In a perfect world, one would install a showerhead that both conserves water and produces a powerful stream of water.

How can I tell if my low water pressure is caused by a clogged shower head?

A blocked showerhead, old mixing valve, closed valve, leaking pipe, or broken water heater are just a few of the many potential causes of low pressure in the shower. A showerhead’s water flow can be impeded or even stopped entirely if mineral deposits are allowed to build up over time in the tiny holes.

Leave the showerhead overnight in a basin or bag of vinegar to dissolve the mineral deposits. Then, use a slender implement to brush or poke out any lingering debris from the showerhead’s openings.

How can I check if there is a leak in my plumbing system?

Depending on the source and severity, certain leaks may be noticeable right away. For instance, if a frozen pipe bursts through the roof, that would be hard to miss.

Other leaks, though, can be far more discreet. For instance, if you have a slab leak, you might not notice anything out of the ordinary until you get a water bill that’s significantly higher than usual.

When you have a water leak, you may notice some of these things:

➜ Discoloration of the walls, ceiling, and floor

➜ Damp patches underneath ceiling leaks

➜ Wet drywall

➜ Mold & mildew visible on the exterior of showers and tubs

➜ Foundation cracks in your house

Some of the more subtle indications of a leak are as follows:

➜ Odd, moldy smells; a stench that is often described as “musty”

➜ A dramatic increase in the amount and cost of your monthly water bill

➜ Discreet trickles of water when a faucet isn’t open

How do I know if I have low water pressure in my shower?

A pressure gauge test is the most reliable method for confirming the strength of your water supply. Water pressure “bumps” can be detected and measured with a pressure gauge. If you notice that your water pressure is not just low but fluctuates widely, this may be an indication of a problem with your plumbing and should be reported to your plumber.

Does it take longer for your washing machine to fill, dishes to be cleaned, shower pressure to be adequate, or yard chores to be completed? \Inadequate water pressure has these undesirable effects. A drop in water pressure can be expected whenever many fixtures are being used simultaneously.

The pipes in a typical house aren’t big enough to carry enough water to keep all your fixtures gushing water at full blast. However, if you are only operating two fixtures simultaneously and notice a decrease in pressure, this could be an indication of low pressure.

How To Increase Water Pressure in The Shower

1. Clean your shower head

You can save money on a new shower pump and plumbing by first removing the sand and grit from the shower head. It is not uncommon for water pressure to decrease over time as fine sediments accumulate in the plumbing system from the main supply. You’ll need a rubber band and a sandwich bag if you can’t take your shower head off.

2. Change the showerhead

If your showerhead has a “water restrictor,” you might perhaps locate it and take it out by following the directions provided with your unit. If you don’t have the instructions for the shower head, you can go one of two ways.

If you want to reduce the force of water in your shower, you can either have a plumber locate and remove the water restrictor or buy a low-pressure shower head. If you do your research, the low-pressure shower head will likely be the most cost-effective choice.

3. Shower pump installation

You should invest in a high-quality shower pump if you’re serious about improving water pressure in the shower. Shower pumps are little mechanical devices that are installed into your home’s water supply.

4. Installing an unvented pressurized cylinder

A shower pump installation is a quick and easy solution, whereas a pressurized unvented cylinder installation is a long-term solution that requires a complete redo of your plumbing.

In this case, the cold-water tank will be removed and replaced with a pressurized cylinder that is wired into the building’s main water supply. Because of the difficulty of this plumbing issue, only a highly skilled plumber should attempt to fix it.

5. Put in a cold-water accumulator tank and electric showerhead

Installing a separate electric shower that uses its own tank to store cold water is also another possibility. When hot water is in insufficient supply, this option is typically used. Only cold water from an accumulator tank is used in the shower.

To store water specifically for the electric shower, you’ll need an accumulator tank in addition to your regular water storage tank. Electric showers take in cold water, heat it, then blast it out of the shower head at high pressure.

6. Put in a power shower

A power shower is another viable alternative. The water used in a power shower can be either hot or cold. That’s why it’s important to fill up the hot water tank to its maximum capacity.

This increases water pressure in much the same way that a shower pump does, with a pump concealed in a wall-mounted box. The high cost of installation is one of the drawbacks of this method, since a shower pump offers similar functionality at a lower price.

Conclusion

It’s possible that increasing the flow rate of your showerhead may not only make your shower more enjoyable but also allow you to cut your shower time in half. Keep in mind, however, that the higher the flow rate, the sooner you will run out of hot water, particularly if you use a standard tank-style water heater.