Do you ever feel like the water pressure in your shower is just not what it used to be? While there are a number of possible culprits, here are seven of the most common causes of low water pressure in showers. Keep reading to see if any of these might be the source of your problem and find out how you can troubleshoot them.
Do This First
Schedule Service Online
Get a free estimate so you know what you're signing up for
"*" indicates required fields
 For Emergency Services Call: 410-255-9300
Find out if the issue is widespread or isolated to just your shower. If it’s just your shower, then the problem is most likely with your home’s plumbing and not with the municipal water supply. You can check this by turning on all the faucets in your house and seeing if they all have low water pressure or if it’s just the shower.
If you find that the issue is indeed with your home’s plumbing, there are a few things that could be causing it. One possibility is that there could be a blockage somewhere in the pipes leading to your showerhead. This could be caused by anything from sediment build-up to something as simple as a toy that got flushed down the toilet and ended up lodged in the pipes.
Another possibility is that there could be a leak somewhere in the pipes. Even a small leak can lead to a decrease in water pressure, so it’s definitely something you’ll want to check out.
7 Causes Of Low Water Pressure In Shower Heads
Below, we’ll go into more detail about each of these seven common causes of low pressure in showers.
Sediment Build-Up
If you have hard water, then it’s likely that over time there has been a build-up of sediment in the pipes leading to your showerhead. This can happen even if you have a water softener because sometimes the sediment can build up faster than the water softener can remove it.
The best way to remove this sediment is to use a descaling solution specifically designed for removing mineral deposits. You can find these solutions at most hardware stores.
Low-flow Showerhead
If you’ve recently installed a low-flow showerhead in an effort to be more eco-friendly, then that could be the reason for the decrease in water pressure.
Low-flow showerheads are designed to use less water without sacrificing water pressure, but sometimes they do sacrifice water pressure. If you have a low-flow showerhead and you’re not happy with the water pressure, you might want to try a different type of low-flow showerhead or even just go back to using your old shower head.
Leaking Pipes
As we mentioned before, even a small leak can lead to a decrease in water pressure. The best way to check for leaks is to turn off all the faucets in your house and then go outside to see if your water meter is still moving. If it is, then you have a leak somewhere in your water supply line. It’s best to call a plumber to come and take a look because they’ll be able to tell you exactly where the leak is and how to fix it.
Corroded Pipes
If your home has older pipes, then they might be corroded on the inside. This can happen for a number of reasons, but the most common one is that the water in your area is high in chlorine.
Corroded pipes are more likely to develop leaks, so that’s something you’ll want to keep an eye out for. You can usually tell if your pipes are corroded by the color of the water coming out of them. If it’s brown or orange, then that’s a sign that the pipes are corroded.
Worn-out Mixing Valve
If you have a single-handle faucet in your shower or tub, it may include an internal component known as a mixing valve that regulates the quantity of hot and cold water delivered to the showerhead. If the water meter valve is blocked or damaged, it may affect the temperature and pressure. It’s difficult to get to and replace the mixing valve, so leave it to an expert plumber.
Need help choosing the perfect hot water heater for your home? Check out our previous article.
Faulty Water Pressure Regulator
If you have a water pressure regulator, it’s possible that it’s not working properly. The water pressure regulator’s job is to keep your home within a safe water pressure range (usually 46-60 psi). So if it’s not working properly, the water pressure could be too low.
You can usually tell if the water pressure regulator is the problem if you notice that the water flow is low when you first turn on the faucet but gets better after a few seconds. If this is happening, you should call a plumber to come and take a look at your water pressure regulator.
Municipal Water Supply Issues
Sometimes, the issue isn’t with your home’s plumbing at all. If you’ve checked everything and you still can’t figure out why you have low water pressure, then it’s possible that there is an issue with the municipal water supply.
This is especially common during times of drought when the water levels in reservoirs are low. You can usually find out if this is the case by checking your local news for any announcements about issues with the water supply.
Need Plumbing?
Don’t put up with a weak shower any longer. Have a certified plumber in Maryland check and repair the problem for good by calling MD Sewer And Plumbing. Make an appointment now at (410)-255-9300.
