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.
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.
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.
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.
Two big reasons: To help lower utility bills -- and to conserve water. According to the EPA, the average family could save 2,700 gallons per year by installing WaterSense labeled showerheads. Since these water savings will reduce demands on water heaters, they will also save energy.
A standard 2.5 GPM shower head uses 2.5 gallons of water each minute. That's 25 gallons for a 10-minute shower. VS. A low-flow 1.8 GPM shower head uses 1.8 gallons of water each minute.
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).
Fortunately, if you are suffering from low water pressure in the shower, there are a range of quick fixes that can improve the flow of water in your shower. These include: Cleaning out the sediment. Replacing the shower head.
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.
The shower head is blocked.
If the shower is alone in experiencing low water pressure, no matter how many faucets are running, the problem could be a blocked shower head.
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.
Open your main water valve.
Your house has a main water valve, usually located near the meter; the valve controls the flow of water into your home's pipes. Find the valve and check to see if it's completely open. Opening a half-shut valve is one of the quickest ways for increasing home water pressure.
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.
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.
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.
When shopping for shower heads, be sure to compare “apples to apples.” A 2.0 GPM shower head simply will not reproduce the flow rate of your old, 3.5 GPM shower head. Know the Laws. Depending on where you live, retailers may only sell shower heads with a maximum of 2.5 GPM, 2.0 GPM, or 1.8 GPM flow rate.
Many traditional showerheads offer an output of five or more gallons per minute, or gpm. With a low-flow showerhead system, the average is closer to 2.5 gpm, with some faucets offering amounts as low as 1.6, reducing the volume of water used in a single shower to a mere fraction of what was going down the drain before.
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.