Nobody wishes to shower with so much water pressure that it feels like a hydro-jetting session, but it also shouldn’t be so low that you question if any water is coming out. So, what is the source of low water pressure?

Low water pressure in the shower is one of many residential plumbing issues that may occur for various reasons, but determining the source of the problem can be difficult. If you have low water pressure in one section of your house or commercial facility, it is easy to determine the source of the problem.

If there is low water pressure throughout your home or building, it might be an indication of a larger plumbing problem.

Although you will learn how to solve low water pressure problems in your shower, it is better to contact a professional residential plumbing company or a plumber and let them fix your problem.

reasons for low water pressure

What Might Cause Low Water Pressure in the Shower and Generally?

While blockages or other drain obstructions are one of the most prevalent causes of low water pressure in the shower and the house, there are additional reasons why you may be experiencing low water pressure:

  • Municipal issues
  • Changing regulations
  • Shutoff valve problems
  • Defective pressure regulators
  • Old pipes
  • Water-saving devices
  • Water filters
  • Aerator buildup
  • Fixture problems
  • Leaky pipes

1. Municipal water problems

Your property or its pipes may not cause a problem with the water pressure; a municipal water supply issue might cause it. Whether you’re friends with your neighbors, ask if they’re having the same problem; if so, it’s a good likelihood this is the issue.

Solution

The solution is to contact your water supplier. Contacting them may alert them to the problem or reveal that they are already working to resolve it.

municipal water problems

2. Changing city regulations

Although you should have been informed, the city has likely modified its water pressure rules (if so, your water supplier’s options are limited).

Solution

The solution: You have two choices: cope with it or get a water booster system. It’s a good idea to have one of these installed by a plumber.

3. The house shutoff valve isn’t fully open

Have you recently had any plumbing work done in the house? Perhaps the home cutoff valve, or stop cock, was temporarily closed while work was being done and never fully reopened. The water shutdown valve must be completely open to ensure adequate water pressure.

This valve may be found outside or inside your home, where the main city water pipe enters your residence. The handle will resemble the one used to turn on the hose.

Learn about other plumbing water valves.

Solution

To ensure that the valve is fully open, turn it counterclockwise to the extent that it will go; if the handle resembles a lever, ensure that it is parallel to the pipe.

open shut off valve

4. Defective pressure regulator

The pressure regulator regulates the input pressure of your plumbing system to make it safe and prevent piping damage. A faulty regulator can cause both an increase and sudden low water pressure in the shower and all fixtures in your house or building.

Solution

The solution is to double-check the PSI (pounds per square inch) setting. The majority should be set to 50 PSI, but your water pressure will also seem low if yours is set lower. If the PSI is wrong, ask a plumber to get a replacement regulator.

5. Using old steel pipes might cause low water pressure in the shower

Repairing old galvanized pipes is a costly endeavor. Certain pipe materials corrode faster than others over time, resulting in mineral accumulation and low water pressure in the shower.

If you’re unsure how old your plumbing system is or what material your pipes are constructed of, you should have it inspected as soon as possible. Certain pipe materials are no longer in compliance with the construction rules and have become outdated.

Learn more about other types of plumbing pipes.

Solution

The solution: Hire a plumber to check your pipes and give advice on how to remedy the problem.

old plumbing pipes

6. Water-saving devices

While beneficial to the environment, water-saving equipment such as low-flow faucets and showerheads are detrimental to water pressure.

Solution

If you already have one and are experiencing low water pressure in the shower, you may need to replace it with a standard faucet or showerhead.

7. Poor or malfunctioning water filters and softeners

When not performing optimally, water filters can significantly reduce home water pressure. The same is true for water softeners used in many local houses due to hard water.

Solution

The fix: Replace the unit’s filter or softener (occasionally, the entire unit needs to be replaced, but you should generally start with a new filter or softener).

water filters for home

8. Aerator buildup

Low water pressure in the shower might be caused by mineral or rust accumulation in the aerator (which affects the amount of water coming from your faucet without affecting the pressure).

Solution

To fix low water pressure by buildup, remove the aerator and inspect it to determine if it needs to be cleaned. Scrub it well before replacing it to discover if it was the source of your problem.

aerator buildup

9. Faulty fixtures can cause low water pressure in the shower

It is not unusual for fittings to become blocked due to dirt or mineral accumulation. The solution is to remove the fixture and clean it.

Solution

Because fixtures are quite inexpensive, you may want just to replace them.

10. Leaky pipes can cause low water pressure in the shower

If none of these factors leads to low water pressure, it might be due to a simple leak. Water leaking from your pipes means less water reaches your showerhead or other home and building fittings.

Solution

The solution: Request an examination from your plumber to pinpoint the cause of the leaks. Or, you can fix it by using pipe leak tape.

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