Low shower pressure is a common problem, but it’s not one you have to live with. Whether the cause is a clogged shower head, aging plumbing, or a weak municipal supply, there are practical ways to troubleshoot the issue and, in many cases, improve the flow. In some homes, the fix is as simple as cleaning out sediment. Others may require adding a water booster pump or adjusting a pressure regulator. This guide will walk you through the most likely causes and what you can do to address them.
What causes low water pressure in your shower?
Low water pressure in your shower can result from the local water supply, buildup or corrosion in household plumbing, clogged shower heads, or flow restrictors and settings designed to limit water use. The cost to fix the issue can vary widely, depending on the source of the problem. In most cases, restoring proper water pressure is an achievable task once the underlying cause is identified. Both your home’s water pressure and water flow can affect how your shower performs.
Water flow vs. water pressure
Water flow and water pressure are closely related but refer to different aspects of your plumbing system. Understanding both your home’s water flow and pressure rates will help you know what underlying problem to fix for better water pressure in your shower.
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Water flow is the volume of water moving through your pipes, measured in gallons per minute (gpm). It represents how much water is coming out of a fixture like a faucet or shower head.
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Water pressure is the force that pushes water through your pipes, measured in pounds per square inch (psi). It's what gives water its strength as it exits a tap.
When water flow matters: Adequate water pressure depends on sufficient water flow. Understanding your flow rate can help you identify pressure limitations and determine whether increasing it complies with local regulations.
When water pressure matters: If your overall household pressure is adequate but the shower still feels weak, the issue likely lies within the shower system itself, such as a clogged shower head or a faulty valve. On the other hand, if pressure is low throughout the home despite good readings at the source, the problem may be related to restricted flow caused by devices like flow limiters or a misadjusted pressure regulator. You can’t have good water pressure without good water flow.
How to measure your water pressure
Your water pressure is indicated by a psi rating. To measure the water pressure in your home, connect a pressure gauge to the end of your garden hose or hose bib. If you have a well system, your pressure tank will read the psi of your water. 50-60 psi is generally considered the ideal water pressure for your home.
How to measure your water flow
If you live in a water conservation area, you’ll need to measure your water flow by gallons per minute (gpm) to make sure you won’t surpass legal limits by increasing your shower’s water flow.
1. Get a 5-gallon bucket and a timer.
If you don’t have a 5-gallon bucket, you can use a smaller container with a clearly marked volume, like a 1-gallon jug.
2. Open the faucet fully and time the flow.
Make sure all other water-using appliances in your home are turned off, and open the valve or faucet completely to get the maximum flow. Start your timer at the same moment water touches the bottom of the bucket and stop the timer as soon as the container is full.
3. Do the math.
Divide the number of gallons by the number of minutes it took to fill the bucket. For example, if you used a 5-gallon bucket and it took 1 minute and 15 seconds (1.25 minutes), your flow rate is: 5 ÷ 1.25 = 4 gallons per minute (gpm).
How to interpret your shower’s gpm
Once you measure your shower’s gpm rate, you’re ready to evaluate the water flow of your shower. Here’s how different flow rates compare:
- 1.5 gpm: This is the minimum effective flow rate, commonly found in areas with strict water conservation requirements.
- 1.8 to 2.1 gpm: This range is often considered the ideal flow rate range for most households.
- 2.5 gpm: This is the legal maximum flow rate in the U.S. to prevent excessive water use.
Choosing the right flow rate depends on your household’s needs and local regulations.
8 proven methods to increase shower water pressure
If your shower isn’t delivering satisfying pressure, there are several steps you can take to improve it. The methods below are reliable ways to address low shower pressure and restore a more consistent flow.
Quick fixes
These quick fixes don’t usually require much time or cost, but can make a noticeable difference in water flow.
1. Clean your shower head
Hard water is one of the most common contributors to reduced shower pressure and flow. Over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium can accumulate inside the shower head, clogging the internal components of the shower head and lowering the effectiveness of your shower.
Sometimes the buildup is visible on the outside, where these deposits build up on the small nozzles that release water and cause the spray to shoot in irregular directions. However, the obstruction may be hidden inside and restricting flow even if the spray holes appear clear.
Cleaning the shower head can often restore pressure without the need for replacement. Here’s how:
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Remove the shower head from the pipe by turning it counterclockwise. Use a wrench if it’s stuck, but slip a cloth in between to avoid scratching the finish.
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Soak the shower head in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water for several hours or overnight to dissolve mineral buildup.
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Scrub the nozzles gently with an old toothbrush to remove loosened debris.
