When taking a shower, no one wants an annoying, slow dribble of water landing on their head. What you want is a cascade of invigorating warm water to wash and wake you up. If your shower is not delivering, a common problem is low water pressure.
The hard part is identifying the cause of low water pressure. It could be something as simple as a showerhead clogged with limescale. Or it could be something more serious that will need the intervention of a professional.
Here we delve into how water pressure works, a selection of solutions, and answers to some commonly asked questions.
Article continues belowWhat is water pressure and water flow?
It is easy to confuse water pressure and water flow. Karen Wise, shower expert at Triton Showers, helps to explain the difference: “What many homeowners don’t realise is that water pressure and water flow are two different things and understanding the distinction can make all the difference when choosing the right shower.”
She continues, “Water pressure refers to the force that pushes water through your pipes. Water flow, on the other hand, is about the volume of water coming out. It's how much water is released from your showerhead or tap, regardless of the force behind it.”
Wise adds, “You can have strong flow with relatively low pressure, or high pressure but restricted flow – they’re related but not interchangeable. The real issue could be the plumbing setup, pipe size or the type of shower system installed.”
According to Ofwat, the economic regulator of the water sector in England and Wales, the standard water pressure that customers can expect from their water supply should be sufficient to reach the upper floor of a two-story building. This translates to a minimum pressure of around 1 bar. If you experience water pressure consistently below this standard, they encourage you to contact your water company for assistance.
As a shower expert at Triton Showers, Karen Wise has expertise in product design, market trends and consumer insights related to showers. With an understanding of the latest innovations and customer needs, she offers expert advice to help homeowners select suitable shower solutions that combine style, performance and efficiency.
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This electric shower features two showerheads and a frosted-glass fascia. Its Mira Clearscale technology helps reduce limescale, while its Sensi-flo technology helps prevent scalding.
Causes of low water pressure in showers
“The reasons for low water pressure can vary,” explains Barrie Cutchie, Design Director at BC Designs. "There can be several reasons why a shower lacks power. A common culprit is a blocked showerhead, often due to limescale build-up. This obstruction restricts water flow, gradually reducing pressure. It's also wise to inspect for any damage or twists in your shower hose”.
Here are other factors that may lead to low water pressure
1. Outdated gravity-fed system
In older properties, a legacy gravity-fed system could be the root of the problem. These systems rely on gravity to draw water down, which might not provide sufficient pressure for modern bathroom showers.
2. Worn-out mixing valve
In showers with a single-handle faucet, an internal part known as the mixing valve controls the balance of hot and cold water. Over time, this valve can become stuck or wear out, affecting both the temperature and the pressure of the water.
3. Faulty water pressure regulator
This device is designed to maintain your home's water pressure within a safe range, typically between 46-60 psi. If the regulator fails, it can result in abnormally low or high-water pressure.
4. Closed valves in plumbing system
Your home's plumbing system contains several valves, and if any of these are partially closed – sometimes accidentally – it can lead to reduced water pressure. To ensure optimal water flow, check that the water meter valve, the main shutoff valve, and all inline valves are fully open.
5. Corroded or leaking pipes
Over time, pipes, particularly metal ones, can corrode or rust internally. This corrosion or the build-up of mineral deposits can obstruct the water flow to your shower and other fixtures. Additionally, a leak in your plumbing, even a minor one, can lower water pressure.
Barrie Cutchie founded BC Designs in 1999 and has been at the forefront of bathroom innovation and design for over thirty years. BC Designs is a nationally recognised and well respected design house that offers beautifully crafted products in all areas of the bathroom market, from showers and baths to vanity units and worktops.
How to fix low water pressure in your shower
Once you have identified that you have low water pressure, there are plenty of ways to fix the issue:
1. Start by cleaning your showerhead
Regular cleaning and maintenance are key to maintaining optimal water pressure in your shower. As Barrie Cutchie explains: “A common issue impacting shower pressure is a blocked showerhead, often due to limescale and mineral deposits. These blockages make it difficult for water to pass through the showerhead, leading to reduced pressure. The good news is that this issue can often be resolved at home with minimal effort”.
