Why Is There Poor Water Pressure in Your Shower?
If a person is expecting a long, hot relaxing shower and is instead greeted by low water pressure, it can raise concerns. A homeowner might be frustrated that it’s taking longer to rinse off soap and shampoo or be worried about the possible causes of the sudden low water pressure in the shower.
Homeowners need to quickly call an expert to determine the cause of the low shower water pressure. An experienced plumber will likely check the water heater, look for leaks, and inspect the showerhead itself to determine the cause of the issue. Keep reading to learn how these potential problems can impact a shower’s water pressure.
Water Heater Issues
When a home’s water pressure changes, one possible cause is the hot water heater. After the expert arrives at a house, they will ask the residents key questions about their water pressure - including if they notice it when using hot or cold water or both. The answer to this question can help the technician determine if the water heater is the issue.
If a homeowner only notices water pressure issues when using hot water, it can signal a problem with the water heater. When a plumber looks at the system, they will check for issues like buildups in the unit and examine the valves. Buildup in water heaters can be due to minerals and sediment. As these accumulate, they can narrow the pipes, build up inside the tank, and restrict water flow, lowering the water pressure. A plumber will also check the water heater’s valves. If the shut-off valve is not fully opened or closed, it can cause water pressure issues.
Leaks
Leaks within a home’s water line can also result in water pressure problems. It’s essential for homeowners to call a plumber to inspect the line and look for plumbing leaks. Low water pressure throughout multiple fixtures can be a signal of a leak. Other symptoms of a leak residents might be familiar with include mold and mildew growth, wet spots on walls or floors, puddles in the lawn, and unusually high water bills.
A plumber may use several methods to determine if there is a leak and locate it. Some of the most common equipment they may use can include:
- Ultrasonic leak detection: An expert uses sound technology to locate a leak in this method.
- Infrared leak detection: When using this, a plumber will use infrared lights to check the walls and floors for signs of a leak.
- Video camera inspections: During these inspections, a technician will insert a video camera down the water line to look for damage and cracks.
Clogged Showerhead
While low water pressure in the shower can be a symptom of a problem in a home’s plumbing system - such as a leak or an issue with the water heater - it can also be due to an issue with the showerhead itself, especially is the low water pressure occurs with hot and cold water, but only with that one fixture. When determining the cause of low water pressure, one thing that should be done is to check the showerhead experiencing low water pressure for signs of buildup.
If mineral deposits clog the holes of the showerhead and block the flow of water, it will cause poor water pressure. To restore the water pressure, replace the showerhead or clean and remove the buildup. The clogging in the showerhead can be solved by soaking the showerhead and scraping out the sediment. The shower's water pressure should return to normal when this is complete.
About VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc.
VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc. has over 30 years of experience serving Chicago and the surrounding areas. They provide honest pricing, same-day service, and after-hours service. Call them today for plumbing services in Chicago, IL.
