How to Increase Your Shower's Water Pressure

There's nothing quite as frustrating as stepping into a shower, looking forward to a rejuvenating experience, only to find a weak trickle of water that barely counts as a flow. It's not just inconvenient, it feels like a missed opportunity for a great start (or end) to your day. Whether you are a homeowner trying to find a solution to this pesky problem or a renter unsure if you have any control over this situation, we've got answers for you. There are plenty of ways to do so, some of which you can even do yourself! Your options include:

If you're struggling to get the water pressure to a level you find comfortable, the best thing you can do is contact a plumber you trust and discuss your options.

If you're wondering what causes low water pressure, there can be dozens of possible culprits—some simple and some complex. One of the easiest for you to address is the showerhead. Over time, water leaves mineral deposits, sediment, and limescale inside your showerhead. Unscrew it and clean it out using vinegar and maybe a toothbrush if there is a lot of residue. Make sure to also clean any filters and each individual rubber nozzle. You may need to leave the showerhead to soak in a bowl of vinegar overnight to combat particularly bad buildup.

If this doesn't seem to be the problem, it may be that your showerhead simply isn't capable of higher water pressure. Every showerhead is rated to a particular flow rate of gallons per minute (GPM). The higher the GPM, the better the water pressure, but you'll use more water while showering.

Beyond the showerhead itself, the pipes themselves are other areas to address to fix low water pressure in the shower. They also accumulate layers of grime that can be far more difficult to address. Depending on the material of your pipes, the problem may even be a bent or collapsed line. The best way to find and address clogs in your pipes is to contact a plumber and voice your concerns. They already have the tools and techniques to quickly identify and address a clog.

One of the more advanced options for improving your water pressure is to install a water pressure booster pump. When you turn on the water to your shower, it flows through the pump first. The pump then uses an impeller that spins at extremely high speeds to push the water through the showerhead at a higher pressure. This is often the most effective and most expensive option, but it will solve your water issue woes. You will need a professional plumber to install the pump and advise you on which type is compatible with your home.

Sometimes, the problem with your water pressure lies in your pipes, but not with any buildup or grime. Instead, your pipes might just be the wrong size to keep up with your water needs. Residential properties usually have half-inch or 3⁄4-inch plumbing lines running through the home. Particularly, large houses may have pipes that are one to two inches in size. If you're having problems with water pressure in areas other than your shower, it may be time to speak with a plumber about swapping to larger-sized pipes.

Other than the size of the pipes, there may also be a problem with their age. If you or past homeowners have never replaced the pipes, they may have developed cracks or holes over the years. A small leak may be relatively undetectable while still dramatically dropping your water pressure.