At the end of a long day, there’s no better way to relax than with a nice, hot shower. So, imagine you step in and there is no water pressure. It’s one of the most frustrating amenity losses, and we’ve all experienced it on occasion.
What Could Be the Cause of No Water Pressure?
Shower pressure can drop suddenly, or it can happen over time. Why does this happen? Let’s take a look at a few possible reasons why your shower has low water pressure:
Plumbing Leaks
If low water pressure comes on suddenly, then chances are pretty good that you have a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. And, unfortunately, a leak could mean that you have a plumbing emergency on your hands, so start checking around your house. Look under sinks and at all connecting pips around your dishwasher, your washing machine, etc. Also, listen for any sounds of rushing water. If there are no obvious signs of a leak, then turn off your main water valve outside. Watch to see if the meter still moves once turned off. If it still moves, this is an indication that there is water leaking somewhere out of sight. If this is the case, you’ll want to contact your trusty plumber immediately to investigate the problem.
Clogged Showerheads
If you find that low pressure is only affecting your shower and not your sink, then the problem may just be the shower itself. It can be as simple as the holes in your showerhead are clogged from mineral deposits, which is a simple fix that you can do yourself. All you have to do is unscrew the head, and soak it in a vinegar and water solution for a few hours to break up all of the buildup. If that doesn’t do the trick, then try scrubbing the showerhead with a small brush.
Clogged Pipes – Clogs in the water pipes themselves can also affect water pressure. Often, these clogs can be a result of minerals and scale buildup, as well, which means that the opening gets smaller and smaller over time so less water is able to flow. Older pipes can also be blocked by debris from corrosion. Another possibility is that a clog has been caused by dirt or other debris brought into your water supply from city repairs. Whatever the cause, these are all problems that a plumber will need to assess and fix.
In addition to these common clogs that can lead to loss in water pressure, don’t forget to also check your water valves. Make sure that they are turned all the way open so that water can flow freely. Sometimes, the problem is simply that they’ve been pushed further toward the ‘off’ position.
Municipal Supply
The problem may not even be something happening within your home. If you’ve searched for a leak but find no signs of any issues, even though you’re experiencing a sudden drop in water pressure, the problem could actually be with your city’s water main. If you suspect this may be the case, call the water department, and ask about any current issues they may be having in your immediate area that could be affecting your water pressure.
If you still can’t find the source causing your loss in shower water pressure, call us here at Tritan Plumbing. We’re standing by to help you work through all of your plumbing needs, and we’re confident that we have your solution.
