How Do I Increase Water Pressure in My Shower?

Shower dripping in Toronto, ON home due to bad water pressure.

Everyone wants a nice hot shower to start their day on the right foot. You have everything set how you like it and are about to get in when you notice something seems off about your morning ritual. You see that the water isn’t coming out as strong as it should, and the temperature isn’t where you want it to be either. These could be due to low water pressure. 

When you find out your shower experience isn’t the soothing part of the morning you want it to be, you may want to call the nearest company that offers emergency plumbing repairs in Toronto, ON, to handle the job. However, there are some steps you can take to see if it’s a quick fix or if you need the help of the pros at Same Day Plumbing. 

Inspect the Showerhead

You would be surprised how often low water pressure in your shower can stem from not regularly cleaning your showerhead. Sediment from your plumbing system travels with the water and settles in the grooves of your showerhead, slowly building up over time. Once these deposits get large enough, they make it difficult for the water to reach your desired pressure. 

Unscrew the showerhead and carefully clear any sediment inside; check the filter if your showerhead has one. Then, dunk the showerhead in a bowl or bucket of white vinegar for a few hours — preferably overnight. Make sure to gently scrub the rubber nozzles that the water flows through and see if that increases the pressure. 

If cleaning it doesn’t get the job done, you can replace it with a new one to see if you experience any improvements. 

Check the Water Line in Your Toronto, ON, Home

Sometimes the issues with your water pressure are as simple as a twisted shower hose. Some showers feature flexible showerheads with moveable lines instead of stationary pipes. If this gets tangled, it can restrict the amount of water pressure flowing into your shower. 

Double-Check the Release Valve

Whether you’ve recently moved into a new home or recently had plumbing work done on your property, chances are that your main water valve was turned off at some point. If this particular piece of your system has been shut off or only partially opened up, you aren’t getting the water pressure your shower should get. Find the valve and fully open it if you can. 

Check for Leaky Pipes

Low water pressure can be caused by multiple problems with your plumbing system — one of the most common traces back to leaky pipes. If leaks in the system lead to your shower, the water pressure can noticeably decrease and make for an uncomfortable morning. 

Additionally, the leaking water can cause significant damage to your home’s infrastructure if left unattended, so if you find a leak, get it fixed by the professionals as soon as possible. 

It Could Be Your Water Heater

Whether you have a tankless or traditional water heater, your water pressure issues could result from mineral deposits in the unit. This particular plumbing issue requires completely draining the system and flushing out the lines of all sediment build-up. This should solve the problem and get you back to taking the perfect shower in no time. 

Stagger Out the Demands on Your Water Supply

Have you tried washing the dishes, running the washing machine, or taking a shower simultaneously? You may have noticed that the water pressure started to dip across the board. That’s because your home’s water pipes are trying to meet the needs of these three water-intensive tasks, and it’s taking a toll on your water pressure. 

Staggering out different water-focused chores can help increase your shower’s water pressure and take some of the strain off your plumbing system. 

Call Same Day Plumbing for Your Plumbing Problems!

If you have low water pressure in your shower but don’t know how to start fixing it, we’re here to help! Same Day Plumbing is available to lend a helping hand whenever you need us — even on the weekend. Give us a call and schedule your next appointment today!