Learn about preventing water pressure loss and when it’s time to call a Pittsburgh plumbing service.

Loss in shower pressure is one of the more intolerable issues homeowners face. If this is a frequent problem in your household, it could lead to further shower related issues like soap scum buildup or failure to drain properly. Luckily, there are several easy ways to prevent a loss of shower pressure in your home. If you are unsure of how to troubleshoot your shower water pressure, you can always call a trusted Pittsburgh plumbing service for extra assistance. Trust us, preventing shower pressure loss is much better than dealing with the aftermath. So, Let's go over a few ways homeowners can avoid water pressure loss in your home.

Install a Thermostatic Mixing Valve 

If you aren’t sure how to install a thermostatic mixing valve, call a local Pittsburgh plumbing service for help

Pressure balancing valves cause sharp drops in water pressure.

A common shower pressure issue stems from the pressure balancing valve. In many homes a pressure balancing valve will control both the water and control both the water pressure and water temperature. This is the device that can cause a drop in shower temperature and water pressure when you flush a toilet. Since this device controls water temperature and water pressure for your home, other appliances in use in your home can divert water away from the shower. When water is diverted away from the shower, the pressure and temperature will drastically drop.

To prevent this issue, install a thermostatic mixing valve, which has separate controls for temperature and pressure. This device, installed by a Pittsburgh plumbing expert, will help prevent any shower water pressure loss in the future.

Check Your Diverter Valve

A Pittsburgh plumbing service can easily fix a broken diverter valve

Diverter valves often cause issues for shower/tub combos.

A diverter valve is one that many homeowners use every day. The diverter valve is the device that diverts water from the bathtub faucet to the showerhead. If you live in an older home, there is a chance that your diverter valve has become less efficient over time. If your valve is broken or damaged from years of use, it won’t be able to fully divert all of the water from the faucet to the shower head. This leads to low overall shower water pressure.

An easy way to determine if the diverter valve is the cause of the problem is by comparing your tub pressure to your shower pressure. If your tub pressure is normal, but your shower pressure is weak, the problem is likely your diverter valve. To prevent this problem, call a skilled Pittsburgh plumber to install a new diverter valve the second you suspect an issue. And that’s it, once your valve is replaced you can rest assured that you’ll have consistent shower water pressure in the future.

Adjust or Replace your Water Pressure Reduction Valve

Over time water pressure reduction valves can malfunction and leave you with low water pressure

A skilled plumber can determine if the issue is related to your pressure reduction valve.

Another valve in your plumbing system that can cause trouble for your shower water pressure is the water pressure reduction valve. Though it serves an important purpose, not every household has a water pressure reduction valve. For homeowners that have this device installed, it is located where the main water line meets your home’s plumbing system. Just like the other types of valves, it can break after years of use. If your water pressure reduction valve is broken, you'll experience low water pressure throughout your whole home, not just your shower. To prevent this issue, have a plumber inspect your water pressure reduction valve yearly and make sure that there are no irregularities.

Make Sure Your Showerhead Isn’t Clogged

Cleaning a clogged showerhead is an easy preventative step for homeowners

If your showerhead looks like this, it's time for a clean.

One of the easiest ways to prevent a loss of shower water pressure is by regularly cleaning your showerhead. Overtime buildup on the showerhead can create blockages that decrease the amount of water moving through the showerhead. To prevent this from causing low water pressure, simply soak your showerhead in a cleaning solution and then carefully brush away any buildup with a toothbrush. By thoroughly cleaning your showerhead, you can prevent low water pressure issues down the line.

Have Your Plumbing Regularly Inspected to Avoid Clogs and Breakages

You should have your pipes regularly inspected by a professional Pittsburgh plumbing service

Scheduling regular plumbing inspections will save you money in the long run.

By scheduling routine inspections, a plumber in Hampton East Melbourne (or elsewhere) can identify and address potential issues before they escalate into significant problems. They can conduct thorough checks to ensure that pipes are free from blockages and leaks, and that the plumbing system is operating efficiently. 

In some cases, a drop in shower water pressure may be a sign of a larger issue with your home plumbing system. If your shower pressure drops along with other appliances in your home, it could be indicative of a leaking or broken pipe. To avoid expensive repair bills, you should schedule a plumber to check your pipes yearly. This way, a plumber will be able to assess any potential problems with your plumbing before they get worse. Many Pittsburgh plumbing services use a plumbing camera to identify any issues. The process is simple and could save you in future repair costs. So, to make sure that you don’t have a major loss in water pressure, call a plumbing service to inspect your pipes with a plumbing camera.