You will notice a low water pressure in your shower, making it difficult to get started on your day.
It's the struggle to wash your hair properly, the cooling water before it reaches your skin, and the shampoo you can't seem to get out of your hair. It's so frustrating.
There are quick fixes for low water pressure issues in the shower.
These include:
- Clean up the sediment
- Replacing the showerhead
- Installing a Shower Pump
- Installation of a pressurised unvented cylinder
- Installing an electric shower
This is where things can get complicated if you are new to plumbing.
You're probably wondering:
How do I install a rain shower pump? How can I get rid of the sediment? What is a pressure-unvented cylinder strong>?
These are all questions that can overwhelm someone new to plumbing.
This is why we created this guide on how to increase water pressure in your shower.
We will guide you through the world's low water pressure.
Is there low water pressure in my shower?
You can test your shower's water pressure by performing a three-step test.
This test can be done with a simple measuring jug, timer, and calculator.
*Note: We recommend that you consult a licensed plumber to determine the needs of your home.
How do you test the water pressure in your shower
Step 1
Under the shower, place a 1-litre measuring cup.
Step 2
Turn on the shower head or turn off the problem tap
Step 3
Time is the time it takes to fill the container.
Step 4
Low water pressure is when it takes longer than six seconds to fill the jug.
What causes low pressure in the shower?
There are many reasons why low water pressure can occur at the showerhead.
These are the most common reasons:
Old piping may be used in your central water system.
Low water pressure can be caused by the mains water supply system if you live near a town or city centre.
This is because the central water systems in cities and towns use older pipes.
Because of the disruption, it could cause in the city centre, it is difficult for local governments to replace the pipes.
A small amount of water piping may be causing problems in your home's water supply.
Low water pressure can be caused by undersized supply pipes.
This is common in older homes where the original plumbing system still exists. This will reduce the flow of water into your home and the shower.
It is very disruptive to replace, so it's possible that previous homeowners have not addressed the problem.
A clogged home water system could be
If you have an older home, you might be using iron piping for your home's water system.
Iron is susceptible to rusting, which can cause a blockage within the pipe.
This problem is often made worse by dirt, gravel, or sand entering your system through an older entry pipe.
A "flow restricting" or a "water-saving" showerhead
The shower head is a common problem that is often overlooked. Modern showers are usually equipped with "flow restricting" and "water-saving" heads.
The National Energy Act, the United States, was the first to introduce flow-restricting showerheads.
Many UK manufacturers have now adopted the US's lead and installed water restrictors to reduce water consumption and prevent water waste.
An obstruction has occurred at the shutoff valve
An obstructed shutoff valve is another common reason for low water pressure.
You should ensure that the shutoff valve is open if you just purchased a home or have had work done on your house.
The shut-off valve can be found under the kitchen sink. Contact a plumber immediately if you suspect that the water valve is broken.
How can you increase the water pressure in your shower
If you want to increase the water pressure in your shower, you will need to invest some money.
Why?
If you've checked that your shut-off valve's fully opened and that you don't have a "flow restricting," it's possible that low water pressure is due to low pressure in your mains supply.
Take a look at the following list of solutions. Try the most straightforward and cheapest solutions first. Try the next option if that fails.
Wash your hair
First, clean the shower head of dirt and sand before replacing or buying a new shower pump.
Fine sediments can get into the mains' water supply, which can cause problems with the shower head's water flow.
You will need a rubber band to remove the shower head and a sandwich bag.
Use the rubber band to attach your bag to the showerhead. This will help to remove limescale and reduce some of the sediment.
What is the cost of this?
Cost - PS5-PS10
Installation - DIY
Replace your shower head
If your showerhead is equipped with one, you may be able to locate and remove a "water restrictor."
Despite this, it is unlikely that you still have the manual for your showerhead.
There are now two options.
You can either:
A) Call a plumber to locate and remove the water restriction.
Or
B) A unique low-pressure showerhead can be purchased
The low-pressure unique shower head is often the most affordable option, especially if you shop around.
