How to Get More Water Pressure Out of a Low-Pressure Shower Head

Low shower head water pressure may make it difficult to take a shower.

If your low-pressure shower head does not deliver enough power, there are a few ways to increase the flow rate. The main principal behind a low-flow shower head is to conserve water. However, this is not the ideal solution in all situations. If you need more water pressure to properly clean yourself or if your home's overall water pressure drops unexpectedly, increasing water pressure from your shower head may be necessary.

Things You'll Need

• Lime dissolving cleaner
• Wrench or pliers

Instructions

1. Increase the water pressure to the shower by turning the home's water lines completely open. Rotate the valve on the line near your water heater in a clockwise motion until it stops. Test the shower. Continue to the next step if the pressure does not increase.

2. Open the access door to the shower valve located behind the shower wall. Rotate the valves on the shower water pipes completely in a clockwise direction. If there is no access door, remove the faucet handle and trim piece to access these valves. If this does not work, move to step three.

3. Remove the existing shower head by unscrewing the nut at its base. Soak the shower head in a lime and sediment dissolving cleaner. Clean the interior of the shower head and shower pipe with a cleaner intended specifically for pipes to remove all built up sediment and mineral deposits.

4. Replace the shower head by screwing it back onto the shower pipe. Tighten the nut at the base with the pliers or a wrench properly sized to fit the nut.

References

• Ask the Builder; Low Shower Head Water Pressure; Tim Carter

Resources

• Delta Faucet: Water Pressure FAQ