Water pressure loss in the shower can hamper anyone's experience. You may experience breaks in water pressure if a toilet is being flushed, after which the pressure returns to normal. But chronic water pressure loss in a house that makes it difficult to rinse shampoo and soap is terribly inconvenient. There are several root causes of this issue. They can easily be fixed either through a DIY job or by calling a plumber who can address the issue.
Let's look at the several factors that can lead to water pressure loss in the shower.
A Clogged Shower-head
A clogged shower head can disrupt the flow of water from your shower. You can clean your shower-head using a few simple steps. Firstly, unscrew your shower from the wall and check for any visible clogs. Soak the shower in a cleaner and use an old toothbrush to brush off any debris stuck in the nozzles. If you are using hard water, mineral deposits can also clog your shower over time. If this is the case, you might eventually need to get your pipes replaced or cleaned professionally. Installing a water softening system in your home can help. Limescale buildup can greatly be reduced with a water softening system.
Low Flow Shower-head
A low flow shower head can also be a reason that you experience water pressure loss in the shower. The concept behind the shower head is great, which is to conserve water. But sometimes, low flow shower-heads can be stingy and can make water supply seem lacking. All you have to do is swap the old shower-head with a new model. This is a DIY job, and with a new shower head, your water supply can dramatically increase.
Water Heater Malfunction
Sometimes water pressure loss may only occur when you turn on the hot water. If this is the case, then there may be a malfunction with your water heater. You should contact a plumber and get the water heater examined and fixed.
Pipes That Are Broken or Obstructed
Broken or obstructed pipes can cause hefty damage. It can lead to a steady decline in water pressure in your shower. It's usually difficult to determine if this is the cause of pressure loss in the shower. There may be several signs, such as hearing or seeing water dropping or noticing water stains inside your home. It's important to fix broken pipes immediately as water leaks can damage the structure of your home. As soon as you notice a leak, shut off the water supply and call a plumber.
A Problem in the Water Pressure Balancing Valve
If you notice a water pressure loss in your house there may be a problem near the main water source. Usually, homes have water balancing valves installed. If there is a malfunction in the valve, it can cause water problems everywhere in your home. The balancing valve is in charge of controlling both the water temperature and water flow. This valve can often be affected by other fixtures such as flushing toilets.
As this valve mixes water to keep it at a particular pressure, other fixtures can divert this water. It takes the valve some time to adjust this water supply. This can cause an overall drop in water pressure in your home. You can balance this by switching to a thermostatic mixing valve. These valves work similarly to the water balancing valves. They control the temperature of the water without any changes in water pressure.
An Issue with the Diverter Valve
A diverter valve is used to divert water to your shower head. Over time these valves can break or malfunction. If so, the valve does not open enough to push water up to the shower-head, thus reducing the flow of water. If you notice the water pressure is steady in the bath but low in the shower, this is probably the case. You will need to replace the present diverter valve and install a new one. Water pressure loss in the shower is a common occurrence due to a broken diverter valve.
Double Check with Your Water Provider
Most homes receive water supply from municipal sources. But there can be an issue with the amount of water flowing into your home. Double-checking with your water provider can determine if this is the case. You can increase the water supply to your home by adjusting the inflow of water coming into your home. This may require a call with your service provider and has to be done carefully.
DIY Jobs
To prevent water pressure loss, you can also do quick DIY jobs. If you have new pipes, you can patch them up yourself temporarily. Start by shutting off the water supply and making sure the pipe is dry. Apply an epoxy-based sealant to the damaged area of the pipe. Make sure to check the packaging and buy the right one, as some may not be suitable for pipes carrying drinking water or shower water.
Call a Plumber
If it's a bigger issue, you will need to call a plumber. Leaky, clogged, or corroded pipes need to be replaced or fixed and should be handled by a professional. If there is a problem with the valves, that will need to be checked by a professional too.
Take Precaution
Water pressure loss in a house is annoying and frustrating. These issues can also be expensive to fix if left unattended for a long period of time. To save up on the hassle and expenses, make sure to address these issues as soon as you find out about them.