Plumbing Tips: Is Your Shower Losing Water Pressure?

One of the most underrated pleasures in life is taking a hot shower with good water pressure. 

But, over time, the water may not feel like it’s coming out as strong as it once did. And it may happen gradually so that you don’t even realize it.

First, you want to pinpoint the source. Is it a pressure problem throughout the bathroom or specific to the shower? 

If the pressure is adequate in the other fixtures in the bathroom, the showerhead may have a deposit built up inside it, blocking the flow. This is often the case if you live in a region where you have hard water with high mineral content. 

Luckily, this common problem has an easy fix. All you need to do is clean out the nozzle in the showerhead. Start by unscrewing the showerhead. Once it’s off, you can soak it in vinegar and scrub it clean with a toothbrush to remove any buildup. 

If cleaning it didn’t help, it may be time to replace the showerhead.

Whether you install a new showerhead or reattach the old one, it is essential to remember to secure it to the shower arm (the metal tube the shower head attaches to) with Teflon tape. 

Finally, if the cold water pressure is fine, the hot water pressure may be the cause. In that case, the issue may be a blockage in the hot water flowing to the shower inside the pipe or with the water heater if it’s happening throughout the house.   Learn why it takes so long for your shower to get hot water.

Need help diagnosing and fixing your shower’s water pressure?  Contact the experts at Agentis.