Nothing is worse than standing under a dribbling shower with terrible water flow. You turn the pressure to maximum, but nothing happens. So you shower quickly, trying to rinse out shampoo and wishing for better water pressure. In this article, we’ll explain how to tell if you have low shower pressure and ways to increase it for the best showering experience.
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- What is water pressure?
- Signs that you have low shower pressure
- How to check your water pressure
- The benefits of increasing shower pressure
- How to increase shower pressure
What is water pressure?
Water pressure is the strength that forces water through pipes and into household water fixtures, such as taps, dishwashers, washing machines, and showers.
You can have a high amount of water flow but low pressure. For example, a shower head that releases lots of water but is too gentle and doesn’t have the strength to wash over your body. However, most commonly, people with low water pressure also experience low water flow, such as a tap that only releases a small amount of water very slowly.
Signs that you have low shower pressure
If you’re unsure whether your water pressure is low, here are a few signs to look out for:
- All your water fixtures are weak – It’s not just your shower that has low pressure, but every water fixture in the house. For example, the bathroom taps or a slow-filling toilet. Or maybe your dishwasher and washing machine take a long time to reach their water capacity.
- You can’t run more than one water fixture at once – Perhaps your shower works okay, but the water pressure instantly drops as soon as someone runs the kitchen tap. You’re left waiting for them to fill the kettle before you can enjoy decent water pressure again.
- Your shower fails the water pressure test – You can do a simple water pressure test to see if the pressure is normal or too low. Follow the instructions below:
How to check your water pressure
You don’t necessarily need a plumber to see if you have poor water pressure. Instead, there’s a quick test you can do at home.
Step 1. Get a 1-litre measuring jug and place it under the shower head. Then, turn on your shower to maximum water pressure.
Step 2. Record how long it takes for the measuring jug to fill with water.
Step 3. Once the jug is full, stop the clock. If it took over 6 seconds to fill, your shower head failed the test, and you have a low pressure shower.
The benefits of increasing shower pressure
You might not see the need to fix low shower pressure. However, having a shower with great water pressure has multiple advantages.
Rinses out shampoo better
When the shower stream is too weak, shampoo can remain in your hair, along with dirt and sebum production from the scalp. And even if you manage to rinse it out, it can take a long time. High shower pressure lets you wash out shampoo with far less effort, which is excellent news if you struggle with joint pain and fatigue while showering.
Eases tense muscles
A shower with good water pressure effectively targets muscles. The hot water can reach tense points, calming inflammation and relieving aches and pains.
Keeps you warm when showering
Poor shower pressure is never fun, but it worsens in winter. You may start to dread showering. And that’s because it’s spent shivering in a cold bathroom with a trickle of water dribbling from your shower head. Good water pressure will cover your body, making showering more enjoyable, especially during the winter months.
Quicker showers
Instead of waiting for low water pressure to cleanse your body, high shower pressure will lather up shower products and rinse off suds more quickly. That means quicker showers and less water wastage.
How to increase shower pressure
Once you’ve discovered if you have low shower pressure, it’s time to fix it. Keep reading for the best ways to increase your shower pressure.
Clean out your shower head
Before you investigate your plumbing, the first thing to check is whether you have a blocked shower head. Over time, minerals and limescale accumulate and can clog the shower holes, preventing the water from flowing through efficiently.
How to clean out your shower head for better water pressure
Start by unscrewing the shower head and checking if anything is trapped in the neck of the head. You can do so by simply looking or gently inserting and twisting a pipe cleaner brush. Ensure you don’t shove the brush into the neck, as it may lodge something close to the shower head.
Once you’ve checked the neck, it’s time to clean the shower head’s holes. Using a rubber band, attach a bag filled with white vinegar to the shower head. This is best done when the shower head is still attached to the wall. Leave overnight to unblock and dissolve limescale and minerals. Rinse the shower head under water and use something small, such as a cocktail stick, to make sure all the shower holes are unblocked.
Change your showerhead
If you’ve unclogged your shower head and are still experiencing low water pressure, it may be time to replace it. Our digital shower heads contain Flipstream technology, allowing you to switch between 4 types of shower spray settings. The variety of jet streams maximise your water pressure and turn an average shower into a luxury experience.
Smooth out your shower tube
Handheld shower heads have a flexible pipe that attaches the head to the main shower. Sometimes, this can get bent and twisted, preventing water from flowing smoothly. Take the time to unwind the shower tube, checking for any kinks and twists.
Install a shower pressure booster
A shower pressure booster or pump gives your water supply a helping hand and increases the rate at which water passes through your pipes. It’s particularly helpful if you live in a home with an old water system. Or if you live in a high building, which makes it difficult for water to reach your shower.
Switch to a digital shower
Cheap electric showers often struggle with low water pressure, so switching to a well-functioning shower will help.
Our digital electric showers combine hot and cold water for your ideal water temperature and use a thermostat for precise temperature control. All you need to do is turn on the shower and set your temperature. The innovative technology sends a wireless signal to the built-in thermostat (no Wi-Fi required) and regulates the heat while you’re showering. So, there’s no need to constantly adjust a dial for the perfect temperature – just touch a button, and go!
Mobility Plus digital showers are compatible with all our wet rooms and walk-in showers.
Check if your piping is blocked
A reason for low shower pressure could be that something is blocking your pipes. It may be a clog in your house piping (for example, from a buildup of hair, oil, and food) or in your area’s piping system. If you suspect a blockage is causing low water pressure, call a plumber or contact your local council for an area check-up.
Enjoy every shower with Mobility Plus
You don’t have to put up with weak shower pressure. Choose from our unique walk-in showers and wetrooms and combine them with a digital shower for a luxurious showering experience. Don’t compromise on cleanliness, and shower in peace and comfort with Mobility Plus.