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    jonnyd's Avatar
    jonnyd Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Dec 11, 2005, 06:17 AM
    Poor water pressure in new shower
    We recently underwent a renovation of existing second floor bathroom. The shower has a main head and a second hand held. The pressure is so low that the handheld doesn't work. The main head is also very low. We have a sink and jacuzzi in the same MBR and a second bathroom very close by that all work fine. None of them have great pressure, but definitely adequate.
    We have our own well for water and the pressure gauge ranges between 30 and 52.
    The house was built in 1964.

    I am planning on speaking to plumber tomorrow, but wanted your advice on why this is happening and what can be done to help it.

    Jon
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #2

    Dec 11, 2005, 07:49 AM
    Good morningt Jon,

    How many times have I heard the same complaint? In a older home, and especially if you have galvanized piping, over the years minerals will buildup in the pipe walls. Along comes a homeowner that remodels his bath room. However, in doing that he disturbs the pipes and dislodges the crud built up in the pipes. When he turns back on the water and tests the new faucet the crud is sucked up into the inlet ports of the cartridge blocking the flow. Also by flushing the toilet it's also drawn up in the ballcock and blocking that flow.
    If you're handy you might not to pay out that high service call.
    Shut the water off to the shower, open up the shower valve and pull the cartridge. Clean out the inlet ports and before you put the valve back together turn the water back on for a minuteto flush out the supplies and valve body.
    As for the toilet. Shut the water off and unscrew the three top screws and lift the float ball and stem assembly. Now turn the water back on to flush the supply. If you have a weak stream then run a wire down the open ballcock to break up any crud that may be blocking the flow.
    Good luck, Tom
    jonnyd's Avatar
    jonnyd Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #3

    Dec 11, 2005, 07:56 AM
    Thanks for your quick reply. The toilet ,etc . Are actually fine. It is just the shower. I will try what you said.

    Jon
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #4

    Dec 11, 2005, 09:22 AM
    Jon,

    You might also check the shower head and remove the water saver and if the hand held has screens you might check them also. Cheers, Tom

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