How To Increase Shower Pressure
Nobody likes slow running water when they take a shower. Low water pressure in your shower can be caused by several factors. Identifying the cause will help determine the best solution to improve pressure for a more refreshing shower.
In this how-to guide we'll be covering the most common causes of a slow running shower and how you can fix it.
Tools To Increase Shower Pressure
You may not need all of the tools and equipment mentioned below to get your shower in good working order and what you use, depends on what is causing the slow running water.
Method 1: Clean The Shower Head
It's common for sediment and limescale to build-up both inside and outside the shower head and this could certainly have a detrimental effect on the water pressure causing it to run slowly. It's important to keep your shower head clean to maintain a consistent water pressure.
- Start off by unscrewing the shower head.
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Liberally spray limescale remover across the face off the shower head and inside.
- Use something like an old toothbrush and start off by scrubbing the face to remove any grime and limescale.
- Repeat the process but this time scrub the inside of the shower head.
- Rinse it thoroughly before refitting it and then test the water pressure.
Method 2: Replace The Shower Head
Over time, wear and tear can affect the efficiency of your shower head causing weak water pressure. The great news is, replacing the shower head is an easy DIY job that usually takes just a few minutes.
To replace a shower head, you'll first need to remove the old one. An adjustable spanner can come in handy here.
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For a fixed shower head, simply remove the head directly from the water supply line by unscrewing it in a counter-clockwise direction.
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If your shower is a handset style, you can remove it from the flexible hose by unscrewing it at the connection point.
Most shower heads are universal meaning that whichever you choose will fit the thread. That said, you'll need to stick the same design.
Method 3: Install A Shower Pump
Installing a new shower pump is a great way of increasing water pressure. However, this is only an option if you have a shower which is fed by a cold water tank and hot water cylinder.
You'll need to know what type of shower pump you'll need and this depends on the location of your cold water tank.
- If the water tank is located above the shower, e.g. in the roof, you'll need a positive shower pump that relies on gravity to pass water into the pump.
- Conversely, if the tank is around the same level or higher than the cold water tank, you should opt for a negative shower pump.
Whichever pump you purchase, ensure you follow the manufacturers instructions for proper installation and, if you're unsure, seek the advice of a qualified professional.
Method 4: Adjust the Shower Head Flow Restrictor
Flow restrictors are small component parts found within most new shower heads. Their main function is to regulate the water flow by reducing the pressure. While this sounds counter-productive to a high-pressure water flow, it's there to save water.
However, in some cases you may be able to remove the restrictor to increase water pressure. Whether or not you can do this depends on the manufacturer so consult the guidelines for instructions. Keep in mind, that while it can increase the pressure, it's also likely to increase water consumption.
