Six Simple Hacks to Boost Shower Water Pressure
Homeowners are being urged to tackle weak shower pressure with simple fixes that can also reduce water waste and lower energy bills.
Bathroom experts at Vidalux.co.uk have revealed six simple hacks to boost water pressure – from natural cleaning solutions to quick household checks – helping homeowners to enjoy a powerful shower.
Weak water pressure can be a sign of something more serious, with experts saying even the smallest of leaks in a home can divert water away from the shower.
A dripping tap wastes at least 5,500 litres of water a year, while a leaking toilet could be costing anywhere from £160 up to £6450 per year. *
A simple inspection to ensure there’s no dripping taps or leaking pipes around the house helps to save money on energy bills and prevent costly water damage in the future.
The cleanliness of shower heads is another major issue homeowners face, with mineral deposits and limescale clogging them up over time.
Thankfully, one of the easiest and most effective low-cost ways to clean a shower head and clear the nozzles is by using a natural cleaning solution of white vinegar and an old toothbrush.
Other simple hacks that can help to improve water pressure include timing showers around appliance use, checking restrictors, or upgrading to a modern, high-pressure specific shower head.
A spokesperson for Vidalux said: “There’s not many things more frustrating than standing under a dribbling shower and taking ages to rinse shampoo out of your hair.
“Many people often assume weak water pressure is related to a plumbing problem, but most cases of weak shower pressure can be fixed at home without calling a plumber, saving homeowners hundreds on bills and water waste.
“Whether it’s a quick inspection of pipes or your shower heads restrictor, or simply just taking a shower at times when other major appliances aren’t in use, these simple hacks can help you to enjoy a powerful shower again in no time.”
Six hacks to help improve the water pressure of your shower:
- Clean the shower head
One of the most common reasons for low water pressure in the shower is a clogged shower head. Mineral deposits and limescale can build up over time and clog the small holes. You can leave the shower head to soak in white vinegar overnight, then scrub with a toothbrush to clear the nozzles.
- Check for a flow restrictor
Many modern showers have built-in restrictors to save water. But if you’re someone who likes to blast a shower at full force, after consulting your shower manufacturer’s manual, you might want to consider adjusting or removing the flow restrictor to allow more water through.
- Inspect for leaks
Even small leaks in your plumbing system can divert water away from your shower and affect water pressure. Check around your home for any dripping taps, or leaking pipes underneath sinks, or behind toilets. Fixing leaks won’t just improve your water pressure, it’ll save you money on energy bills and prevent costly water damage in the long run.
- Replace the shower head
Some older or basic shower heads just aren’t designed for strong water flow, so replacing them with a modern, specifically designed high-pressure head is sometimes your best option.
- Time your shower better
Try to avoid showering at peak times when you have the washing machine or dishwasher running, as the appliances will be using a lot of water themselves, and reducing the maximum pressure in the shower.
- Check the main water valve
The cause of low water pressure in a home is often the result of a partially shut main water valve. You’ll need to make sure your main water valve is fully open if you don’t want water flow to be restricted.
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