How To Avoid Water Pressure Loss In Your Shower

You must know how annoying it is...you get in the shower and there's little to no water pressure...just a little dribble of water.  Or someone puts a tap on in another room and there goes your water.

There are various ways to fix or prevent this rather common problem which vary depending on the root cause of it.

1. Pressure Balancing Valves

These can cause all sorts of problems. If you have a single knob or handle to control both temperature and flow of water, then you could be at risk of interruptions in your water pressure.  These are often caused by other fixtures that are nearby, such as a flushing toilet, which can cause changes to both water temperature and pressure.

Pressure balancing valves mix hot and cold water together at a set pressure level.  When the toilet flushes, cold water is diverted, causing a drop in pressure in the cold water.  The pressure balancing valve then takes a couple of seconds to catch up and adjust, before which the water may turn very hot because the valve isn't getting the cold water it needs.  When the valve does adjust though, there may just be an overall drop in pressure as the valve adjusts the pressure from the hot water to be in line with the cold water.

There is an alternative valve that you can get fitted that will help you avoid this problem entirely: a thermostatic mixing valve. This offers separate controls for your water pressure and water temperature.

2. Diverter Valve Malfunction

If you have a shower over your bath then you most likely have a diverter valve; a knob or switch that diverts the water from the bath up to the shower unit.  If these malfunction then the valve may not open enough to send the full water pressure through to the shower.

If this is the case then you'll need a plumber to check the issue and, if it is the diverter valve that's the problem, the plumber can fit a replacement valve.

3. The Water Pressure Reduction Valve

Sometimes a water pressure problem can be house-wide and affect all the appliances and fixtures in your home.  If this happens then the problem could be close to the water source rather than with an individual item.  In some homes, not all, there is a water pressure reduction valve connected to the main water line. This can be found at the point at which the water enters the home.  This valve can malfunction, break or simply require adjustment.

Whatever the issue with your water pressure reduction valve, you should call a professional plumber to solve the problem.

4. Clogged Shower Head Or Pipes

There's always the possibility that your shower head is simply clogged and needs a clean.  If you can remove the shower head then simply soak it in a cleaning solution for a few minutes or in vinegar for an hour, then scrub it with an old toothbrush.

If you live in a hard water area then you may also experience the build up of minerals in your pipes. This can affect the water pressure in your shower.  You can avoid this build up by installing a water softening system, but if you already have a build up then the pipes may need to be professionally cleaned, or even replaced.

5. Broken Or Obstructed Pipes

This is the worst case scenario responsible for loss in shower pressure.  A leak from a broken pipe could do considerable damage to your home, without you actually being able to see it.

If you can hear running water when everything is turned off or you notice a rise in your water usage or your notice dripping or water stains then shut off your water supply and call a plumber.

If none of these potential issues are what's causing your water pressure drop, then call Leeva Plumbing on 01773 749 713 and we'll investigate it further and fix the problem.