A shower often loses pressure because of limescale or debris in the shower head, a kinked or damaged hose, or a worn or clogged valve or filter in the shower. If other taps in the home are also weak, the cause may be in the wider water supply rather than the shower itself.
Checking whether only the shower is affected is a useful first step. It can save time and point towards the right kind of repair.
Shower Head and Hose
A gradual drop over weeks or months often points to a build-up somewhere, while a sudden change may suggest something has moved, failed or become blocked.
Over time, minerals in the water can build up in the small holes of a shower head, especially in areas with harder water. This can make the spray weaker or uneven, with some jets blocked completely.
The hose can also be the problem. A kinked, twisted or damaged hose, or a worn washer at either end, can restrict the flow. Some heads and hoses have flow limiters built in, which may make a new head feel weaker than an old one.
Valves, Filters and Cartridges
Many shower valves have small filters that stop grit from entering. If these become clogged, the flow can drop. This can affect the hot side, the cold side or both, depending on which filter is blocked. A worn or clogged cartridge inside the valve can have a similar effect.
If the pressure dropped suddenly after work on the plumbing, debris may have been disturbed and caught in the valve or filter. This is not always the case, but it is worth mentioning when asking for help.
Pumps and Electric Showers
Some showers rely on a pump to boost the flow. If a pump is noisy, cuts out or runs weakly, it may need checking. Electric showers can also lose flow if parts inside the unit are worn or scaled. Do not open an electric shower or a pump, as both may involve electrical parts.
When the Problem Is Wider
If several taps are weak, or the hot and cold supply both seem lower than usual, the cause may be in the water supply to the property or the pipework. Our water pressure problems page explains how wider pressure and flow problems are assessed.
If only the shower is weak, note whether both hot and cold are affected and whether the problem came on suddenly or gradually. Cleaning the outside of the shower head may help if scale is visible, but avoid taking the valve apart.
Our page on professional shower repairs explains how weak and faulty showers are assessed and repaired.
If your shower has lost pressure, a plumber can check the shower and its supply and explain what may be needed to put it right.