How To Fix Low Water Pressure in the Shower

If you’re wondering how to fix low water pressure in the shower, we’ve got the solution for

you. The most common reason a shower has low pressure stems from the flow restrictor.

Our step by step guide will walk you through the process of unclogging your shower head,

eliminating your low water pressure, and restoring your beloved bathing time – all within 30

minutes.

What Could Be Wrong With Low Water Pressure In The Shower

If you purchased your home as a new-build and the low water pressure in the shower has

been chronic since move-in day, chances are that the issues stem with the initial

installation. You see, it is not uncommon for small pieces of solder, copper shavings, wood

dust, wood chips, globs of soldering flux, pieces of plastic, etc. to enter the water lines when

the water supply lines are installed. However, it is the responsibility of the plumber to flush

out the water supply lines before any fixtures are installed.

If the lines are not flushed before the shower head is installed, the rapidly flowing water

may carry a mixture of water and debris into the shower head. This may cause the

extremely small holes in the flow restrictor to become clogged or partially clogged in just a

few seconds.

Some of you may have a shower head that worked fine but the flow has reduced over time.

If this is the case, you may have pieces of sediment or debris from the city water system or

your well is clogging the restrictor. This is not uncommon, especially for homes fed by older

city water mains. For example, if a city water main is serviced, pieces of sediment can

dislodge in the main water line and flow towards your house. The main line that feeds your

home might become partially blocked, affecting the water pressure. Or the giant clog is

broken apart allowing smaller pieces of sediment to reach and block the shower head.

How To Fix Low Water Pressure In The Shower: Flow Restrictor

1. Detach the shower head from the angled pipe that projects out from the wall.

2. With the shower head off, turn on the water to the shower to inspect the flow from the

angled wall pipe. If a reasonable about of water flows, chances are the problem is in the

shower head. If water does not flow, you may need to have the water line flushed with the

help of a plumber.

3. If the problem is in the showerhead, look at the end of the shower head where the

angled wall pipe connected to it. You should see a small plastic disk. If no plastic disk is

visible, skip to Step 10.

4. Using a thin pointed piece of metal, carefully pry the disk out of the shower head. Go

slowly so you don’t fling the disk out and lose it. Also, you’ll need to reinstall the disk

exactly as it sit before you remove it, so be sure to remember (or mark with a Sharpie) the

side that faces angled wall pipe.

5. Once the small disk is removed, use a small straight pin or another object to clean out

the small holes. Use plenty of fresh water to help rinse away any debris. Homes with hard

water may want to soak the disk in a mixture of half water/half vinegar and then scrub the

disk clean.

6. Inspect the disk to make sure each hole is debris-free. Clean again if necessary.

7. Soak shower heads with hard water in the vinegar/water mixture as well. Scrub with a

toothbrush to ensure all of the hard water deposits are gone.

8. Rinse the shower head and disk to make sure no debris is left behind.

9. Install the small plastic flow restrictor disk and reattach the shower head to the water

pipe.

10. Some shower heads don’t have a plastic disk. If that is the case with yours, buy a new

shower head.

How To Fix Low Water Pressure In The Shower: Leaking Pipe

If you have low water pressure because the angled wall pipe between the wall and the

shower head is leaking, you can temporarily fix it by using some thread compound or Teflon

tape. Be sure to have a plumber fix the pipe properly and inspect the water line. Leaving a

leak in this condition could exacerbate thin pipes elsewhere in the water line and possibly

lead to a leak inside the walls.

Our servicemen are trained to look for and repair all types of leaks. If you think your shower

lines need to be flushed, need a dripping faucet fine-tuned, or the water pressure in your

house to be reinstated, call us or visit our website today.

Get more information, please visit https://www.deervalleyplumbing.com/