There might not be anything more annoying than a shower with low water pressure. Thankfully, there are a few ways to fix and prevent this problem in your home.
Pressure Balancing Valve Limitations
If you get a loss of water pressure when another nearby fixture is used such as a flushing toilet, your shower is likely using a pressure balancing valve to control water pressure and temperature. It does so by reducing the flow of hot water, causing a drop in water pressure and the potential for blanching a victim in very hot water. Fortunately, there is a modern fix to this problem. It’s called a thermostatic mixing valve and has controls for both water temperature and water pressure. If you live in the Santa Barbara County area and think your shower might be fed by a pressure balancing valve, give us a call at [ps-phone-group] or click here to send us a message and one of our expert technicians will lend a helping hand.
Bad Diverter Valves
Bath/Shower combos can fall victim to a malfunctioning diverter valve. If this is the case, you might experience water still flowing through your tub filler.
Water Pressure Reduction Valve Needs Adjustment
A water pressure reduction valve that controls the flow of water from the main water line into your home can break, malfunction, and even fall out of adjustment. If your whole house has poor water pressure, this valve might be the culprit. If so, it’s time to call a professional plumber.
Broken Or Damaged Pipes
The worst case scenarios are leaks or damaged pipes. Leaky pipes can put your health at risk by creating an environment for mold to thrive as well as causing structural damage throughout your home. If you notice discoloration or water stains on hour home’s walls or ceiling or can detect the sound of flowing water where there aren’t any faucets, it’s time to shut the water to the house off and call a professional plumber who can properly access your situation.
Clogged Pipes Or Showerheads
Perhaps the easiest fix of all are clogged showerheads. Often plagued by mineral deposits caused by hard water, showerheads can be soaked in cleaning solutions or cleaned to return water pressure to its normal flow. However, if you have a badly clogged pipe you’ll probably want to get a professional plumber on the scene that can diagnose the cause and fix the problem.