We’ve all been there, stepping into the shower, only to be greeted by a feeble trickle rather than the powerful, refreshing flow we were hoping for.
Whether you’re washing away the day or kickstarting your morning, low water pressure can quickly turn a routine rinse into a frustrating chore.
To find out just how widespread the problem is, Mira Showers surveyed 1,000 Brits about their experiences with poor water pressure and the results paint a surprisingly soggy picture.
- 53% said their water pressure drops in the summer months
- Pressure problems are most common in the evening (37%), followed closely by the afternoon (36%), and mornings (27%)
And when it comes to impact, half of respondents said low water pressure sometimes disrupts their daily routine, while one in 12 say it happens often.
Fortunately, Emily Robertson at Mira Showers has shared some top hacks for boosting your shower’s performance and making low pressure a thing of the past.
Simple ways to boost your shower pressure at home
1. Give your showerhead a proper clean
“Over time, limescale builds up inside your showerhead and can seriously restrict water flow. Remove the head and soak it overnight in a 1:1 water and white vinegar solution to dissolve any deposits. If the limescale is stubborn, try a non diluted solution of white vinegar. Give it a good rinse in the morning, then you’ll likely notice a much stronger, more satisfying spray.”
2. Consider replacing your showerhead
“If your showerhead or hose is heavily clogged and beyond saving, it might be time for a new one. Look for models produced specifically for your shower type such as showerheads for electric showers are designed to make the pressure feel stronger. An adjustable showerhead with multiple spray settings can also help you find your perfect pressure.”
3. Check for blockages
“Low water pressure could be down to a blockage somewhere in your plumbing. Most showers have filters to protect the product from damage due to debris. If these filters get blocked they can reduce the showers performance. Other simple checks such as making sure isolators and stop taps are fully open can help increase the flow. It’s best to call a professional who can identify where the filters are located and help you resolve the issue quickly as even small blockages can impact water pressure significantly.”
4. Flow regulators
“Some showers in newly built homes have a flow regulator fitted and are designed to give a lower flow to meet national standards for water consumption. It may be an option to install a larger flow regulator, so it is worth speaking to your builder or plumber regarding this.”
5. Consider your water system
“Older homes, especially those that have a cold water tank in the roof space, (gravity system), can deliver a less forceful shower than a mains pressure system. If this sounds familiar, it might be worth speaking to a plumber about upgrading your pipework to a more modern system.”
6. Install a shower pump
“If you’ve tried everything and your shower still feels more like drizzle than downpour, a shower pump could be the solution. These devices can significantly increase the water flow, turning a weak trickle into a powerful stream. Shower pumps cost around £200-£300, and will need to be installed by a professional, which prices may vary.”
What is low water pressure?
“Water pressure is measured in bars, with one bar corresponding to the force needed to push the water 10 meters high. Every regional water company must provide a minimum amount of water pressure to each home.
“Still, the exact amount of pressure you receive will depend on various factors, including how far you live from the source, how hilly the surrounding area is, and how much water is being drawn by your neighbours. This is something you should be aware of when moving into a new home, as it may affect your day to day activities.
“However, you might have a plumbing issue if you start experiencing unusually low pressure from all your taps or showerheads. In that case, call a professional to check why this is happening.”
Why water pressure might be lower in summer
“You might have noticed that your water pressure dips in the warmer months. This can be due to increased demand on water supply systems during summer when more people are using water for gardening, filling paddling pools, and sprinklers.
“With everyone vying for the same supply, it can lead to a noticeable drop in pressure at home. If you experience this, consider scheduling your showers during off-peak hours, like early mornings or late evenings, to enjoy a better flow.”
How to check water pressure
“You need specialist pressure testing equipment to check water pressure, but you can measure how much flow is coming from your tap or shower, and there are plenty of YouTube tutorials with information on how to do this.
“To test your water flow rate, place a one-litre measuring jug under the affected tap or shower and run the water under a full flow. If it takes more than six seconds to fill the jug, this could indicate low water pressure. It would be worth then contacting a plumber or your water authority to see if the pressure can be improved.”
The best showers for improving water pressure
Some showers are better than others for homes with low water pressure. Find out which shower type is compatible with your central heating and hot water system, then decide on the best choice for your bathroom size, design, lifestyle and budget.
Emily recommends some shower types suitable for improving water pressure:
Electric showers
“The main benefit of an electric shower is that you get instant hot water whenever you need it. The amount of hot water produced depends on the power rating, measured in kilowatts (kW). Generally, the higher the kW rating, the better the water flow.”
Mixer and digital showers
“Mixer and digital showers are a popular choice, as they can be fitted to mains or gravity-fed systems. Mains pressure from a combi boiler will usually provide adequate water flow in your shower, whilst gravity-fed systems may require a pump to deliver sufficient pressure.”
Power Showers
“Power showers combine water from your hot and cold supplies to create the perfect temperature – before a built-in pump boosts the water flow. They’re designed for homes with gravity- fed tank systems – helping to bring a powerful invigorating shower experience.”
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