After a long day, you enjoy a warm and soothing shower. Water droplets quickly revitalize you. You enjoy your moment without being concerned about anything.
However, the entire experience can be a meltdown if the shower pressure is insufficient. A low-pressure shower will not provide the proper water speed and may not provide the pleasant bath you seek.
Instead of a full-fledged shower, you receive an ineffective modest trickle. This article will teach you how to boost the water pressure in your shower to make your bathing experience more comfortable and soothing.
Diagnosing The Water Pressure Issue
Turn on the shower at its maximum setting. Allow it to run for about one minute. Place a 5-gallon bucket beneath the flow of water and time how long it takes to fill the bucket. Start the clock when the water reaches the bottom of the bucket and stop when it begins to overflow.
Divide five by the time it takes to fill the bucket to get the GPM. If the time is 2.5 minutes, for example, five divided by 2.5 is two. The flow rate is 2 GPM.
Here are the typical GPM flow standards for your convenience:
- The standard flow rate from a low-flow showerhead is 1.5 GPM.
- The current Federal WaterSense standard in the United States is 2 GPM.
- 2.5 GPM: The legal maximum flow for all shower heads in the United States, set in 1992.
Methods To Increase Water Pressure In The Shower
Method 1: Cleaning The Shower Head
So, the first thing you need to do is inspect the status of the filth and thoroughly clean the showerhead. To begin, unscrew the shower head. Remove any filters that came with it.
Check the soil status now. If there is a visible build-up, thoroughly clean it with vinegar. This can be done with any vinegar. Fill a big basin halfway with vinegar. Submerge the showerhead in the vinegar and let it soak overnight. Take it out the next morning and rinse it with water.
You can clean the dirt out of the filters using an old toothbrush. Replace the filter and showerhead and test the water flow. Cleaning will undoubtedly improve shower pressure.
Method 2: Checking And Adjusting Water Pressure Regulator
A water pressure regulator (a pressure-lowering valve) is found in many public water residences.
The regular, normally positioned at the meter or where the service line enters the residence, guarantees that water does not rush through the pipes and produces a water hammer.
When the regulator fails, the pressure gradually declines, resulting in a loss of velocity that affects some or all of your home’s fixtures.
Method 3: Removing Flow Restrictors
To save water, modern shower heads frequently have flow restrictors. While these restrictors promise to reduce water use and expenses long-term, they reduce water pressure and flow through the shower.
Check the showerhead’s user handbook to see whether it includes a flow restrictor. You can find out about it on the manufacturer’s website if you don’t have it. You will undoubtedly discover the necessary information.
If there is a flow restrictor, removing it might boost the shower pressure. The process for uninstalling the showerhead is detailed in the user handbook. Some manufacturers also provide video instructions for removing the flow restrictor.
After removing the component, test the flow of the shower again. Continue to the next hack if the flow has not risen.
Method 4: Installing A High-Pressure Shower Head
Most likely, the water pressure in the shower is low since you are using a low-pressure shower head. The best option is to develop a shower head specifically for high-water-pressure locations.
These showerheads have a unique design that increases the water flow and provides a forceful jet stream despite the low pressure.
So, if the water pressure is bad, acquire a showerhead like this to remedy the problem.
Method 5: Cleaning Or Replacing Clogged Pipes
While severe situations necessitate the replacement of portions of pipe, you can treat minor blockages on your own. You can clear up the clogs at your system’s departure points by dissolving any minerals clogging the pipes inside your faucet fittings and shower heads.
Simply lay an open ziplock bag filled with vinegar over your shower head or tap, secure it with twine, and let it soak overnight. The next morning, rinse your cleaned fittings and reassemble your bathroom.
If this approach does not improve water pressure and you suspect a more serious mineral clog inside the pipes, contact a plumber to examine and repair the problem.
Method 6: Upgrading The Plumbing System
Tring!! Tring!! It’s time to call the plumber. Water leaks caused by cracked or broken pipes can siphon off the water as it flows through your pipes, leaving you with a trickle at the tap.
To see if your main pipe is damaged, turn off all indoor and outdoor faucets, then turn off the water valve in your home.
Method 7: Addressing Municipal Water Supply Issues
Galvanized steel pipes are more prone to corrosion over time, so pick better plastic or copper pipes if you decide to replace them. You should not feel obligated to do this particular repair yourself: Pipe replacement needs the services of a skilled plumber.
While it is expensive, replacing your pipes will do more than just enhance your bathing experience and boost water pressure.
In addition to increasing water pressure and reducing the likelihood of future leaks, replacing old plumbing with new can lower the possibility of corrosives contaminating your drinking water, resulting in higher-quality H2O.
Maintaining Optimal Water Pressure
You can test the water pressure yourself before calling your local water authority by using a water pressure test gauge with a hose connector. Simply screw the device into a hose faucet and turn on the water after ensuring all other faucets and water-using appliances (such as the dishwasher and washing machine) are switched off.
Also read: Useful Tips On How To Choose A Good Water Heater
Conclusion
Most of these hacks are simple, and you can attempt them at home without the assistance of a professional. You can test each one to discover the best option. However, before you do that, you must figure out what’s creating the difficulty.
If you cannot resolve the problem independently, getting expert assistance from a plumber is recommended. It will cost you money, but the end outcome will be beneficial.
