Figuring Out the Cause of Low Water Pressure in the Shower

What Causes Low Water Pressure in the Shower?

Maybe one of the most frustrating problems a person will deal with is having to figure out problems with the shower. The shower is supposed to be a safe place where people go to get clean and comfortable. Instead, too often, people face problems while they’re at their most vulnerable. 

One of the most common things that can interfere with a shower is low water pressure. Low water pressure makes the shower uncomfortable and causes it to be longer due to the decreased volume of water. Troubleshooting the shower can reveal the underlying cause of low water pressure. Here is a quick list of three common culprits that rob the shower of water pressure. 

Rule Out the Water Heater 

When the water heater is to blame for low water pressure, the symptom will be present only on the hot water side of faucets, but it will be present everywhere in the home. If this is the case, the water heater has likely been neglected. Picking back up with maintenance practices can help prevent this cause of low water pressure. In some cases, water heater maintenance may be all that is needed to deal with this problem. 

Look for Leaks or Clogs 

Water in pipes within a home is held at a certain pressure. This pressure range found in homes and businesses is the perfect balance to provide ample volumes of water without stressing piping and plumbing fixtures. When leaks occur in the plumbing, pressure in the whole system drops. This can be drastic enough that the water pressure in a shower is negatively affected. 

In addition to leaks, clogs can cause pressure drops. When freshwater pipes are clogged with corrosion and scale, the pressure isn’t evenly distributed, causing losses in water pressure to certain plumbing fixtures in a home. 

Check the Showerhead for Problems 

To narrow down the shower head as the source of low water pressure, remove it from the pipe and inspect it. There should be no sign of white or green scale. If there is, the shower head should be cleaned with a cleaning agent specially designed to handle mineral scales. Once the scale is dissolved off the shower head, it can be reinstalled. 

In many cases, low water pressure in the shower that is caused by the shower head should be a wake-up call. Homes dealing with hard water that causes that much scale can benefit greatly from a water softener. 

What Is About Plumbing Inc.?

For straightforward pricing and answers on plumbing repairs, About Plumbing Inc. can help. Their experts locate and repair the sources of low water pressures quickly. Call today for plumbing service in Jefferson County, MO. 

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