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.
Low pressure in a shower can be caused by several issues such as a clogged showerhead, a worn-out mixing valve, closed valve, leaking pipe, or even a faulty water heater.
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.
A flow restrictor will increase the pipe pressure on the upstream side of the restrictor. The increase in back pressure, coupled with the decrease in orifice size that the water can come through, results in a decrease in flow rate output (gallons per minute) but an increase in the flow speed and force.
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.
If low water pressure is affecting only your shower head, you should check for an obstruction in the shower head or see if your shower head has a water conservation filter installed. Otherwise when demand for water is high (such as in the morning or early evenings) pressure can be lower than during the rest of the day.
Step 1: Determine if the low water pressure is limited to your shower or if it's present throughout your home. You can do this by turning on various faucets and observing the pressure. If you notice the same low pressure everywhere… Your main water shutoff valve might be partially closed.
Yes. High-pressure shower heads increase water pressure either by decreasing the flow rate or using a compression chamber.
Pressure-Reducing Valve
Look on the main supply pipe near your water meter for a conical valve that has a bolt sticking out of the cone. To raise pressure, turn the bolt clockwise after loosening its locknut. Keep an eye on the gauge to make sure the pressure is within bounds, then retighten the locknut.
GPM means Gallons Per Minute. Also known as "flow rate", GPM is a measure of how many gallons of water flow out of your shower head each minute. Since 1992, a maximum of 2.5 GPM is the federally mandated flow rate for new shower heads. This means no more than 2.5 gallons of water should flow out each minute.
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.
The Fire Hydrant Spa Shower Head Spa Plaza is a good replacement shower head that is designed to boost water pressure in low flow settings. It has a 4-inch face to provide wide coverage, and this enables the water to reach all parts of your body.
Different showerheads require different psi for effective flow. If your home doesn't have enough water pressure for the head you choose, water won't be able to flow with enough strength or consistency to be effective. Most shower heads need between 40 and 60 psi.
Please keep in mind that all new faucets since 1994 are restricted to conserve water per EPA code mandates. Older faucets had no restrictions. Beyond intentional flow restriction, new installations can sometimes have reduced flow if the lines are not flushed prior to installation of aerators or shower heads.
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).
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.
Flow restrictors limit the amount of water flowing downstream, while pressure regulators affect the pressure of upstream water by changing the flow of downstream water. Water pressure regulators are not designed to control flow rate. However, they affect flow rate by managing the pressure within a water line.
Standard shower heads use 2.5 gpm, but to earn the WaterSense label, a product must use no more than 2 gpm and still meet strict performance requirements. The EPA estimates that the average family could save 2,900 gallons of water per year by installing a WaterSense-labeled shower head.
In a water flowing pipeline, water pressure and pipe size are dependent on each other. If the diameter of a pipe decreases, the pressure in the pipe will automatically rise. As per the scientific approach, pressure can be reduced by reducing the area of conveyance.
A fast drop in only one faucet means there's a problem with the faucet. Rapid low pressure affecting one area of the house may mean a corroded pipe issue. An abrupt water pressure drop affecting the whole house may mean a water main break (municipal water) or a well pump problem (well water).