As is the case with many homeowners and their family members, low water pressure in the shower can be every bit concerning as it is frustrating. There are a variety of reasons why the water pressure in your home showers is lower than you’d like it to be. With that said, the skilled and experienced plumbers here at Steve Mull Plumbing want to share with all our valued clients some of the more common reasons why your home shower is prone to low water pressure.
COMMON REASONS FOR MINIMIZED WATER PRESSURE IN YOUR HOME SHOWERS
One of the more common reasons why water pressure is low would be that the mains water system in your home may be designed and equipped with old pipes. For homeowners living in the city or remotely close to town centers, the mains water system is more than likely the primary culprit for your low water pressure. The mains water system in most cities and town centers uses older piping and upgrading the pipes can cause a substantial disruption to the cities and towns affected. With that said, local governments are more prone to having residents deal with lower pressures than incurring the extreme costs and disruptions it would require in order to repair, replace and upgrade them.- Another common cause of minimized water pressure is home water systems that have supply piping that is undersized. Many, if not all, older homes that have the original plumbing system still in place experience restricted water flow coming into the home and ultimately to the individual showers. It is a costly and disruptive project to replace and upgrade the overall water system which is why most owners of older homes simply deal with the low water pressure in their homes and showers rather than attempting to fix the plumbing problem.
- Another common cause of water pressure issues, again primarily for older homes, is the presence of very old iron pipes in your existing water system. Iron, as most of us know, is highly vulnerable to rust, which can, over time, break off in the piping and create obstructions that interfere with water flow. This issue is further enhanced when gravel, sand and dirt find their way into your water system as well. Together the rust and debris will cause restrictions to your water flow resulting in low water pressure in your home and especially in your home showers.
- Yet another common problem is that of an obstructed shut off valve. Whether you own an older home or have just purchased a home, be sure to check your shut off valve and ensure that it is open all the way. Many times, the shut off valve is not fully opened, which would cause an interference to the water flow. If you look at your shut off valve and it appears open, but is damaged or broken, then it is important you reach out to a professional plumber to have it replaced as soon as possible to allow for a steady flow of water to your showers.
- One final common cause of minimized water flow is the use of water saving, energy efficient shower heads. Showerheads of this type are designed to restrict flow of water and help homeowners to reduce their water bills, stop wasting water and contribute to energy efficiency in the home. New homes built today are typically designed with water saving, energy efficient shower heads, which will surely minimize the flow of water to your shower.
THE TEAM YOU CAN TRUST
If you are experiencing low water pressure in your home or showers, then be sure to reach out to the professionals here at Steve Mull Plumbing. Our team of dedicated professionals stands ready to meet your every need and are on hand to provide you with the highest quality plumbing products and services this side of Lebanon. The holiday seasons are upon us and the folks here at Steve Mull Plumbing send along wishes to all our valued clients and their families for a safe and happy holiday season!
