Loss of water pressure in your shower, even if temporary, is no homeowner’s cup of tea. To prevent this frustrating and inconvenient plumbing issue, it’s in your best interest to have your bathroom water pressure, or better yet, your home water pressure regularly checked by a trusted Las Vegas plumbing company. This is crucial because a plumbing specialist can correctly identify the root of the cause and offer solutions for your home.
Keep in mind that water pressure loss can affect your shower only or your whole home. In case you end up having to deal with shower-specific water pressure loss, you should know that the cause could range from a clogged showerhead to various shower valve-related problems. To prevent loss of water pressure in your shower, several components of your shower and plumbing system should be properly checked.
1. Check your showerhead and pipes to see if they are clogged
Your showerhead should be unscrewed from the wall to check for possible signs of clogging. If your shower head is clogged, then all the nozzles should be thoroughly cleaned with the right tools and cleaning solution. Clogged pipes primarily due to hard water could also be the cause of water pressure loss in your shower. In this case, you will need to have them professionally cleaned by a plumbing expert and should consider having a water softening system professionally installed to prevent potential water pressure issues in the future.
2. Check the water pressure reduction valve
When water pressure loss affects the whole house, the culprit could be a broken or malfunctioning water pressure reduction valve, which is a device connected to the main water line. Oftentimes, this valve just needs some adjustment, so we recommend calling an experienced plumbing professional rather than attempting to adjust it yourself.
3. Check the pressure balancing valve
A pressure-balanced shower valve works by providing water at a constant temperature to your shower in spite of water pressure fluctuations in the cold or hot water supply lines. If both the water temperature and flow in your shower are controlled by a single switch or knob, then you most likely have a pressure-balancing valve. For example, when the toilet flushes, this can cause water pressure loss in your shower. Upgrading to a thermostatic mixing shower valve that controls water pressure and temperature separately may be the best solution for you.
4. Check your diverter valve
A malfunctioning or broken diverter valve could also cause water pressure loss in your shower. This valve works by diverting hot water from the bathtub faucet to the showerhead. If you notice that your water pressure issue affects your shower only (i.e. you have full pressure in your bathtub), then the diverter valve is most likely the culprit. In this case, you would need to contact a plumbing professional to have the diverter valve replaced.
We Can Help You Prevent Water Pressure Loss in Your Shower
If you have any questions regarding how to avoid water pressure loss in your shower, or are looking for a plumbing specialist in Las Vegas for professional hydrostatic pressure testing in your home, feel free to contact us at Rebel Refrigeration by calling (702) 766-9436 or via the online contact form. Get your free, no-obligation quote today!