A nice, long shower is a wonderful way to start your day. Whether you use warm water to get your day started or enjoy taking a cold shower to give you a jolt of energy, good water pressure is an absolute must. If the water is just trickling out of the shower head, it is difficult to get enough water to properly clean your body and can make what is usually a relaxing time a truly frustrating experience. Here are some of the reasons why your shower is experiencing low pressure.
Clogged Shower Head
A clogged shower head is a common cause of low water pressure, especially in areas with hard water. Hard water is caused when a high level of mineral content is present in the water supply. As the water flows through the shower head, the minerals begin to settle and form deposits, limiting the amount of water that can flow through it. Installing a water softener system can reduce the mineral content and prevent future clogs, enabling you to enjoy a powerful water stream during your daily shower.
Faulty Pressure Regulator
The main water line coming into your home contains a pressure regulator. This pressure reducing valve is a device that is designed to maintain a safe water pressure level throughout your plumbing system. This pressure level is typically 40-60 psi. If this valve malfunctions, it can negatively impact the water pressure throughout your entire home, even your shower. There are several reasons why this pressure regulator would malfunction including normal wear and tear, blockages from debris or sediment, improper adjustment and even manufacturer defects.
Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes are another common cause of low water pressure. A leak can spring up anywhere along your home’s plumbing system including supply lines, joints and even your shower’s internal piping system. In cold climates, leaks can form after pipes freeze and then crack during extreme winter weather. High water pressure can also cause strain on your pipes and their joints, causing them to crack or burst. When water is leaking out of your pipes before it has a chance to reach your shower head, you will experience a decrease in water pressure.
If you suspect a leaky pipe is the cause of your low water pressure, you need to keep an eye out for common signs that indicate there is a leak in your home. Visible water damage on your walls, ceilings or floors can indicate a leak in your pipes. This can lead to noticeable water stains, mold growth or peeling paint. An unexplained increase in your water bill is another good indication there is a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. This is especially true if the leak is outside of your home and you have yet to notice a pool of water in your yard.
Water Supply Issues
In some instances, the low water pressure you experience in the shower is not caused by anything in your home. It is in fact an issue with the broader water supply. Your local municipality could be performing maintenance work on the main water supply that is connected to your house, which will lower your overall water pressure. A nearby water main break can also impact your water supply and lead to lower pressure levels.
Local water restrictions can also have an impact on your water pressure. If water conservation practices are put in place by your local government, you can experience a temporary reduction in your water pressure. Shared supply lines can also cause your water pressure to dip during times when a large number of people are using the water system. This can occur in apartment buildings, condos or closely packed neighborhoods.
Limited Water Supply Capacity
Most home plumbing systems are designed to handle a specific amount of water flow at any given time. If you run more than one appliance that uses water, like a dishwasher and washing machine, at the same time you are trying to take a shower, you will likely run into an issue with the water pressure. Also, if you are running your sprinkler system while attempting to take a shower, you are likely to run into the same problem. Certain appliances will take priority in your home’s water supply system and get the bulk of the water, leaving your shower system to get the remaining amount. Oftentimes, this is not enough water pressure to produce the stream out of the shower head that you’d like.
Old Or Corroded Pipes
Over time, pipes can deteriorate and lead to reduced water flow and a dip in pressure. If your home uses iron or steel pipes, rust can contribute to blockages that cause a reduction in water flow. All types of pipes are susceptible to deterioration due to chemical reactions with water. This can lead to rough or uneven surfaces inside the pipe, causing reduced water flow. The rough surfaces are also more likely to collect debris and sediments, further blocking the pipes and reducing your water pressure.
Water Heater Issues
A water heater can contribute to water pressure issues, especially if you are looking for hot water while in the shower. This appliance plays a critical role in the supply of water throughout your home and needs to be properly maintained in order to ensure the proper flow of water into and out of the tank. One way a water heater can impact your shower’s water pressure is a partially closed or faulty shut-off valve. Your water heater has a shut-off valve that controls the flow of water into the tank. If this valve is not open all of the way, lower levels of water will enter the tank and leave you with less hot water on the other side of the system.
Sediment buildup, such as calcium and magnesium, is another way your water heater can impact the water pressure in your shower. Over time, this buildup can settle at the bottom of the tank and block the flow of water.
Damaged internal components can also lead to reduced water flow and overall lower water pressure throughout your home. Corrosion and old age can cause these components, such as a dip tube, to malfunction. When this occurs, it can disrupt the flow of water through the system and lead to reduced hot water pressure.
Are You Looking To Fix Your Water Pressure?
Since there are so many different causes of low water pressure, it is best to work with a reputable plumbing company to find the exact one causing your issues. Here at F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch plumbing services that you can trust. We have been in business since 1870 and can handle any job no matter how big or small. We also offer expert heating and cooling services such as HVAC repairs, installations and maintenance. While low water pressure in the shower may seem like a minor inconvenience, it could be a signal of a larger plumbing issue. Our team is on standby to quickly address your water supply issues and help ensure that there is not a larger water leak causing significant damage to your home. Contact us today to see how we can help fix your low water pressure in Cheshire, CT, with our plumbing repair services.
