View Full Version : Low shower pressure
victoroil
Jan 7, 2007, 07:04 PM
I am having a problem with my second floor showers. First there is a slight amount of low pressure. Second we are not getting a good reaction to soap suds and lathering. Can't seem to get really clean. Water pressure downstairs is good. What could it be?
letmetellu
Jan 7, 2007, 07:53 PM
Shower heads are designed to only let so much water go through, thanks to our government. They have very small holes in the shower head and these holes stop up very easily. You might try cleaning them periodically. About the sudsing I would change to another brand of soap.
speedball1
Jan 8, 2007, 09:35 AM
Remove the shower head. Just inside you will find a washer with holes in it.
This is a water saver. Pry it out and toss it. Pressure better now? Tom
jonalisa
Jan 8, 2007, 11:02 AM
Removing the shower saver (as posted above) is probably your pressure answer.
No suds can mean hard water.
Here's info from a water quality site (http://agfacts.tamu.edu/D10/Comal/FCS/Water/F1/nlaundry.htm):
Problem: Hard Water
Symptoms:
Soap doesn't lather well. Greasy, grimy rings in tubs and sinks. Dingy laundry with a harsh feel and possibly white or gray streaks. Milky film or spots on dishes washed in automatic dishwasher. Scale build-up in hot water heater. Scale build-up in pipes and reduced water flow.
Probable causes:
Hard water due to calcium and magnesium compounds dissolved from rocks and minerals in the earth. The most commonly used description is:
0 - 3 grains per gallon = Soft
4 - 9 grains per gallon = Average
over 10 grains per gallon = Hard
Suggested Treatment:
Install a water softener or reverse osmosis system for both hot and cold water, bypassing outside water lines. Kitchen cold water line may be bypassed if water softener is selected and sodium in the diet is a concern. Alternatively, soften water in washer, tub and basins by adding non-precipitating water conditioners. Special scale filters may be attached to the cold water supply lines to appliances.