Cutchie recommends removing the showerhead and soaking it in white vinegar overnight to dissolve the limescale. "For fixed showerheads, wrapping a bag filled with a water and vinegar solution around the head and leaving it overnight can be equally effective".
It is worth checking the material your showerhead is made from can handle this without getting damaged before going ahead, however.
2. Replace or upgrade your showerhead
If cleaning your showerhead does not fix your water pressure issues, replacing or upgrading it may be the solution. Over time, showerheads can become irreversibly clogged with limescale and mineral deposits, hindering water flow.
When selecting a replacement, consider the number and size of the holes in the showerhead. Models with fewer and finer holes typically produce a stronger flow. Additionally, adjustable showerheads offer various spray options, allowing you to tailor your shower experience to your preference.
3. Fit a water pump
For homes experiencing persistently low water pressure, particularly in cases of gravity-fed systems, installing a water pump can be an effective solution. Water pumps work by boosting the flow of water to your shower, compensating for the lack of pressure in your system. This is especially beneficial in older properties where the existing plumbing might not provide sufficient pressure for a satisfying shower experience.
When considering a water pump, it’s important to seek professional advice to ensure compatibility with your current shower setup. Not all showers can accommodate a water pump, and incorrect installation can lead to further issues. A professional plumber can advise on the right type of pump for your system – whether it's a standard, negative head, or universal pump – and ensure it is installed correctly.
4. Try installing a power shower
Power showers are designed for low-water-pressure systems; they combine water from both hot and cold supplies and use an integrated pump to boost flow.
Wise says, “Electric showers are usually rated to work between one and 10 bar, which covers typical UK homes.” She adds, “However, if your pressure is at the lower end, especially in gravity-fed systems or properties with storage tanks in the loft, you might need a pumped electric shower for optimal results.”
However, it's important to note that installing a power shower requires compatible plumbing and electrical setups. Before considering a power shower, consult a professional plumber to ensure your existing system can accommodate its water supply and electrical wiring requirements.
5. Call in the professionals
"When in doubt, call a plumber," advises Cutchie. “They can assess whether a replacement showerhead or more significant plumbing work is required”.
Due to the complexity of accessing and replacing a water mixing valve, it's advisable to enlist the services of a professional. Similarly, problems with the water pressure regulator, a crucial component for maintaining safe water pressure levels, demand a qualified plumber's attention for proper assessment and replacement.
FAQs
Why is there no water pressure in my shower but plenty everywhere else?
If your water pressure is fine when you have your bathroom taps on but only a drizzle in the shower, it's possible that your shower height is the problem. Because water pressure decreases with height, you should try reducing the distance between your showerhead and water source.
What’s the best type of shower to increase water pressure?
Choosing the best type of shower for water pressure depends largely on your home's existing plumbing system. For homes with low water pressure, power showers are a great choice for the reasons outlined above.
Electric showers are also a good choice. "It is much easier to work out how powerful your shower is if it's electric," says Barrie Cutchie. “This is because their kW rating directly indicates their power and pressure capabilities”.
For those with a heating system-run shower, a mixer or digital shower might be more suitable, although gravity-fed systems may require a pump for adequate pressure.
Why is my shower water pressure low after retrofitting a heat pump?
David Hilton answers this question in detail in his article: why does my water pressure keep dropping after retrofitting a heat pump? In a nutshell, installing an air source heat pump can lower shower water pressure due to the system heating water to a lower temperature, requiring more cold water mixing. This, combined with possible imbalances in hot and cold water pressures in retrofit homes, can lead to a noticeable drop in shower pressure.
To keep your power shower company, you need the right type of shower enclosure that not only looks good, but is practical as well. Check out our shower room ideas and walk-in shower ideas for inspiration.
