How to Increase Your Shower Water Pressure

If you’ve ever tried to wash an abundance of shampoo out of your hair using just a trickle of water from a shower head, you’ll know how annoying low water pressure can be. Low water pressure generally means longer showers that use a lot more water, resulting in a bigger bill, but how can you increase your water pressure? Luckily, that’s where we come in. Here are a few simple things you can try to increase your water pressure yourself before you call on a professional to help.

 

How To Tell if Your Water Pressure Is Low

 

• Place a one litre measuring jug under the shower head.
• Turn the shower on full.
• Time how long it takes to fill the jug.
• If it takes more than six seconds to fill to the brim, then water pressure is low.

 

What Causes Low Water Pressure?

 

One of the most common explanations for low water pressure is that the system is clogged, but there could also be a kink in the shower hose, a partially closed control valve or a water restrictor in place.

 

Clogged Shower Head

 

Over time, mineral deposits can form in the nozzles causing water to start spraying in odd directions. By simply removing the shower head and scrubbing the small holes with a tooth or nail brush, you can help to clear debris.

If you can’t remove the shower head, put it into a plastic bag filled with white wine vinegar, which should break down the mineral particles, and leave for 30 minutes. Then try running the water again to see if this solves the problem.

 

Hose Blockage

 

If your water pressure is low, it could be due to a kink in the shower hose. If this isn’t the case, remove the hose and check for blockages by placing it in a bowl of hot soapy water or white wine vinegar, and leave it to soak for half an hour before rinsing.

 

Partially Closed Control Valve

 

Check the main water shut-off valve to your home, which is typically close to the water meter. It could be you’ve had recent plumbing work done and the valve has been partially closed. This will restrict the amount of water coming into your home. Make sure the valve is fully open, then recheck the pressure.

 

Water Restrictors

 

Some people fit water restrictors to their shower heads as they can reduce the amount of water used per shower, but you can end up using the shower for longer whilst you try to wash away soap. When this happens, debris can build up around the water restrictor which can decrease water shower pressure. Check to see if this is the case.

 

How Else Can I Increase My Shower Water Pressure?

 

If the above solutions don’t work, and it’s your shower that you’re having trouble with, you could consider installing a shower pump. A shower water pressure pump is a small device that can be fitted to your home water system and a quick fix that doesn’t involve replacing shower parts or bits of the plumbing system.

The pump activates when the water is turned on in the shower. Then the water leaves the tank to travels through the shower pump before it gets to the shower head. The shower pump uses an impeller – which is like a mini engine – to boost the water pressure before it reaches the shower. A qualified plumber would need to install one as a break tank may also be required to avoid any damage to the mains pipework.

 

Need a Shower Repair?

 

If you require a shower repair or need a shower pump fitted, we can help. We can mend or replace all types of showers including thermostat, mixer, electric and power showers.

Metro Plumb, which has 40 depots across the UK, offers free no-obligation quotations and estimates on all plumbing works. Call our friendly 24/7 plumbers on 0808 250 9949.