How to Increase your Shower's water pressure
Clean or replace shower heads.
- Clean or replace your shower head. Over time, mineral deposits can build up inside your shower head and reduce its flow of water. If you're not sure if the mineral deposits are causing problems, try cleaning the shower head with vinegar. This will help loosen any debris that's built up inside while also removing any soap scum or oil buildup on the outside.
- Replace your old shower heads with high-quality ones made of metal rather than plastic (this will ensure better durability). A high-quality metal model may also help increase pressure by improving water flow through a larger opening area and reducing back pressure caused by smaller openings that restrict water flow.
Check for pipe damage.
If your shower's water pressure is less than you'd like it to be, there are a couple of things you can do. First and foremost, check for pipe damage. Look at the pipes under your sink or bathtub and see if they're stained black from corrosion or leaking. If so, don't try to fix them yourself—call a plumber instead!
If you're not too squeamish about getting dirty and doing some plumbing work, however (or if you think this might just be a small issue), there are some basic tools that will help out:
- A wrench set with different size wrenches (10mm and 13mm should suffice)
- Plumber's tape (to wrap around the threads of pipes before screwing them together)
Be smart about where you put your shower head.
To maximize the impact of your new shower head, it's best to place it as far away from the tap as possible. This will help prevent water from splashing out of the basin and onto your face when you turn on the taps.
Alternatively, if you can't move your shower head due to space constraints or other design considerations, placing it directly above a tap may be an acceptable second option (though not ideal). However, never place a shower head immediately next to a tap - this will cause both water pressure and temperature fluctuations that can lead to irritation or even injury.
Use a shower pump.
If your showerhead has a nozzle that restricts the flow of water, remove it. Nozzles in low-cost showerheads reduce the amount of water pressure that's available to you by creating a vacuum so that only thin streams of water can pass through. If you notice pressure problems even after removing this piece, look for leaks in the pipes leading from your showerhead to its drain. To repair them, check out our leak detection guide!
If none of these steps improve your shower's performance, installing an inline valve might be just what you need. This device uses a small pump powered by batteries or electricity to boost water pressure before sending it through your home's plumbing system and into your shower head via flexible hoses. The best part? You don't need any special tools—just follow our step-by-step guide to install one yourself!
Note: if this seems like too much work or if installing an inline valve doesn't seem worth it (it can cost anywhere between $100-$250), there are other solutions available as well! For example: A higher grade model may offer better performance at half the price; replacing old parts like worn rubber washers could also help increase levels without having to pay extra money upfront; etc..
Install a hot water recirculating system.
Installing a hot water recirculating system is one of the most effective ways to increase your shower's pressure. To install it, you'll need:
- A pump at the farthest point from your hot water heater. This should be in a place that won't be affected by freezing temperatures, as it will have to withstand cold weather.
- A return line from the pump back to your hot water heater. This should be installed so that it can't get too hot (or else it could start corroding). Ideally, this line will go through an insulated pipe for better insulation and protection against freezing damage.
Once you've installed these two pieces of equipment, you'll have increased pressure in no time!
You should be able to have a high-pressure shower in your own home
A high-pressure shower is a luxury that most of us take for granted. It should be a relaxing experience, but it's often just the opposite. You can spend a lot of money on upgrades that may or may not work, or you can simply adjust the pressure on your existing shower head.
The best way to improve your shower's water pressure is by choosing an appropriate head for its location. If you want to install an accessory hose and bracket as an alternative to installing an entirely new system, there are several options available at local hardware stores and online retailers such as Amazon.
Hire a Plumber
If you're still not satisfied with your shower's water pressure, it might be time to hire a plumber. Casa Plumbing can make sure that the quality of your home's plumbing is up to snuff and can also assess whether or not there are any water leaks that could cause further problems in the future.
Contact Casa Plumbing today!