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Rinse thoroughly and reattach the shower head.
If the shower head is still underperforming or shows signs of wear, replacing it with a new model, preferably one rated for higher flow, may be the better option. If you notice your shower head is regularly blocked by build-up, you may want to install a water softener to remove the excess minerals or a scale prevention product to protect against build-up.
2. Remove flow restrictors
Some shower heads are designed to limit water use in order to meet conservation standards or improve efficiency. While a flow restrictor like a water-saving shower head helps lower water use and utility bills, it can also make the water pressure or flow feel weak by limiting how much water passes through. Homes that already have low incoming pressure can also notice a significant lack of water pressure when using a flow restrictor.
If you're using a water-saving model and experiencing unsatisfactory pressure, switching to a different design or removing the flow restrictor may help improve the shower experience. Removing the flow restrictor increases the flow and can improve the feel of your shower, but make sure to check your area’s water conservation requirements before removing.
3. Install a high-pressure shower head
High-pressure shower heads are designed to maximize the flow of water, even in homes with lower incoming pressure. These models use specially designed nozzles or internal mechanisms to concentrate the spray and improve the force of the water without increasing actual flow to the shower head. Switching to a high-pressure shower head can make a noticeable difference in shower performance, especially if your current model is older or equipped with a flow restrictor.
4. Adjust or repair the pressure regulator
Many homes have a pressure regulator installed on the main water line coming into the home to maintain safe and consistent water pressure throughout the plumbing system. While these devices are designed to prevent pressure from getting too high, they can also cause low pressure when they malfunction.
Over time, sediment or mineral buildup, especially in areas with hard water, can clog the regulator or interfere with its internal components. If the regulator is stuck or no longer responding properly, it may excessively restrict water flow into the home. A failing pressure regulator can also result in fluctuating pressure or unexpectedly high readings. Regular inspection and maintenance can help ensure it continues to operate correctly.
If your pressure regulator is operating effectively but you’re still experiencing low water pressure, you may need to manually adjust the settings to your desired pressure.
How to adjust a pressure regulator valve:
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Locate the valve: typically a bell-shaped device near your main shutoff valve.
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Loosen the locknut with a wrench.
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Turn the adjustment screw clockwise to increase pressure or counterclockwise to reduce it, making small turns and testing between adjustments.
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Tighten the locknut once the desired pressure is reached.
Use a pressure gauge on an outdoor spigot to monitor psi as you adjust. Most homes function well between 50 and 60 psi. A psi of 70 and above poses risks, including damaging valves in your home appliances.
If you’re unsure or the valve doesn’t respond to repair or adjustments, contact a licensed plumber to inspect or replace it. Improper adjustments can damage plumbing or void warranties, so professional help is recommended if you're not comfortable with the process.
Pro tip for well systems: If you have a well system, make sure the pump and pressure switch are maintaining the set pressures. Typically, the pump turns on at 30 psi and turns off at 50 psi. This switch can be adjusted to increase household pressure or be replaced by a switch that is preset to 40/60. Periodically checking that the air precharge in the well pressure tank is 2 psi below the pump turn-on setting is also important in making sure the pump and tank are working together properly.
Advanced methods
If simple fixes haven’t resolved your low shower pressure, the issue may require a more in-depth solution.
5. Repair leaks
Hidden leaks in your home’s plumbing can significantly reduce water pressure by diverting water away from where it’s needed. Even small leaks, most common in aging plumbing systems, can reduce pressure by diverting water away from the fixtures where it's needed. While small leaks may not have a noticeable impact on flow, they can cause serious hidden damage to your home’s infrastructure.
One sign of a significant hidden leak is an unexpected increase in your water bill. Check around toilets, under sinks, near appliances, and along exposed pipes for signs of moisture or corrosion. Don’t overlook outdoor irrigation systems: a loose or damaged connection underground can leak continuously with or without obvious signs.
If you suspect a leak but can’t locate it, a professional plumber can perform a pressure test or use specialized tools to pinpoint the problem. Fixing leaks not only improves water pressure but also conserves water and prevents long-term damage.
6. Repair or replace the shower valve
If you're experiencing low pressure in just one shower and other fixtures are unaffected, the valve may be the source of the problem. The internal shower valve, operated by the handle, controls the mix of hot and cold water and directs flow to the shower head. If the valve is worn out or improperly installed, it can restrict water flow and lead to low or inconsistent pressure. In some cases, the valve may not open fully, reducing the volume of water reaching the shower head.
