There is nothing more annoying than losing water pressure in your shower, especially when it starts to affect your time in the shower. When this issue starts to arise many people start to ask the question of how to avoid loss of water pressure in your shower. Luckily there are many different things you can do to help avoid this issue, here we discuss all the different ways.
- Install a thermostatic mixing valve
If you decide to go ahead and install a thermostatic mixing valve this offers separate controls for water temperature and pressure. Other valves, such as a pressure-balancing valve, only have a single knob which controls both the flow of the water and the pressure at the same time. With this type of valve, you will find that you might lose out on water pressure when other fixtures such as the toilet are in use.
Installing a thermostatic mixing valve will mean that when someone is in the shower that the pressure and temperature does not fluctuate. Whereas with pressure balancing valves you will find that the temperature and pressure will fluctuate, as this type of valve mixes hot and cold water. If you are thinking about changing your thermostatic valve and are not sure how to install it, it is always best to call a plumber.
- Clean your shower head
If your shower head is dirty or clogged up, then this might another reason why you have lower shower pressure. One good way to clean your shower head is to soak your showerhead in vinegar or any other cleaning solution, the best way to do this is by securing the head in a bag with a rubber band around it. If you find that you have grime built you can always give your showerhead a good scrub with an old toothbrush to remove any of this.
For areas that have hard water, this problem is more comment, as the water carries mineral deposits that accumulate in your plumbing. Another way to fix this is if by installing a water-softening system.
- Replace your showerhead
If you feel like your water pressure is getting worse and worse, then it might be time to replace your showerhead altogether. Sometimes grime and build-up can lead to the shower’s intensity being lost. Calcium, which is a mineral deposit, plays a big part in blocking the water. Even though you can clean your showerhead, sometimes this is not enough and the head just might need replacing instead.
- Replace the diverter valve
If you have a one-piece bathtub-shower combo, then you will find a diverter valve. A diverter valve diverts water from the bathtub tap to the showerhead, acting like a switch. Over time, like most things, the diverter valve can become worn. When the diverter valve becomes worn this means that the valve can have issues with being able to open and close fully, which means the water pressure becomes lower at the showerhead.
- Maintain your plumbing system
If you constantly maintain your plumbing system by regularly cleaning and taking care of it, you will always ensure that it stays in tip-top shape. You should always ensure that you fix any issues more or less straight away, as if you leave problems they can lead to further damage, such as a loss of water pressure in your shower. You could also maintain your plumbing system through the use of a pressure booster, which you can find being sold by PlumbHQ, the leading supplier of plumbing and heating supplies.
