Many people don't realize it, but shower heads should actually be replaced every 6 to 8 months. That's up to two times each year! Most people neglect to do this, of course, but the reasons for keeping up with the replacements are more important than you might expect.
Over time, showerheads get worn down, causing the water pressure to change. If your showerhead is more than a few years old, you're probably due for a change.
Yes. High-pressure shower heads increase water pressure either by decreasing the flow rate or using a compression chamber.
In older homes or those with outdated plumbing systems that heavily feature galvanized pipes, mineral accumulation is a common cause of low shower pressure. These mineral deposits build up with time. Despite your best efforts, there's little you can do on your own to avoid mineral deposits and accumulation over time.
Depending on your current flow rate, you may be able to increase the flow simply by removing the filter or restricting device or replacing the showerhead with a higher-flow model, such as increasing to a standard 2.5 GPM head. Before you change the showerhead, make sure that the new model is legal in your area.
For water conservation purposes, most plumbing codes require faucets and showering devices to not exceed a certain maximum flow rate. Removing the flow restrictors could cause these devices to no longer meet these codes.
Differentiating Between Low Flow And High Flow Shower Heads
When it comes to Shower Heads, you'll typically find 2.5 GPM, 2.0 GPM, 1.8 GPM and 1.5 GPM. If you're looking for the most pressure, go for the 2.5 GPM Flow Rate, unless you are restricted because you reside in California, Colorado or New York.
It is recommended that your shower head is replaced every 6 to 8 months. This should be about twice a year. A shower head should be replaced this often for a variety of reasons. These reasons include bacteria buildup, black mold and sediment build up.
It may need cleaning, as a build-up of dirt, grime and limescale can affect water flow, creating blockages that may result in leaks. Alternatively, a leaking showerhead could be caused by worn or damaged inner seals.
The most common cause of low shower pressure is a blocked showerhead, as a result of limescale build-up. These blockages obstruct the water flow, leading to reduced pressure over time. Most showers are fitted with a filter, protecting the pipework from debris, but this can become partially blocked by scale.
Changing out your showerhead can be a do it yourself job and we are going to help you do it. Luckily, it's pretty easy to replace a showerhead. Even if your current showerhead “works just fine”, upgrading is a job that can save you money on your energy and water bills.
Most plumbers can install a showerhead for about $75 to $150 (CAD 100 to CAD 200), according to The Home Depot.
Part 1: Remove the Old Showerhead
Although you don't generally need to turn off your house's water just to replace a showerhead, if the shower arm to which the head attaches is very old, and if you haven't replaced the head in a long while, it might not be a bad idea to do so.
Do All New Shower Heads Have Flow Restrictors? Not all new shower heads come with flow restrictors. While many brands focus on water and energy efficiency, it's not a universal feature. So, before you make a purchase, it's a good idea to check the specifications and ensure they fit your needs.
What does a flow restrictor look like? Before you remove the flow restrictor from your shower head, you need to know what it looks like. A water flow restrictor is usually a flat, circular, plastic piece. The center of the restrictor is shaped like a star, or similarly shaped, and comes in a variety of colors.
Removing a flow restrictor is illegal according to the US Energy Policy Act of 1992, which limits the maximum shower water flow rate to 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM).
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Put the showerhead in a bucket or plastic container and cover it with white vinegar. Leave it to soak in the vinegar for at least 30 minutes, preferably around an hour. Don't leave brass shower heads in vinegar for longer than 30 minutes. Take the showerhead out of the vinegar and rinse it with water.
Your showerhead may not require a wrench to fasten it to the pipe in the wall securely. Hand-screw it clockwise onto the threads. When it is secure, hand tighten it a quarter-turn. The showerhead should feel a little more than snug.
Find the spigot closest to your source of water. Make sure all the taps and other water uses are turned off in your house. Now turn on the spigot and see how long it takes to fill the bucket. Dividing the number 60 by the time to fill the bucket will give you the gallons per minute number.