What Is Causing Low Water Pressure in the Shower?
Low water pressure is never fun. But when the water pressure affects the shower, things can go from a minor annoyance to a serious setback. Suddenly, showers take much longer than they did with standard water pressure. Even then, it can be hard to get all the shampoo rinsed out or the soap rinsed off. And no one wants to walk around all day with an itchy head or dry, flaky skin. But more importantly, low water pressure in the shower can signify a bigger issue at work in the plumbing system. Read on to find out how homeowners can figure out what may be causing their lower water pressure in the shower.
Problems With the Water Heater
The first step in diagnosing low shower water pressure is finding out if the problem is with both the hot and cold water or just one. It’s common to see that hot water is the culprit for low water pressure. This is because when the water heater has issues, it can affect the delivery of hot water throughout the house.
If it is only the hot water that’s the problem — and if it’s the hot water at multiple fixtures — then it’s most likely the water heater that needs to be addressed by a plumber. Sediment can build up in the water heater so much that it blocks the pipe that delivers hot water to the house. If this happens, having a professional plumber drain and flush the water heater and perform other essential water heater maintenance tasks could be the best way to resolve the issue.
A Leak Affecting Water Pressure
If the hot water isn’t the specific cause of the low water pressure — or if it’s not abundantly clear either way — then it could be a leak or a clog in the supply lines causing the low water pressure. Clogs can happen anywhere in the system, and they can occur in either the hot or cold pipes or both. Leaks can also happen anywhere in the system.
The best way to see if there’s a leak is to check the water meter when all the fixtures, taps, and water-using appliances are off. If the water meter continues to move — even slowly — then there’s likely a leak somewhere in the plumbing system. Even a small leak can affect water pressure and cause extensive water damage, so it’s essential to call a professional to have the leak located and fixed as soon as possible.
A Clogged Showerhead
Another common cause of lower water pressure in the shower is a clogged showerhead. Over time, sediment can build up in the holes of the shower head, causing flow problems. This can happen to any faucet in the house, so if there’s low water pressure from only one specific plumbing fixture, like a showerhead, for example, it’s good to check for the chalky telltale sign of sediment buildup.
If there’s sediment in the showerhead, the fix is pretty straightforward. By filling a plastic bag or a bucket with vinegar and soaking the showerhead overnight, homeowners can break down that chalky buildup. Then, after the showerhead has been soaking overnight, it’s a simple matter of using a coarse brush to clear out any remaining residue from the holes to fix the water pressure. Or homeowners can take the opportunity to upgrade their showerhead and install a new one.
About Force Plumbing and Heating LLC
Force Plumbing and Heating LLC is a family-owned and operated company serving Red Bank and the surrounding areas. They offer on-time arrivals and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for plumbing services in Red Bank, NJ.
