Common Causes of Low Water Pressure in the Shower – How to Solve Them?

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.

What is a Pipe Leak Tape – Everything to Know

Several types of pipe leak tape can be used to fix various plumbing leak issues. To patch leaking pipe joints, use pipe thread tape, often called “Teflon” or “Plumber’s” pipe.

Use silicone tape, also known as “leak repair,” “self-amalgamating,” or “fusing” tape, to patch hairline cracks in pipes or other non-joint leaks.

The uses for pipe leak tape in plumbing are surprisingly wide. You must have the correct pipe leak tape and know how to use it. The various repairs that can be made using typical types of pipe leak tape are listed below.

fixing a pipe leak with a tape

What is Pipe Leak Tape?

Pipe thread tape and silicone tape are the two types of tape commonly used in repairing leaky pipes. Both are often can be found in hardware stores and have various uses:

Pipe thread tape

This is also referred to as “plumber’s tape,” “PTFE tape,” “Teflon tape,” and “thread seal tape.” It is used to lubricate the connection between the joints to make threading quicker and disassembly simpler and to help to establish a watertight seal between plumbing joints.

Silicone tape

Because this type of pipe leak tape is only self-adhesive, it is also known as “self-amalgamating tape” or “self-fusing tape.” It sticks to itself, not the pipe, as other tapes do. A temporary waterproof seal can be established around a pipe leak by wrapping silicone tape around it.

They come in handy, especially in the boiler room and commercial plumbing systems with many pipes and might have electrical equipment.

When Should I Use Each Pipe Leak Tape?

Silicone tapes and pipe thread have very different uses. You should never use silicone tape on pipe threads, and pipe thread tape won’t properly fix non-joint pipe leaks. Instead, make sure you apply each tape as directed:

Seal leaking joints with pipe leak tape

Pipe joints may begin dripping if the connection between them has become loose or the tape or putty that seals the connection has become worn out. These two issues can be resolved with pipe thread tape.

Fix fracture leaks with pipe leak tape

The connection between your pipe’s joints can be loose, or the pipe leak tape that seals the connection might have worn out, causing your pipe’s joints to leak. Pipe thread tape can be used to fix either of these problems.

Get some pipe thread tape if you find that the pipe leak is coming from a joint.

Pipe Thread Tape on Leaking Joints

The old pipe leak tape between the joints will be replaced with pipe thread tape to fix a leaky joint. You must disconnect the connection before wrapping the tape around the pipe. Initially, shut off the water.

Unscrew the leaky pipe junction. Remember which way the pipe needs to be turned to be screwed into and unscrewed from the joint. The worn-out seal should then be removed before you start applying the pipe thread tape.

In the opposite direction, where you will screw the pipe back in, wrap the tape around the thread. Starting with the second thread from the bottom, wrap the tape four to six times around. Make sure the threads and tape are firmly attached.

Check for leaks after wrapping the pipe to the end and screwing it back into the junction.

a repaired pipe with a pipe leak tape

Silicone Tape for Fracture Leaks

This method is even easier. Once you have located the leak and are certain of its location, turn off the water. Dry the pipe area around the leak as much as possible before starting to tape it off.

Wrap the tape as firmly as possible, crossing it over itself multiple times. Wrap the tape around the region surrounding the leak. For maximum results, ensure the seal you’re making is as tight and secure on the pipe as possible.

Can Pipe Leak Tape Fix a Leak for Good?

A similar operation we explained may be done using regular pipe thread tape and can last for years. You can consider it a long-term (but ultimately temporary) remedy if the joint isn’t leaking.

While you look for more long-term solutions, silicone tape should only be used as a temporary treatment. Use silicone tape to stop leaks from growing worse or from wasting more water while you wait for a plumber, but never as a long-term solution.

Overall, pipe leak tape is surprisingly reliable and practical for many plumbing issues. By replacing joint seals with pipe thread tape, you can maintain the quality of your residential plumbing system with a quick do-it-yourself project.

Suppose you require professional assistance because pipe leak tape can’t create the proper seal. Fortunately, there are professional plumbers always just a phone call away. They will quickly and correctly solve the plumbing leak issue, whether pipe leak tape is necessary or not.