Don’t Let Low Water Pressure Take the Joy Out of Your Showers
Taking a long relaxing shower at the end of a tiring day is one of the luxuries in life that most people enjoy, so when the water pressure in the shower suddenly drops and reduces the flow of water, it’s easy to see why this can cause not just discomfort and inconvenience but can also take the joy out of showering. If low water pressure is a problem, it’s important to narrow down the causes and seek professional plumbing help. This post will share possible causes of poor water pressure in showers.
Your Water Heater
When investigating sudden drops in water pressure, one of the places the issue may be originating is the water heater. This is because most of the water supply lines coming into the house direct water through the water heater. If low water pressure is a problem with hot water exclusively, it could be due to a problem with the water heater.
Issues with the water heater that could be affecting the hot water pressure include the following:
- Sediment buildup: Sediment can build up in water heaters over time, especially if routine water heater maintenance is neglected and affects the water pressure of hot water. This is because the minerals in water leave a residue that hardens and forms a thick layer of sediment in the tank, narrowing openings and causing a drop in water pressure.
- Leaks: Water heaters that have puddles of water around them or have rust markings on them could be suffering from a leak, which is another possible cause of low hot water pressure.
- Problematic pressure valves: A pressure valve that is malfunctioning can cause low water pressure as well. This can easily be remedied by resetting the valve or, in some cases, replacing it with a new one.
Possible Leaks and Clogs
Water heaters aren’t the only things in the house that should be checked for leaks. Pipes and other water fixtures should also be inspected for leaks or clogs. This is because leaks in the plumbing allow water to escape, reducing the volume of water that makes it out of the shower head.
Clogs can also cause low water pressure, as they narrow the diameter of pipes, which also stifles the flow of water. If the water pressure issue occurs with both hot and cold water and occurs in multiple fixtures, a leak or clog is likely the culprit, and a plumber can identify and fix them.
The Showerhead
If poor water pressure occurs with hot and cold water but only from one showerhead or fixture, it’s time to look closely at the showerhead or plumbing fixture itself. The many small openings in a showerhead’s nozzle can get blocked with mineral and scale buildup, restricting the flow of water and preventing homeowners from enjoying the shower experience.
Fortunately, if this problem is the cause of low water pressure, it’s easier to fix. All one needs to do is soak the showerhead in a mixture of white vinegar and water to loosen the stubborn mineral residue and then scrub it with a brush, and voila! The unclogged showerhead can be as good as new. Or homeowners can take the opportunity to replace older showerheads with better ones.
About Jim Wagner Plumbing, Inc.
Jim Wagner Plumbing, Inc. is a third-generation plumber serving Lombard and the surrounding areas. They offer upfront pricing, fast turnarounds, and quality solutions. Call them today for plumbing services in Lombard, IL.
