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If you’ve ever stepped into a shower with water pressure that’s too high, you know just how uncomfortable it can be. What’s more, water pressure that is too high can damage your home’s plumbing. Fortunately, there are several ways to decrease the water pressure in your shower, so you can enjoy a more comfortable and relaxing experience.
Decreasing the water pressure in your shower can help you enjoy a more comfortable and relaxing experience while reducing water waste and saving money on your water bill. Don’t wait for the problem to worsen before calling a professional to assess your home’s plumbing system. Fix the issue now to save you money and the headache of an even bigger issue down the road.
Here are the steps to decrease the water pressure in your shower:
Adjust the Water Pressure Regulator
The first thing you should check if the water pressure is too high in the shower is the water pressure regulator. The role of a water pressure regulator is to keep the water flowing through your pipes at a consistent pressure, which is a critical part of your home’s plumbing system.
In most homes, this valve is located near the water main where the municipal supply comes into your house. Residential plumbing systems are designed to be between 40 and 60 pounds per square inch (psi). By adjusting this valve, you can lower the water pressure in your shower. To do this, locate the valve and turn it counterclockwise until the desired water pressure is reached.
Adjusting your home’s water pressure regulator or installing a pressure-reducing valve can effectively control water pressure throughout your house, including in the shower. This method is particularly useful if you continuously experience high water pressure in your plumbing system.
It’s also possible that your water pressure regulator may need to be replaced. If this is the case, it’s time to call a plumber.
Install a Pressure-Reducing Valve
If adjusting the water pressure valve doesn’t work, or if you can’t find yours, you may need to install a pressure-reducing valve. This valve is specifically designed to reduce water pressure. It can be installed on the main water supply line to your home.
Once installed, the valve automatically adjusts the water pressure to a safe and comfortable level. It is possible to do this yourself if you are handy, though, for most people, this is a time to call in a professional.
Use a Flow Restrictor
If you have checked that the issue does not stem from the water pressure being too high in your house, you’ll want to turn to the shower next. One way to decrease the water pressure in your shower is to use a flow restrictor.
These small devices can be inserted into your showerhead or installed directly into the shower’s water supply line. Flow restrictors reduce the amount of water that flows through the showerhead, which can help lower the water pressure.
To specifically address shower pressure, a flow restrictor can help by decreasing the water flow through the showerhead, reducing the water pressure. Another option is to examine and replace your current showerhead, especially if it’s aged or damaged. Opting for a low-flow or water-efficient showerhead can conserve water while offering an enjoyable shower experience.
Inspect the Showerhead
An old or damaged showerhead can cause the water pressure to be too high. Most newer shower heads have a flow restrictor, but a flow restrictor is like a washer and can wear out over time.
Replacing this could fix the issue. Consider replacing your showerhead with a low-flow or water-efficient model. These showerheads are designed to reduce the amount of water that flows through them, which can help lower the water pressure and save water simultaneously.
Clean the Showerhead
If you don’t want to replace your showerhead, try cleaning it instead. Over time, mineral deposits and other debris can build up inside the showerhead, causing it to clog and restrict water flow. This is especially common in locations with hard water.
To clean your showerhead, remove it from the shower arm and soak it in equal parts vinegar and hot water for several hours. Then, rinse the showerhead thoroughly and reattach it to the shower arm. This solution will alleviate high water pressure.
Don’t forget to inspect the water supply pipes, as mineral buildup and corrosion can also heighten water pressure. Enlisting a plumber to check your water supply pipes and possibly install a whole-home water softener can help you avoid future problems.
Check the Water Supply Pipes
If you have cleaned or replaced your shower head and the issue still needs to be resolved, you may have a problem with the water supply pipes. Just like with the shower head, minerals can build up over time and corrode or clog the pipes in your home. This can cause water pressure to build up.
Consider having a plumber inspect your water supply pipes to ensure they are in good condition and not causing high water pressure. You might want to install a whole home water softener to prevent hard water from causing build-up in your pipes, fixtures, and appliances.
Check the Water Heater
If you have a tank-style water heater, it may be contributing to high water pressure in your shower. As the water heater increases the water temperature, the water expands, which naturally increases water pressure.
Suppose the pressure relief valve on the water heater is malfunctioning or the expansion tank on the water heater is defective. This can cause excess pressure in the water heater and your home’s plumbing system. Have a plumber inspect your water heater to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
If your residence is equipped with a tank-style water heater, ensuring its proper function is critical. A malfunctioning pressure relief valve or faulty expansion tank might cause excessive pressure in the water heater and your home’s plumbing system. A skilled plumber can evaluate your water heater and perform any required adjustments or repairs.
