Is there anything more underwhelming than stepping into your shower with high hopes for a relaxing, high-pressure spray and only getting a weak drizzle? A weak drizzle that makes rinsing your hair feel like a chore.
Well, if you've been Googling "how to increase water pressure in shower", here's your answer – this helpful post. Here, we will break down what you can call pro-level strategies to help you go from slow flow to a spa-like power in your shower.
Whether you're dealing with a decades-old plumbing system or a brand new showerhead (which, actually, it might be time to get if you're dealing with an ancient one), these fixes will help. Let's go!
1. Clean Your Showerhead
The no-brainer for how to increase water pressure in shower is cleaning your showerhead. It is the first thing you should do, and frankly, many people overlook this very simple step. Over time, mineral deposits (like from hard water, if you're in an area like that) will clog up the tiny nozzles in your shower head.
That's what leads to the pressure drop and chore-like feeling when you're trying to get a good rinse after a day of hard work. One of the best ways to go about it is soaking the showerhead in vinegar for a few hours. Then, when you take it out, scrub it gently with a toothbrush. Or, just rinse if you're feeling lazy.
2. Remove the Flow Restrictor
Some of the best environmentally-friendly bathroom designs come with special showerheads. These modern showerheads have a built-in "flow restrictor", which is a small plastic disc that cuts down the water flow. Why? To save water.
But while that's great for the planet, it's not always great for pressure. If you want to increase the water pressure, try removing that restrictor (just be mindful of your water usage afterward, since water is a precious resource).
It's usually inside the showerhead inlet, and you can pop it out with a paperclip or needle-nose pliers.
3. Check for Leaks
A tiny leak in your plumbing system? It could mean a huge drop in pressure in your showerhead and the rest of the water utilities in the bathroom. Leaking pipes behind the walls, or even under the sinks, mean you're losing valuable water pressure. Before it even reaches your shower!
So, how to handle this issue? Check all visible pipes and connections, and note them down. If you can't find any yourself, call a plumber for a thorough inspection.
4. Inspect Your Water Pressure Regulator
Do you have a water pressure regulator near the main water line in your home? Well, then we know how to increase water pressure in shower for a comfortable experience without much effort. Just find the regulator and adjust it slightly to get the pressure back.
Check the reading on the regulator. It should say "psi" which is short for "pounds per inch." The sweet spot is around 50–70 psi, so try that.
5. Upgrade to a High-Pressure Showerhead
Many homeowners worry that bathroom upgrades are a costly affair, that you need time and a lot of energy to handle them. In reality, upgrading to a high-pressure showerhead is a simple and affordable fix. A new showerhead with pressure-boosting technology can also make shower experiences better. All you have to do is look for models with pressure-boosting tech or self-cleaning nozzles (i.e., for long-term performance).
6. Install a Shower Booster Pump
If you've got a gravity-fed system or low municipal supply, you will need a shower booster pump. It'll be your best bet if the water pressure issue is more structural. Yes, it's a slightly higher investment but it's a game-changer if you've tried almost everything after searching how to increase water pressure in shower.
7. Flush Out Your Pipes
As we mentioned earlier, sediment buildup is a common nuisance for homeowners. It's also what silently chokes your water flow and leads to dead-drop water pressure in the shower. Where does this happen most commonly? In older homes and places with hard water.
Here's a quick way to fix this issue, step-by-step:
- Shut off your main water supply
- Open all your taps
- Then turn the main back on
Just a disclaimer: this is not a "perfect" fix, but it might be exactly what you need to increase water pressure in shower if your pipes are the problem.
8. Open Your Valves All the Way
Sometimes, the problem is simpler than you think. And, so is the fix. You should check if the valve (main, isolation, or even a shutoff near the shower) is fully open or not. If it's not open fully that's what could be causing low water pressure in your shower. Also, make sure you double-check every valve between your main supply and your shower.
9. Try a Power Shower
You can go for power showers if the abovementioned fixes aren't helping you out and if you really want to get rid of the old, clogged showerhead. Go for a power shower that has an integrated pump for some serious pressure boost.
They're excellent if you are on a low-pressure system like gravity-fed plumbing. For many homeowners, simply switching to a power shower has been a great investment and an easy solution.
10. Avoid Peak Hours
Fun fact: Nearly all neighborhoods have peak usage hours that lead to a drop in water pressure.
Yes, mornings and evenings, when everyone's showering (or laundry day), can lead to sluggish flow. Plus, if the water pressure issue is also infrequent, you don't have to go heavy on fixing it.
Just try out a different routine or readjust your schedule so you can enjoy good water pressure during off-peak times in your home. Try late morning or late at night, if there's a noticeable improvement, that was the issue.
11. Soften Your Water
Finally, hard water is the silent killer of water pressure and nearly all US households are aware of it. It leads to sediment buildup, clogged pipes, caked up showerheads, and slow-throttled flow. To solve this issue, all you need is a water softener (and maybe an inspection to make sure the rest is in top condition). The water softener will help reduce mineral buildup and restore the pressure.
Final Thoughts
If you've made it this far, you're well on your way to a better shower experience. Try out the tips above and see what works best for you.
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