FIVE REASONS FOR LOW SHOWER WATER PRESSURE.
Here we outline the five most common factors that cause shower irregularities or pressure differences, and we have some insight on how to restore the shower head to its expected pressure. While some of these reasons can be resolved by doing your own DIY repair work, other reasons may require you to turn to an experienced plumber.
1. Pressure regulator
If the pressure on your shower head suddenly drops for no apparent reason, it is very likely that your home's water pressure regulator (usually set to keep the water pressure between 45 and 60 psi) is malfunctioning. If so, you may want to contact a specially trained plumber instead of doing the repair yourself. Incorrect installation of the water pressure regulator can lead to further, more expensive repair problems.
2. Household water valve
The sudden drop in shower head water pressure can also be due to accidentally closing your household water valve, which is the main control valve for water entering your home and is usually located in your home's water meter tank. To solve this relatively minor problem, find your domestic hot water valve and make sure it is fully "on". Even slight or accidental "off" positioning can dramatically change the water pressure in the home. The best thing about offset household water valves is that this problem is very easy to solve.
3. Use the shower during peak hours
Sometimes the low water pressure created by the shower head is caused by something outside of your home and your home plumbing system. If you use the shower frequently during peak hours (e.g. early morning or at night), the most likely result of the performance problem is excessive water consumption nearby or in the building. If you think this is the case, test your water pressure during other times of low water usage, when local water usage is below work hours, or when community residents return home from work.
4. Mineral accumulation in the pipeline
In older homes or those with outdated plumbing systems and heavy use of galvanized pipe, the mineral build-up (which develops over time) is a common cause of low shower pressure. Despite your best efforts, there is little you can do to prevent mineral buildup and buildup over time. It is also very difficult to remove the minerals from the pipeline on your own. In this case, you should immediately contact a trained plumbing professional in your area to have the pipe repaired or replaced.
5. Pipeline leak
If the situation worsens and there is no other way you can determine the cause of the low shower water pressure, it is likely that your low-pressure depression is a direct result of a leaking or cracked pipe. As water leaks from these leaks, less and less water can reach shower heads and other drainage devices.