How to Fix Low Pressure in Your Shower

A great shower can be the perfect start to your day. But if the water pressure is weak, it can be a day breaker instead. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to fix it. This guide will help you understand the difference between water pressure and flow rate, troubleshoot low water pressure in your shower, and get a shower experience that starts your day off right.

Measured in pounds per square inch (psi), water pressure is the amount of force pushing water through the plumbing system. Although water pressure can vary greatly, the maximum allowed by 2021 International Residential Code is 80 psi.

Flow rate is measured in gallons per minute (gpm) and reflects the amount of water dispensed from the fixture during a period of time. Maximum flow rates for kitchen and bathroom fixtures are set by federal standards, and local and state requirements may be lower.

Both the water pressure and flow rate in your home are determined by a variety of factors—from the source of the water coming into your home (e.g., a private well or the local water municipality) to the configuration of and material used in your piping system.

Flow rates for fixtures have gotten lower, but technology has improved. Today, federal standards allow for a maximum shower head flow rate of 2.5 gpm, and local regulations are often more stringent—as low as 1.5 or 1.8pm. But that doesn't automatically mean that a new shower head will deliver a subpar experience that feels like lower pressure. Improved designs and innovative features, like Delta^® H₂Okinetic^® Technology, can deliver a shower experience that feels like more water and more water pressure than a standard shower head.

If the water pressure for your new shower head doesn't seem right, check the flow rate. It's possible that a new shower head simply flows at a lower rate than you're used to, which makes it feel like you have less water pressure.

You can find the flow rate listed on the shower head itself (it might be on the back). To make sure it's performing at the proper rate, you can calculate the actual flow rate by measuring how long it takes to fill a one-gallon container. Here's how:

• Gather a few tools: a one-gallon bucket, pitcher, or other container and a timer (e.g., a stopwatch or the timer on your smartphone).
• Ask a friend or household member to help. This is a job for two!
• Place the bucket below the shower head, turn on the shower, and start the timer.
• Stop your timer when the one-gallon container is filled.
• Do some math to determine the flow rate. Divide 1 gallon by the number of minutes (expressed in decimals) it took to fill the container to calculate the flow rate. For example, if it takes 30 seconds to fill up the one-gallon container, then the flow rate is 2.0 gpm (1 gal./.5 min. = 2 gpm).

If the flow rate is slower than it should be, you could have debris in the line. Continue to the next section find out what to do next. However, if the flow rate is correct and you're not satisfied with the performance, you may want to consider another model. To get started, check out our Delta H₂Okinetic^® Showers.

Debris can build up in your shower head and impact the water pressure. No matter where you live, mineral deposits and other debris can eventually build up on and/or in the connection to your shower head. How quickly that happens depends on the water quality in your location. Whether it's lime buildup or particles from a well, rusty pipes, or the municipal water service, the accumulated debris can hinder the flow of water through your shower faucet.

If debris clogs your shower head and makes it less effective, follow these steps to fix it.

1. Remove and Clean Your Shower Head
   You can find step-by-step instructions in our "How to Clean a Shower Head" blog.

2. Clean the Debris Screen
   The debris screen in your shower head helps prevent larger particles from getting inside and potentially damaging internal components. If it gets blocked, you can easily remove the debris when cleaning your shower head.

   • Remove the screen from the nut where the shower head attaches to your shower arm. If your debris screen is missing, it may have been mistaken for a flow restrictor and removed. You can order a universal replacement (RP43621) that's designed to fit any Delta® shower head.
   • Scrub the screen with a toothbrush to remove any fragments.
   • Reinsert the screen in the nut.

   Warranty Warning: Every shower head has a flow restrictor inside but removing it could void your warranty.

3. Flush the Plumbing System
   While your shower head is being cleaned, turn on the shower to flush the plumbing system for 30-60 seconds. This will help remove any debris (e.g., rust) from the pipes and shower arm.
    
4. Check the Hose for Your Hand Shower
   If you have a hand shower, a leak or kink in the hose might be limiting the flow. Make sure the hose is in good condition and replace it if needed.
    
5. Reinstall Your Shower Head & Check for Leaks
   Our "How to Clean a Shower Head" blog will guide you, including what to do if you find any leaks.

Once your pipes are flushed and your shower head is clean, there are a few things you can do to help maintain the water pressure in your shower.

Keep It Clean: Regularly cleaning the shower head with a damp, non-abrasive sponge (water alone is fine but mild soap is okay, too) and buffing it dry with a soft cloth should help prevent mineral buildup.

Limit Water Use: When someone is showering, limit water use elsewhere in the home. For example, avoid running the dishwasher or washing machine at the same time.

Upgrade Your Shower Head: Invest in products that deliver a great experience—even at lower flow rates. In addition to innovative technologies, look for WaterSense^® labeled products that are third-party tested to ensure they save water without impacting performance.

If these steps don't fix your water pressure issue, the problem will likely take more work than a quick fix. Although rare, the water pressure issue could be caused by improper installation of your shower valve. Or it's possible that there's an issue with the water pressure to your home. Contact a plumbing professional to help troubleshoot further. They can also provide advice about pumps or boosters that can enhance the water pressure in your home.

Visit our Pro Directory if you need help finding a professional plumbing contractor in your location.