There’s something soothing about taking a shower under a strong stream of water. After all, nobody enjoys a leisurely shower where the water takes forever to drain. One of life’s most vexing inconveniences is a lack of shower pressure. Plumbing problems in the bathroom could arise if the situation is bad enough. In the event that you experience a pressure drop while taking a shower, there are a number of potential causes and solutions to consider. Let’s talk about some ways to avoid water pressure loss.
Installing a thermostatic mixing valve might help avoid water pressure loss
A thermostatic mixing valve allows for the independent regulation of water temperature and pressure. For instance, the temperature and the velocity of water flow may be adjusted with the same knob. When other plumbing fixtures, such as flushing toilets, are turned on, these valves might cause a decrease in water pressure.
Pressure-balancing valves make it possible for hot and cold water to flow together without any problems. When a nearby toilet is flushed, or a sink is turned on, the temperature and pressure of the water will change, which is inconvenient for the person taking a bath. A thermostatic mixing valve can be put in place to keep the water pressure from dropping and to keep the temperature from changing while taking a shower. Get in touch with your local plumber if you’re interested in having a thermostatic mixing valve installed.
A clogged showerhead can cause some problems
The easiest way to stop water pressure loss in your shower is to clean out your showerhead. This is simple to verify and correct. If this is the case, you may have put an end to your hunt for improved water pressure right here. To clear a clogged showerhead, just remove it and soak it in a solution of one part vinegar to one part water. This usually gets rid of any mineral deposits that might be clogging up the showerhead and making it hard for water to flow.
Turn on the water while the showerhead is removed to check the pressure. If the pressure is normal, the blocked showerhead is most likely to blame for the low pressure. However, if the pressure remains low, you must continue your quest. A clogged showerhead is one of the most common issues in commercial buildings and homes as well. But it is a minor issue that is easy to solve. So there is no need to worry.
Check your diverter valve—maybe it needs replacing
Those with combined tubs and showers will find diverter valves to be a valuable addition to their plumbing. In order to switch the water flow from the bathtub faucet to the showerhead, this valve must be turned. It’s possible that the diverter valve, like any other household appliance, will eventually break down and need replacing. So, the valve might not open or close all the way, limiting the amount of water going to the showerhead and making the shower less enjoyable.
A professional plumber should be called in to handle the replacement of the diverter valve. If water flows freely from the bottom faucet, but the pressure keeps going out of the showerhead, the diverter valve is broken.
A broken or clogged pipe will cause significant issues
Reduced water pressure is a common sign of a leak that goes undetected. It may take some time for other signs of a leak, such as moisture issues, to manifest. If you hear water dripping even while no fixtures are in use and the water pressure suddenly drops, you may have a leak, which can lead to a pipe bursting. If that happens, you need to call a plumber and ask them what to do when a pipe bursts while they are on the way to fix the issue.
A decrease in water pressure could be the result of mineral deposits clogging the pipes. If that’s the case, you should call a professional plumber to help you clear out the pipes and set up a water softener to avoid water pressure loss in the future.
Maybe the pressure-balancing valve has problems
Some showers have a single lever that controls both the water pressure and temperature. You should use caution when connecting other fittings to these valves because of the increased risk of pressure loss. The shower’s water pressure and temperature will drop when you flush the toilet.
Using a pressure-balancing valve, we can ensure that both the hot and cold water is flowing at the same rate and at the same pressure. The tank is refilled with some of the cold water used to flush the toilet. As a result, the cold water line’s pressure drops. When the pressure drops, the valve may need a few seconds to restore it to normal levels. If not enough cold water is added, the water might warm up. The water pressure might then be reduced by decreasing the pressure in the hot water line.
Water pressure reductions might be avoided with the use of thermostatic mixing valves. This valve controls both the water pressure and temperature independently. Our friends at Helix Move VA say that most people who ask them for help with moving have these kinds of issues.
Be sure to regularly check and maintain your plumbing system
Keeping your plumbing in good shape can help you keep the water pressure in your shower the same. As part of regular bathroom maintenance, the grout around the tub or shower drain and the handles and nozzles should be scrubbed. Although some level of wear and tear is to be expected, it is still important to keep up with the plumbing system. Maintaining your plumbing is the most effective way to avoid plumbing emergencies.
Maintaining your plumbing system on a regular basis will keep it running smoothly. Do your best to fix whatever problems you find without delay. Some problems, if not remedied, could potentially become worse.
In conclusion
Loss of water pressure in the shower is one of the most frustrating plumbing issues. After all, nothing beats a refreshing shower where you can let the water flow freely and unimpeded. There are simple ways to avoid water pressure loss, and if those don’t work, you should call a plumber.
