To increase water pressure in your shower, consider the following effective methods:

1. Clean or Unclog the Shower Head

Mineral deposits like limescale can clog the tiny holes in the shower head, reducing water flow. Remove the shower head and soak it overnight in vinegar to dissolve buildup, then scrub with a toothbrush or toothpick to clear remaining debris

2. Remove Flow Restrictors or Replace the Shower Head

Many shower heads have built-in flow restrictors to conserve water, which can limit pressure. Removing these restrictors or replacing the shower head with a high-flow model (e.g., 2.5 gallons per minute) can improve pressure

3. Check for Kinks or Blockages in Shower Hose (for Handheld Showers)

If you have a handheld shower, inspect the hose for kinks or internal blockages that may reduce water pressure

4. Fully Open Main Water Supply Valves

Ensure that all valves supplying water to your shower and home are fully open to allow maximum flow

5. Install a Shower Pump

If your bathroom is far from the main water pump or has inherently low pressure, installing a shower pump can significantly boost water flow by mechanically increasing the water force before it reaches the shower head. This often requires professional installation and may not be suitable if you have a combi boiler, as pumps cannot be installed on mains-fed systems

6. Consider an Electric Shower (if Using a Combi Boiler)

For homes with combi boilers where pumps are not advisable, an electric shower can provide consistent pressure by heating water directly from the cold supply, independent of the boiler pressure

7. Inspect and Clean the Shower Arm and Plumbing

Remove the shower arm to check for mineral buildup or obstructions inside the pipe that could restrict flow

8. DIY Tip: Enlarge Shower Head Holes

Some users have successfully increased pressure by carefully enlarging the holes in the shower head with a drill, allowing more water to flow through

. These steps range from simple cleaning and adjustments to more involved plumbing upgrades. Start with cleaning and checking for blockages, then consider a shower pump or electric shower for more substantial pressure improvements