Unless your home has a dedicated access panel, repairing or replacing your shower valve may involve opening the wall, making it more complex and time-consuming than other fixes. A licensed plumber can assess and repair or replace the valve without unnecessary damage to your bathroom.
7. Upgrade your plumbing system
Aging or deteriorating plumbing is a common cause of low water pressure, especially in older homes. Galvanized steel pipes, once widely used in residential plumbing, are particularly prone to corrosion over time. As these pipes corrode from the inside, rust and mineral deposits accumulate, narrowing the pipe’s interior and restricting water flow. Even if older pipes are intact, their size alone may not be adequate to support modern water demand.
If your home has aging pipes or noticeable drops in water pressure, a plumbing inspection can help identify whether replacement or repair is necessary. Upgrading to newer fixtures and replacing narrow or corroded pipes with modern materials like copper or PEX can significantly improve water pressure. For a long-term solution, consult a plumber to evaluate your system and recommend upgrades that match your home’s water needs.
8. Use a water pressure booster pump
The most common reason for low shower pressure is your municipal water supply. Homes rely on the local water utility to deliver water at a consistent pressure, but that pressure can vary depending on demand, elevation, distance from the supply source, or maintenance work on the system. If the water entering your home is already at a low pressure, even a well-maintained plumbing system won't be able to provide strong flow at your fixtures. In these cases, a pressure booster system can often help raise water pressure to a more comfortable level.
A water pressure booster pump placed between the main line and the home’s plumbing increases the pressure and flow of water throughout your home. The pump draws water through an inlet, pressurizes it with an impeller, and sends it to your fixtures to deliver consistent pressure.
If your home's pressure is low, around 20 psi, a booster can raise it to a more functional level. Booster pumps turn on and off with water use and are typically set to raise pressure up to 60 psi. To prevent overpressurizing your flow with the pump, you can install a pressure-reducing valve before the pump.
How much does it cost to increase water pressure?
The cost of improving water pressure can vary widely depending on the cause of the issue and the solution required.
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Simple DIY fixes: Cleaning a clogged shower head or removing a flow restrictor typically cost little to nothing beyond basic supplies.
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Plumbing maintenance or adjustment: If the problem is more complex, such as a faulty pressure regulator or corroded pipes, costs increase. Hiring a plumber to inspect and adjust a pressure regulator, for example, may cost $150 to $300, depending on labor rates in your area.
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Booster pump installation: The pump itself typically costs $800-900 and professional installation by a plumber costs around $100 per hour. The total cost often ranges from $1,200 to $1,500.
While upfront costs can be significant, addressing the root cause of low pressure ensures long-term performance and reliability in your home’s plumbing system.
Do water filters affect water pressure in your shower?
Water filters play an important role in protecting your plumbing system and improving the quality of the water you use every day. But depending on the filter’s placement in the system and how well it’s maintained, your water pressure may be affected.
Whole-house water filters can lower water pressure, but only marginally when they are correctly sized and well-maintained. These systems are installed on the main water line to treat all the water entering your home and are typically built to maintain consistent pressure across multiple fixtures. Most include a sediment filter to capture dirt and debris. If this filter eventually becomes clogged and isn't replaced, it can cause a more noticeable drop in pressure.
Shower head filters can negatively impact your shower’s water pressure. Because these filters are compact and treat water at a single fixture, they can restrict flow, particularly if they become clogged or are not correctly matched to the shower head.
Can a water softener affect shower water pressure?
A properly sized, well-maintained, and correctly installed water softener should not cause a significant decrease in water pressure for your home. If you notice a drop in pressure in your shower after installing a water softener, you may need to inspect for installation errors or choose a different size softener for your home’s needs.
When to consider professional help
While DIY solutions to low water pressure can save money upfront, they may not address the root of the problem or meet code requirements. If you suspect leaks behind walls, see a significant increase in your water bill, or notice signs of water damage, it's time to consult a professional. Some signs point to deeper problems, such as widespread corrosion, failing pressure regulators, or other plumbing issues that may require the skill and tools of a licensed professional.
Weighing the cost of expert help against potential damage or recurring problems often makes the investment worthwhile. A licensed plumber can provide a clear diagnosis and long-term solution, helping protect both your water pressure and your home.
Let us help you fix your shower’s low water pressure
Improving water pressure in the shower often starts with identifying the source of the problem. Simple steps like cleaning a clogged shower head, checking for leaks, or removing a flow restrictor can make an immediate difference. In cases where the entire home is affected, installing a water pressure booster pump is one of the most reliable long-term solutions.
Browse our selection of water pressure booster pumps for a system that’s designed to help you restore strong, consistent pressure where it matters most.
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