What Causes Low Water Pressure in a Shower?

Do you need a professional to treat your home’s plumbing system? Call the specialists at Babe Plumbing for help!

Stepping into the shower to discover the water is weakly flowing from the shower head is not just an inconvenience but a sign that something bigger is going on with your plumbing. What causes low water pressure in showers? This guide explains some of the top reasons this problem occurs. 

If you need an expert plumber in Chaska, MN, to resolve your water pressure problems, look no further than Babe Plumbing. Our specialists understand the common causes of this issue and will restore your water pressure quickly. 

Troubleshooting Your Water Pressure Problems

Figuring out what causes low water pressure in showers requires a bit of troubleshooting. Depending on your situation, you may need to contact a professional plumber to repair problems in your plumbing system. Some common causes of poor water pressure call for extensive plumbing repairs, while others have simple fixes that should resolve the problem with minimal effort. 

Before you contact a plumbing contractor, do some investigating to locate the source of the problem. Experts recommend the following:

• Checking water pressure at different temperatures: Is your water pressure weak when you run your shower under hot and cold water temperatures? If the issue only occurs when you use hot water, it likely indicates that the problem lies with your hot water heater. 
• Running other plumbing fixtures: Plumbers will want to know whether you have low water pressure only in the shower or whether all of your faucets release water at a weak flow rate. A widespread loss of water pressure requires a closer inspection of your home’s plumbing system. 
• Searching for evidence of a water leak: Your water pressure could decrease because of a leak in the plumbing. Check for water spots, foul odors from your sewage system, or even higher-than-normal water bills. 

What Causes Low Water Pressure in Showers? 

Investigating your home’s plumbing systems and fixtures may give you an idea of what’s causing poor water pressure. Plumbers can diagnose and address the issue quickly so you can shower with normal water pressure again. Your home may experience any of the following causes of low water pressure. 

Malfunctioning Hot Water Heater 

Say you determine that your water faucets flow at normal pressure when you turn the cold water knob but that there’s an immediate change when you trigger the hot water. Instead of a widespread plumbing issue, you only need to focus on this one appliance. 

A plumber will inspect your water heater and make the necessary repairs to resolve the problem. Most homeowners experience low water pressure when sediment builds up within the water heater tank. Plumbers can flush the tank of sediment so it works efficiently again. 

Mineral Build-Up Within Pipes

Over time, the excess minerals in hard water will start to accumulate on the insides of your pipes. If you have hard water and notice a gradual change in your water pressure, the pipes could restrict the flow because of mineral build-up.

Let a professional inspect the pipes to confirm this is the cause of low water pressure in your shower. They can either perform a hydro-jetting service to clear all build-up within the pipes or replace them if necessary. 

Pipe Leaks

A leak somewhere in your pipes means less water is able to flow through your shower head, resulting in weak water pressure. Contact a plumber immediately if you suspect a pipe leak within your home. Experts have the equipment to locate the source of the leak and repair it fast. 

Faulty Regulator Device

A sudden change in your water pressure could be due to glitches with your water pressure regulator. This device helps maintain a normal water pressure between 45 and 60 pounds per square inch. If the device is malfunctioning, a plumber will need to adjust the settings accordingly. 

How To Restore Water Pressure On Your Own

Knowing what causes low water pressure in showers is important because the solution may be simple enough to do on your own. While the issues mentioned above all require repairs from a professional plumber, there are a few other causes you can easily fix on your own. 

One of the easiest ways to restore your water pressure is by checking the valves on your home’s water meter box. If the valves point toward the “off” position, it can drastically impact your overall water pressure. Make sure they are set to “on” at all times. 

Another simple solution is to clean your shower head since minerals can collect and clog the holes. You can try the following DIY cleaning solution:

• Mix one part white vinegar and one part hot water.
• Place your shower head in the solution. 
• Let the shower head sit overnight in the mixture. 
• Take a soft bristle brush and scrub over the holes of the shower head. 

This method should restore your water pressure when the issue is due to a clogged shower head. If you have hard water, you might need to clean the head frequently since minerals will collect every time you turn your shower on. Installing a water softener can prevent this issue and make your water supply cleaner and safer. 

Make sure you contact a professional plumber if these DIY techniques don’t make an impact on your water pressure. A larger issue is likely causing the weak water pressure, and only a qualified plumber can diagnose and repair the problem. 

Contact Babe Plumbing for Professional Solutions in Southern Minnesota

What causes low water pressure in showers? Do I need to use a drain tap in showers? The experts at Babe Plumbing can answer these questions and more. 

We have years of industry experience and can fix plumbing issues, big and small. Discover why our team is the go-to plumbing company your friends and neighbors trust. Give us a call at (507) 418-8387 whenever you need fast and reliable plumbing services in Minnesota.