Can a shower head increase water pressure in your shower? (Do THIS now!)

When you have low water pressure, showering can be less than enjoyable. In fact, it can be downright awful. Luckily, there are several ways to increase your water pressure and make showering again something you enjoy. 

One of these options is to install a new shower head. Yes, a shower head can increase the water pressure but don’t expect miracles. If you really want to increase that water pressure by a lot, we have outlined the best options here.

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 Weaker-than-expected water pressure is not uncommon in many homes and apartments. This is because the original fixtures might be corroded or simply old. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to make it better. 

How to increase water pressure in your shower

Check the Showerhead

The first step to better water pressure is to make sure the showerhead is in good working order and not clogged with mineral deposits. If the inside of the showerhead is clogged, it will reduce the water flow through it and lead to reduced water pressure. 

To clean the showerhead, use vinegar or a vinegar and baking soda mixture to dissolve the mineral deposits. If cleaning the showerhead doesn’t do the trick, you might have to replace it with a higher-pressure model. Don’t expect miracles from this though. 

Rain showers require a lot of water. Older plumbing systems are not able to offer this. You can consider replacing the rain shower with one that spreads mist instead. This provides a different experience but some people like it as you get a comfortable sensation.

If you really want to improve the water pressure in your shower, the better option is to add a pump or increase the diameter of your water pipes. You will probably need a plumber for these things though as it involves a lot of work. 

Install a Showerhead with Variable Pressure

One of the easiest ways to increase your water pressure is to switch to a variable-pressure showerhead. These showerheads allow you to adjust the water pressure to a level that feels comfortable and enjoyable. This is done by adjusting the dial on the shower head. This can be especially helpful if you have people in your household with different preferences.

Example of a shower head with adjustable water pressure. By turning the plastic piece on the bottom, you can adjust the water flow. Image by PlumbingInstantFix, all rights reserved.

 The best showerhead with variable pressure will give you a full and satisfying experience. They are easy to install, and most models are relatively inexpensive. What’s more, they don’t require any special plumbing work. Just make sure to pick a model that is designed for low pressure. The water spray might be smaller but it will have more pressure.

Install a Shower Head With a Booster or pressure chamber

If the water pressure in your shower is low, you can install a pressure booster with a check valve on the showerhead. This is a device that’s connected to the showerhead and boosts water flow by pressing the water together. 

A booster provides a faster and more efficient way to increase water pressure in your home. But, it’s also important to note that these devices can wear out over time. To extend their lifespan and ensure proper function, you should clean these devices regularly. You can do this by using a simple household cleaner.

These types of showerheads work by compressing water and sending it through the flow system, which increases the flow rate and pressure.  

Change the Shower Tubing

If you think the showerhead and the pipes leading to it are in good shape and the pressure is low, you might want to check the showerhead, thread, and showerhead connection. You might find that the tubing is the problem.

 If that’s the case, simply change the old, corroded tubing with a new piece. You can either replace it with standard tubing or go for a high-quality silicon tubing that won’t corrode. There is one important thing you should remember before replacing the tubing. You need to shut off the water supply and make sure there isn’t any water flowing through the system. This is important to avoid flooding or any accidents that can occur from having water in the system and no way to get rid of it. You can also install a handheld shower hose.

Conclusion

Weak water flow from the showerhead can be very frustrating, especially when you want to relax or enjoy your morning or evening shower. Luckily, there are some quick fixes for low water pressure. 

One of the best ways to increase water pressure is to install a showerhead with variable pressure. This can be an effective and easy way to boost water pressure, but make sure to pick a model that’s designed for low water pressure. Similarly, a showerhead with a booster is a great way to boost water flow and pressure. These types of showerheads work by compressing water and sending it through the flow system, which increases the flow rate and pressure.

We have discussed what to do if your showerhead keeps sliding down here.