There’s nothing worse than getting into your shower only to discover that the water pressure is low. A tiny dribble of water is not an invigorating experience in the morning and is an area that you will want to resolve. Improving your water pressure can seem like a time-consuming and costly process, but it can be relatively straightforward if you understand a little bit about how your system works.
Why Is the Water Pressure Low?
There can be a number of reasons why your water pressure in the shower is low. Even if you have relatively new pipes or plumbing system, you might still find it‘s not powerful enough when it comes out of the shower.
The most obvious cause of low water pressure is that pipes have become clogged up. It’s a good idea to check these first, especially if you have fairly old pipes, as it can be a simple process to remove the buildup of deposits. However, if you’ve attempted this and it hasn’t rectified the situation, or you already have new pipes, there could be another reason behind the problem.
Another simple explanation could be that the shut-off valves are not completely open. These are usually situated near the water meter and should be fully open to allow enough water to get into the system.
Booster Systems
If you’re experiencing low water pressure throughout your property, it would be beneficial to test the pressure level yourself. You can do this using a pressure gauge, which can be bought from a DIY shop. The gauge can be attached to an outside tap and will give an instant reading when you turn the water on.
If it’s the case that you have low pressure coming into the property, you might want to fit a water pressure booster. Domestic booster systems, such as those available at Pump Sales Direct, can be used to increase water flow from showers and other outlets.
Fitting a New Shower Head
When your home has low pressure you could try fitting a special shower head that is designed for use in low-pressure environments. This can often be the case with traditional gravity-fed systems, as the tank is not positioned high enough to create sufficient pressure. A standard shower head is not always capable of dealing with this lack of pressure, resulting in a poorly performing shower. However, specialist heads have been designed with this in mind and can increase the flow of water coming out of the shower head.
Fitting a Booster Pump
Installing a new shower head may not be enough to rectify the problem and offer you the shower experience you desire. You might want to think about investing in a shower booster pump. These can be purchased from a number of suppliers, including Pump Sales Direct. There are varying strengths of pump available, which will provide you with a more powerful shower. Before you have a new pump installed, it’s beneficial to have your whole system checked by a qualified plumber to ensure that it will be compatible.
Nobody should have to settle for a poor water supply coming from their shower. Once you’ve got to the cause of the problem, there are a number of methods that can resolve it quickly and relatively cheaply. It’s useful to investigate all possibilities first, from the simplest through to more major problems. This will ensure that you don’t make any necessary repairs or replacements, saving you time and money.