Have you noticed low water pressure when showering? No one likes taking a cold shower or feeling like the water pressure is too weak to get the job done! Water pressure can happen suddenly or sometimes just over time. This can be extremely frustrating and is a problem you would like to be able to fix by yourself instead of calling a plumber. Thankfully, there are several ways to increase water pressure in your shower that doesn’t require calling a plumber. In this article, I’m going to go over the different things you can do to increase water pressure in a shower. So hopefully, you can get back to enjoying hot showers with strong water pressure!
Check Supply Line Pressure
The first step is to check the supply line pressure. If the pressure is too low, this will definitely be a quick fix and could be just the root of your problem. To check the supply line pressure, you’ll need a pressure gauge. It’s relatively inexpensive and easy to find at any hardware store. All you have to do is attach it to your water supply line and turn on the tap – and then read off the number displayed on the gauge. The number should ideally be between 30-60 psi (pounds per square inch).
To adjust the water pressure, you will find the pressure-reducing valve near your water meter. If it was measuring low, you can make slight adjustments to your regulator. You will need to turn the regulator’s adjustment screw clockwise to increase pressure. Only make slight adjustments, then go back in and retest the pressure.
Clean Out Any Blockages to Increase Water Pressure in Your Shower
The second step is to make sure there aren’t any blockages in your pipes or the showerhead itself. This could be anything from limescale buildup, debris, or corrosion – all of which can reduce water flow significantly. To clean out any blockages, start by unscrewing the showerhead from its holder and giving it a good scrub with an old toothbrush (or pipe cleaner). Then turn off the main water supply and open any taps connected to that pipe so that all of the debris can flush out of the system. Once everything looks clear, reattach your showerhead and turn on the main water supply again – this should restore some of your lost pressure.
Replace Parts as Needed
If neither of those steps has worked for you, then it might be time for some more drastic measures – like replacing parts of your plumbing system altogether! Start by inspecting all of your pipes for signs of corrosion or damage – if any are found, they should be replaced immediately, as they could be causing a significant drop in water pressure. Next up is checking out any valves or regulators connected to that area – these are responsible for controlling how much water goes through certain areas at once, so they could also be responsible for reducing your overall flow rate. Finally, if nothing else works, consider replacing your old showerhead with a newer model designed specifically for low-pressure showers; these are specially designed with larger nozzles and higher flow rates than standard models.
Final Thoughts
Increasing the water pressure in your shower doesn’t have to involve expensive callouts or major renovations. Often times all you need is a bit of elbow grease and some basic DIY knowledge! Start by checking out your main water supply line using a simple pressure gauge. If this isn’t high enough, then contact an expert plumber before moving on to other methods, like cleaning out blockages or replacing parts entirely! With this guide under your belt, you’re well on your way toward restoring powerful showers back into life!
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