Testing Water Pressure and Simple Fixes at Home

Is there any way to increase water pressure in a shower?

Corroded water pipes may be the ultimate culprit.

Then, read on to learn how to increase water pressure in the shower.

How to Increase Your Low Shower Pressure

The Spruce / Daniel Fishel

The Spruce / Daniel Fishel

Need more help?

However, the most common issue is a blocked showerhead.

you’re free to test the water pressure of your shower without using a pressure gauge.

Showerhead submerged in bowl of white vinegar next to vinegar bottle

The Spruce / Olivia Inman

You may find out that you’re already at the legal maximum flow rate of your state.

Place a 5-gallon bucket under the water flow, and time how long it takes to fill the bucket.

For example, if the time is 2.5 minutes: 5 divided by 2.5 equals 2.

Handheld shower head base installed on shower arm

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

The flow is 2 GPM.

Remember, minutes should always be expressed as decimals.

So, 2 minutes and 30 seconds is expressed as 2.5,not 2.30.

Showerhead with water flowing out

The Spruce / Olivia Inman

Then, clean out any remaining particles from individual spray openings with a toothpick.

Reinstall the showerhead, and fire off the water full-blast to check the flow.

If the deposits will not be removed easily, it’s time to buy a new showerhead.

Flexible shower hose attached to bottom of cross-tee fitting

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Before youreplace a showerhead, confirm that the new model is legal in your area.

Showerheads first went from 2.5 GPM to 2.0 GPM, and then to 1.5 GPM.

Shower hoses wear out over time.

In-line shut-off valve

The Spruce / Olivia Inman

You’ll need a new hose and possibly pliers to remove the old fittings.

These valves are on individual branch pipelines and they act as emergency stops.

These shutoff valves, if you have them, are likely to be located near the supply point.

Single-handle shower faucet

The Spruce / Olivia Inman

Small fixture valves in the main water shutoffs may not be fully open.

Turn these valves counterclockwise all the way forfull pressure.

Because these are difficult to repair, hiring a plumber to handle the replacement is usually the best option.

Water main pipes outside of house

The Spruce / Olivia Inman

This valve may be corroded and rusty; don’t force it.

Where your water main enters your property at the curbside is a water meter and shutoff valve.

Check to see to it that the valve is turned on all the way.

Closed curb-side water main

The Spruce / Olivia Inman

If it has a lever-pop in handle, the lever should be parallel to the water pipe.

They will send out a worker to check on this for you.

This tank will likely increase the water pressure to the rest of your house, not just your shower.

Expansion tank attached to adaptor on horizontal pipe

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

The booster tank costs between $200 to $1,200 depending on factors such as the size and model.

see to it to pop kick open the pressure relief valve on top of the water heater.

Once drained, flush to clear any sediment.

Water heater drained with garden hose attached to drain valve

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Call a plumber any time you are unable or unwilling to tackle a replacement or an inspection.

There are some showerheads designed to increase the water’s strength as it comes out of the tap.

The valves that control your plumbing system control the water pressure in the shower.

How to Increase Water Pressure in Your Home.HomeAdvisor.