Showering is only pleasant with a lot of water pressure. However, if a small trickle flows out of the shower head, an increase in pressure is required. If there are certain causes, you can solve the problem yourself.
Shower head & hose
Common causes of low water pressure in the shower include calcified and clogged shower heads and hoses. Limescale deposits can usually be seen on the outside of the shower head. To check the inside, the shower head must be disconnected from the hose. Then turn on the tap. If the water flows again with more pressure, the shower head is the culprit. Whether the hose is clogged or calcified can be determined by twisting it off with a pipe wrench. If the water then flows with sufficient pressure without the hose, it is the trigger. Sometimes there is a flow limiter for the low water pressure
responsible, which is built into the hand showers. This saves a lot of water, but it significantly reduces the enjoyment of showering.- Descale the shower head and hose regularly
- Soak in solution with highly concentrated vinegar for several hours
- The effect of vinegar is increased by baking soda (baking soda)
- Attention: Builds up a lot at the first contact!
- Alternatively, use chemical limescale remover
- Replace extremely clogged shower heads and hoses
- Remove any installed flow limiter
Note: When twisting off the hose with the pipe wrench, be careful not to scratch or even damage the screw.
Boiler & instant water heater
If the low pressure only occurs with warm water, then it can
this may be due to a defect in the hot water system. With this problem it depends on whether the warm water is produced locally with the help of a boiler or a flow heater. If the devices have advanced calcifications, in most cases you can remove them yourself. Brittle and leaky pipes can also be responsible for the low water pressure. In larger residential complexes, the hot water is often generated centrally via the heating system. These systems are usually checked by the responsible caretaker, landlord or administrator, who is also responsible for the subsequent repairs.
- Open the device housing and check for limescale
- Descale hot water systems regularly
- Check lines with caution, do not run any risk
- Leaking water must never come into contact with the electrical system
- Unplug the device before repairing it
- Serious damage to the device or house water pipe is also possible
- Such defects can only be repaired by a specialist
Shut-off valve
In many apartments there are shut-off valves that determine the state of the water pressure. These
Valves are usually centrally accessible and often not fully opened. As a rule, these devices are located directly in the bathroom or in the kitchen; they are rarely located in the basement. If the valve cannot be found or reached, ask the landlord for clarification.- Check the valve to make sure it is turned on correctly
- Turn it up when it doesn't
- Then check the water pressure again
- Better to turn it up carefully and gradually
Tip: When turning it on, be careful not to overtighten the shut-off valve to avoid fatal damage.
System for increasing pressure
If the water reaches the household at a low pressure, a system for increasing the pressure can provide the remedy. This system is a special pump with which the water pressure can be increased sustainably. The installation of the device can sometimes be somewhat complicated depending on the structure of the water pipes.
- The purchase price of the system is quite high
- Installation not always possible, check before buying
- Higher pressure results from more water per unit of time
- Water is temporarily stored in the additional container
- In the case of rented apartments, clarify with the landlord beforehand