It is important to remember this:
A) The shower head must still be installed
B) If the mains supply is the problem, the new showerhead might not be able to improve water pressure.
What will it cost?
Cost - PS30 to PS50
Installation - DIY, or contact a plumber
Install a Shower Pump
A high-quality shower pump is essential if you want to improve the water pressure in your shower.
Shower pumps are small mechanical devices that attach to the home's water supply.
These are the ways they work:
A) The pump activates when the water is turned on in the shower.
B) The water that leaves the tank travels to the shower head.
C) The shower pump uses an impeller (similar to an aeroplane engine) to increase the water pressure before reaching its destination.
A shower pump can be an effective and simple way to raise the water pressure in your shower.
You can find more information about shower pumps in our guide to buying one here.
Notably, it is against the law to connect a shower pump to mains water pressure. A shower pump's added pressure can cause damage to mains water pipes. You will most likely need to install a brake tank.
What will it cost?
Cost - From PS150 to PS500
Installation - DIY, or contact a plumber
Installation of a pressurised, unvented cylinder
Installing a shower pump is an effective and quick fix. However, installing a pressurized, unvented cylinder can be more expensive and require you to replace your entire plumbing system.
This involves the removal of the cold water tank and the replacement with a pressurised cylindrical that receives its feed from the mains.
This is a complicated plumbing issue that will require a highly skilled plumber to solve.
This will often mean that the entire plumbing system must be replaced.
This could be a great option if you own an older home and want to modernize the water system.
What will it cost?
Cost - PS1500
Installation - Contact a plumber
Install an electric shower with a cold water storage tank
An alternative option is installing an electric shower with a cold water storage tank.
This is a standard option when hot water is scarce.
The shower is fed entirely by cold water from an accumulation tank.
An accumulator tank, separate from your main water tank, stores water for electric showers.
The shower heats the cold water that reaches the electric shower and releases high-pressure water from the head.
This installation solves problems such as a drop in water pressure when the tap is turned on in the kitchen.
What will it cost?
Cost - PS1000
Installation - Contact a plumber
Install a Power Shower
Another option is to install an electric shower.
The power shower uses hot water and cold water to supply the shower. You will need plenty of hot water in your hot water tank.
They function in the same manner as a shower pump but have a pump inside the box mounted on the wall to increase the water pressure.
This option has its drawbacks. A shower pump is a more affordable option.
What will it cost?
Cost - PS500
Installation - Contact a plumber
How can you increase your water pressure at home?
You only have one choice if the shower head has not been restricted by dirt or water restrictions.
Shower pump
Why?
A shower pump is less expensive than an electric shower, power shower, or pressure unvented cylinder.
A plumber can install a shower pump in about a day. If you're handy with DIY, you could also fit it yourself.
Shower pumps are a quick solution that does not require replacing shower parts or the entire plumbing system.
Where can you find the best shower pumps to increase water pressure in your shower?
You will be overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices available if you are looking for a shower head.
You're probably thinking:
"Which pump is best for my shower?" What is the difference between a positive and negative head pump? What is the difference between a negative and positive head pump?
You can find the perfect pump for you by looking on different websites.
These pumps can be used for domestic showers, as they are equipped with brass impellers and anti-vibration technology.
They can also be installed in vented systems to pump hot and cold water. This makes them one of the most sought-after shower pump options.
These pumps are made of brass and have anti-vibration feet.
These units also have an automatic pressure and floating switch that make them a highly tech-rich piece of kit for your bathroom.
People look at two things when deciding which shower pump they should buy. They are easy to install and versatile.
What is the cost of a shower pump installation?
It can be daunting to think about installing a shower pump if you are new to plumbing.
Installing a shower pump can be done by anyone competent in DIY.
It shouldn't cost too much if you decide to hire a plumber.
It should take approximately half an hour to replace an old shower head. This is approximately PS120 to PS150.
We estimate that a shower pump will be installed in about one day if it is your first time. It will cost approximately PS200.
Prices can vary depending on where you live, so shop around and get estimates from several plumbers before you choose one.