When taking a shower, one thing that can make or break the experience is water pressure. A strong stream of water can feel invigorating, while low shower pressure can leave you feeling unsatisfied and frustrated. Low water pressure in your shower is one of the common shower woes that many homeowners face, and it can be caused by several factors. In this blog, we will explore the causes of low water pressure in the shower and how Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric can fix each of these issues.
Causes of Low Water Pressure in Your Shower
Clogged Showerhead
A clogged showerhead is one of the most common causes of low water pressure in the shower. Over time, mineral deposits can accumulate and block the tiny holes in the showerhead, reducing the flow of water. This can be resolved by cleaning the showerhead to remove the deposits. Ravinia Plumbing can also replace the showerhead with a low flow showerhead model that provides a stronger stream of water while conserving water usage.
Leaky Pipes
If the plumbing system pipes leading to the shower are old or damaged, they can develop water leaks that will reduce water pressure. This can also cause moisture damage to the walls and floors in the bathroom. If a leaky pipe is the issue, Ravinia Plumbing will inspect the pipes and determine whether repairs or replacements are necessary.
Corrosion and Rust Buildup
In areas with hard water, corrosion and rust buildup can occur inside the pipes, resulting in low water pressure. This issue is prevalent in homes with older galvanized piping that has not been updated in decades. To resolve this issue, Ravinia Plumbing will replace the old, galvanized piping with newer corrosion-resistant copper pipe.
Mineral Deposits
If you have hard water, minerals like calcium and magnesium can accumulate on the interior walls of the pipes, restricting the flow of water. This can cause low water pressure, which can be frustrating for homeowners and lead to a less enjoyable shower experience. Ravinia Plumbing can replace old piping with newer copper pipe, restoring the flow of water and improving water pressure.
Worn Out Mixing Valve
A mixing valve functions by blending the hot and cold water supplies to provide a safe and comfortable temperature for use in your shower and other fixtures. A worn out mixing valve can lead to uneven water flow by either restricting or blocking the water supply, thus reducing the amount of hot and cold water coming out from the showerhead. It also causes fluctuations in water temperature that interfere with the operation of other shower parts like cartridges and faucets, leading to low pressure. Ravinia Plumbing will inspect the mixing valve, identify the cause of the problem, and replace any defective parts to fix low water pressure.
Faulty Water Pressure Regulator
The water pressure regulator’s job is to control the pressure of cold water flow coming into the home from the main water supply line. If the water pressure regulator malfunctions, it can cause low water pressure throughout the house, including the shower. Ravinia Plumbing will inspect the faulty water pressure regulator to identify any problems and replace it if necessary to restore a safe water pressure range.
Municipal Water Supply Issues
If the entire neighborhood is experiencing low water pressure, the issue may be with the municipal water supply. Municipal water supplies can experience issues such as breaks in water mains or increased demand during peak usage times, which cause shower water pressure issues. In this case, Ravinia Plumbing can help residents determine if low shower water pressure stems from the home’s plumbing system or if it is a water supply issue.
Schedule Plumbing Services to Fix Low Pressure Problems
Low pressure in the shower can be caused by a variety of factors, including clogged shower heads, leaky pipes, corrosion and rust buildup, malfunctioning water pressure regulators, and more. Ravinia Plumbing can help homeowners diagnose and resolve these issues to ensure that they enjoy a strong and satisfying shower experience. Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to schedule an appointment with an experienced plumber and get your low water pressure issues fixed once and for all.
