Low pressure in a shower can be caused by a number of issues such as a clogged up showerhead, a worn-out mixing valve, closed valve, leaking pipe, or even a faulty hot water heater.
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.
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.
The center of the restrictor is shaped like a star, or similarly shaped, and comes in a variety of colors. It's found behind where the shower head screws off of the pipe coming out of the wall or at the end of the flexible hosing of a handheld shower head.
To compensate for variations in pressure, flow restrictors decrease the volume that water flows through when pressure increases. Likewise, the opening will widen when pressure decreases.
Clogged Shower Head
Usually, this is a result of a build up of calcium or lime scale. These mineral deposits build up over time, accumulating on shower heads. This often clogs the water coming from the shower head causing lower water pressure or even an entire stoppage of water altogether.
Lower pressure could be more severe than you imagine, potentially involving serious problems like leaking or cracked water pipes and may require professional intervention before snowballing into a home plumbing disaster.
Many modern shower heads are designed specifically to increase the pressure of the water coming out of the showerhead itself. So, while they can't increase the actual water pressure of the home, they do improve the showering experience.
A quick and easy way to increase water pressure is to adjust the pressure-reducing valve, which can be found in your home, usually close to your water meter. If your pressure gauge reading was low, make slight adjustments to your regulator.
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.
Showerheads clog over time because of a buildup of mineral deposits—specifically calcium. You may notice water spraying out of the nozzle in random directions, part of your showerhead is completely clogged, or poor water pressure.
The flow control valves are used for controlling and adjusting the fluid or gas flow through the system. The pressure control valve is used to regulate the pressure of a fluid passing through the pipe.
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.
Shower heads require routine cleaning to operate at full capacity. Over time water and soap residue can build up and block the holes through which water passes. The slime that develops in a shower head prevents the chlorine in the water from flushing out irritants and organic matter.
Most plumbers can install a showerhead for about $75 to $150 (CAD 100 to CAD 200), according to The Home Depot.
Old shower heads commonly leak due to tiny cracks, old Teflon tape or grime and rust creating gaps. Even if the leak is slow, you could be wasting hundreds of gallons of water every year because of your outdated shower head leaking.
How often should you replace your shower head? Because many types of bacteria thrive in moist areas like your shower, it is recommended that you replace your shower head every 6 to 8 months. Keeping your shower head clean, especially if you have hard water, can be very difficult to manage.
Low water pressure can be the result of a problem as simple as a partially open water main valve that needs to be opened all the way. Additionally, low water pressure can also be the result of a much bigger problem, like a major leak, or the narrowing of the galvanized piping.
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).