Got a weak shower? Try these tips

Any San Diego resident knows the importance of a good shower. With a little help from coffee, the steady flow of hot water helps you come out of hibernation every morning. Without it, we may never be able to face our long days of work and play.

So when a shower loses its gusto, it’s a problem. Trickling, weak water from the showerhead not only affects your whole day, it teases you about what you’re missing. You can’t live like this for long, which is why you need to try these (mostly) simple tips on how to return your shower pressure to its former glory.

Remove the flow regulator

Every showerhead comes equipped with what’s called a flow regulator. It’s basically a hole inside the showerhead that restricts the volume of water to 2.5 gallons a minute, per government legislation. In drought-stricken California, it’s actually a wise rule. So when you tamper with it, reduce the amount of time you spend in the shower accordingly.

To remove the regulator, detach the showerhead from the arm that connects it to the wall. After turning it counter clockwise with a wrench, take it off, and remove the rubber washer from inside. Now that you can access it, pry out the regulator, and re-mount the head. You’ll have strong, comforting showers once again.

Choose an aerator

Conserving water certainly isn’t a bad idea. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice water pressure while trying to save precious H2O. To find the ultimate plumbing fixture that meets both of these needs, call the best plumber San Diego has to offer. Boyd Rogers specializes in maximizing your shower’s potential by installing the right fixture for you.

Your high-impact, low-flow showerhead should include an aerator. Aerators mix air with water to maintain the pressure to which you’re accustomed. It’s the go-to choice for ensuring your spray has a steady, even flow.

Clean the showerhead

Like many other fixtures and pipes in your home, showerheads can become clogged with debris over time. Unfortunately, the result is a compromised flow of water when you need it most. To clean it, remove the showerhead from its arm, and unscrew the head. You should see a little trap inside where the debris has collected. This is both the culprit of and the solution to your problem. Drop it in some vinegar for a few hours to give it a thorough cleansing. While you’re at it, you might also want to clean the lime buildup on the outside of the head.

Replace the pipes

In the case of extreme, unbeatable weak pressure, you still have one Hail Mary play left: replace the pipes. However, this should only be used as a last resort, and after you’ve confirmed that the pressure to the entire house is suffering. If you have an older home with galvanized iron pipes, ask a plumber inspect them. There’s a chance that they’ve accrued a buildup of mineral deposits over the years, and need to go. Copper or PEX are better alternatives that should increase the flow and pressure to your fixtures.