Reasons You’re Experiencing Low Water Pressure in Shower

Low pressure in the shower can signal to homeowners that their home’s plumbing system needs to be inspected as soon as possible. While low water pressure can be annoying for household members as they struggle to rinse the shampoo out of their hair, it can indicate a more serious issue with their water heater or water line. Plumbers will check the water heater for buildup, look for leaks in the water line, and inspect the shower head for mineral deposits blocking the water flow.

Water Heater

When a plumber arrives at a home to investigate low water pressure, the water heater is one of the first areas they will inspect. Numerous issues with a water heater can impact a home’s water pressure. Some potential problems can include:
  • Sediment buildup: Over time, mineral deposits and sediment can build up in a water heater tank. This reduces the space for hot water, which can eventually cause lower water pressure.
  • Malfunctioning pressure relief valve: If the valve is not working properly, it can impact the water pressure.
  • Clogged pipes: If a water heater has recently been serviced by a professional and sediment was removed from the water tank, the debris might clog the pipes. This can cause lower water pressure.
  • Broken dip tube: If the dip tube in the water heater breaks, it can cause cold and hot water to mix, resulting in lower water pressure.

Leaks

To determine the cause of low shower water pressure, plumbers will also check a home’s system for plumbing leaks. They will first look for physical signs of a leak throughout the home or yard. These can include wet spots on the walls or floors, signs of mold or mildew, and puddles in the grass. After looking for these symptoms, plumbers will look at the water line. They might use a method called video camera inspections. This involves sending a camera down the water line to look for signs of damage like cracks or leaks. It will also reveal the exact spot of the damage to the professionals so they know where the line needs to be repaired. Plumbers might also use ultrasonic leak detection to use sound technology to look for leaks, or infrared leak detection using infrared lights to check the walls and floors for leaks.

Check the Showerhead

The plumber will also inspect the showerhead to see if there is an issue with the unit itself. The technician will look for mineral buildup. This debris can accumulate in the showerhead, blocking the tiny holes where the water flows through. They will also look at the flow restrictor to see if it is malfunctioning and look for clogs in the pipes leading to the showerhead. If there is buildup due to sediment or rust, it can lower the water pressure. A plumber will also look at the installation of the showerhead to see if there is an issue that needs to be corrected or if the showerhead is outdated and needs to be replaced.

About The Bosworth Company Kerrville

For more than 15 years, The Bosworth Company has provided quality plumbing and HVAC services to Kerrville and the Hill Country. They provide competitive pricing and offer services any time of the day and any day of the week. Call them today for HVAC and plumbing services in Kerrville, TX.
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