How to fix poor shower water pressure?

Belle_H

Basically what has happened, is that one of our showers isn't providing the same quality water pressure it usually does. our other shower and all other taps are fine with pressure just except the one shower. we have tried putting on a new shower head (didn't fix the issue), we have had a plumber look at it to although he only really looked behind at the filter which had some dirt and little bit of build up but again that didn't fix anything. We are suspecting it is likely the shower mixer and think we may need to swap out the cartridge. We are on tank water so our pressure is usually way stronger with that compared to mains anyway. Any Help would be greatly appreciated.

Jewelleryrescue

Hi @Belle_H

I think you are on the right track re shower mixer test take it out and see what happens to the pressure.

Well I an guessing you arnt using any line filters. So whats left a kinked or squashed pipe? Another in line shut of tap for the bathroom?

I have seen plumbers tap when used on a tap draped across the pipe hole by mistake and reducing the flow by half as a remote possibility.

Wont hurt to take the mixer out and flush the line a bit.

We have a rain event and dirty in the water we called the water mob they flushed the street line but we have to do our own property lines. Ie run the taps with the filteers out. The dirt was bad but it didnt stop the waterflow in any way.

Sorry the plumber not more helpfull.

JacobZ

Hi @Belle_H,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

It's wonderful to see @Jewelleryrescue has already jumped in with some great advice.

As you've mentioned, a faulty or clogged cartridge can restrict water flow.

To check:

Turn off the water supply.
Remove the mixer handle and retaining nut to access the cartridge.
Inspect for cracks, wear, or blockages. Clean it with water or soak it in vinegar to remove scale.
Reinstall or replace the cartridge, then test the water pressure.

If you find this still doesn't fix the issue, you may need to have the plumber return to conduct a more thorough investigation.

Allow me to tag @Nailbag, @Dave-1 and @TedBear to see if they have any other thoughts.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Jacob

Dave-1

Good Morning @Belle_H

Well I just learnt something new, I didnt know that shower mixers came with cartridges. Can you tell I dont have tank water? I also think that would be the first point of call to switch and see. If you run the water without a shower head attached, what is the pressur like? And then the same question going backwards as you remove each filter that is inline is how I would approach the problem, fidely I know but its crossing off the potential issues as you go.

Dave

Nailbag

Hi @Dave-1

You maybe confused. Mixer cartridges aren’t filters, they are the internal valve mechanism that controls the pressure and/or mixes the water inlets out to the tap spout.

The term “cartridge” is what that part is called.

Nailbag

Nailbag

Hi @Belle_H

In addition to the great advice by both @JacobZ and @Jewelleryrescue is to also check the shower head.

Without a photo of the type you have, they often have small replaceable wire mesh filters at the rose end. They also can be cleaned with white vinegar and an old toothbrush or replaced if required. The filters also act as pressure reducers, which is how the manufacturer can achieve a water saving rating. It’s common to remove these when the supply water is clean.

The last thing to check is the shower head itself that there isn’t tiny debris stuck in them. Pushing a pin through will clear any blocked ones. Soaking the head in the vinegar solution will also help clean out internal calcium buildup.

Nailbag.