Plumbers in Rancho Cucamonga, CA discuss common causes of poor water pressure
What’s Causing Poor Water Pressure in the Shower?
Low water pressure is one of those plumbing issues that can drive any homeowner up the walls – particularly when it affects the shower. Not only does low shower water pressure make bathing harder and take way longer than it should, but it can also be difficult to tell what’s causing it.
But by understanding the common causes of weak water pressure in the shower, homeowners can act quickly and get to the bottom of the matter faster. And since low water pressure often points to more serious issues beyond the shower, time is of the essence. This article will explain a few of the main culprits behind low water pressure in showers and how they can be resolved!
Water Heater Issues
When figuring out what’s causing low water pressure in the shower, one of the first things to check is whether both the hot and cold water lines are affected. If the cold water seems to run at normal pressure, but the hot water is coming out at low pressure, there may be an issue with the water heater.
Over time, dissolved minerals can collect and form layers of sediment inside the water heater tank (and even in tankless water heaters). This can cause many issues, including a loss in efficiency and hot water pressure. These mineral deposits can also collect in hot water lines that lead to the home’s fixtures, slowly clogging them and limiting water pressure.
Other issues with the water heater, such as a faulty relief valve or a leaking water tank, can also cause low hot water pressure in the shower and other fixtures. If homeowners determine that only the hot water has low pressure, their best bet is to have a plumber inspect and service their water heater to pinpoint the exact cause.
Hidden Water Leaks
Plumbing leaks are another common cause of low water pressure in the shower. If water escapes through a hole in one of the water supply lines, there won’t be as much water traveling to the showerhead, and the pressure will drop. The severity of the decline in water pressure can offer a clue to the severity of the leak – a pinhole leak may barely be perceptible, while a burst pipe will likely cause a dramatic loss in pressure.
Unless the leak is in one of the water supply lines that connect the water-distributing pipes to the showerhead/tub faucet, this will likely affect multiple fixtures (anything downstream of the leak), so it can be tricky to pinpoint. If homeowners suspect that they have a leak, they should call in a plumber for leak detection and repair as soon as possible to avoid further water damage, higher water costs, and low water pressure!
Clogged Showerhead
If the low water pressure is restricted to one specific shower and both the hot and cold water are affected, the shower head itself may be to blame. That same mineral scale buildup that can clog pipes and collect inside water heaters can also accumulate inside the showerhead and clog the nozzle holes, restricting the flow of water.
Homeowners may be able to solve this problem themselves by soaking the showerhead in white vinegar and using something like a toothpick or toothbrush to get rid of the deposits inside the nozzle’s holes. This can help break up limescale and clear the showerhead. But if there’s a significant amount of mineral scale or the showerhead is older, it may be best to have a plumber replace it altogether.
About Rooter 66 Plumbing Inc.
Rooter 66 Plumbing is a family-owned and operated business serving Rancho Cucamonga and the surrounding areas since 2012. They provide honest pricing, thorough communication, and extended hours. Call them today for plumbing services in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.