Skip to main content Tom's Guide Tom's Guide Search Tom's Guide View Profile Newsletters Phone Insights Phone Best Picks Phone Deals Phone Face-Offs Phone How-Tos Phone Reviews Network Carriers Android Phones Google Phones Motorola Phones OnePlus Phones Samsung Phones Nothing Phone TV Best Picks TV Face-Offs Audio Insights Audio Best Picks Audio Deals Audio Face-Offs Audio How-Tos Audio Reviews Over-Ear Headphones Bluetooth Speakers Smart Speakers TV & Audio Brands Entertainment Streaming Devices Prime Video Paramount Plus PlayStation Handheld Gaming Gaming Peripherals Connections Computing Insights Computing Best Picks Computing Deals Computing Face-Offs Computing How-Tos Computing News Computing Reviews VPN Best Picks VPN Face-Offs VPN How-Tos VPN Reviews Operating Systems Identity Theft Protection Parental Controls Malware & Adware Virtual Reality Augmented Reality Smart Glasses Chromebooks Gaming Laptops Apple Desktops Gaming Desktops Android Tablets Computing Brands AI Insights AI Best Picks AI Face-Offs Google Gemini Apple Intelligence Mattress Best Picks Mattress Deals Mattress Face-Offs Mattress How-Tos Mattress News Mattress Reviews Mattress Care Mattress Toppers Pillows & Bedding Smartwatches Fitness Trackers Smart Rings Apple Watch Home Insights Home Best Picks Home Face-Offs Home How-Tos Home Reviews Home Topics Home Appliances Home Office Home Security Home Brands Popular Brands View Phones Phone Insights Phone Best Picks Phone Deals Phone Face-Offs Phone How-Tos Phone Reviews Network Carriers View Network Carriers Android Phones View Android Phones Google Phones Motorola Phones OnePlus Phones Samsung Phones Nothing Phone TV Best Picks TV Face-Offs Audio Insights View Audio Insights Audio Best Picks Audio Deals Audio Face-Offs Audio How-Tos Audio Reviews Headphones View Headphones Over-Ear Headphones View Speakers Bluetooth Speakers Smart Speakers TV & Audio Brands Entertainment View Entertainment View Streaming Streaming Devices Prime Video Paramount Plus View Gaming PlayStation Handheld Gaming Gaming Peripherals Word Games Connections View Computing Computing Insights Computing Best Picks Computing Deals Computing Face-Offs Computing How-Tos Computing News Computing Reviews VPN Best Picks VPN Face-Offs VPN How-Tos VPN Reviews View Hardware View Software Operating Systems View Security Identity Theft Protection Parental Controls Malware & Adware View VR & AR Virtual Reality Augmented Reality Smart Glasses View Laptops Chromebooks Gaming Laptops View Desktops Apple Desktops Gaming Desktops View Tablets Android Tablets Computing Brands AI Insights AI Best Picks AI Face-Offs AI Engines Google Gemini Apple Intelligence View Wellness Mattresses View Mattresses Mattress Best Picks Mattress Deals Mattress Face-Offs Mattress How-Tos Mattress News Mattress Reviews Mattress Care Mattress Toppers Pillows & Bedding View Fitness Smartwatches Fitness Trackers Smart Rings Apple Watch Home Insights Home Best Picks Home Face-Offs Home How-Tos Home Reviews Home Topics Home Appliances Home Office Home Security View Outdoors Home Brands Popular Brands Pixel 10 Launch LIVE The World in 2035 Wordle Today Galaxy Z Fold 7 Best laptops Best Mattress Recommended reading Shower not draining? Fix it fast with this cheap household hack How to water your garden less — 8 expert tips that save money and help your plants I used to literally pull my hair out when cleaning my shower drain — but this 3-step routine has saved me from the worst bathroom cleaning job I never have to deal with limescale in my shower, and it's thanks to this one daily task that takes seconds My busy bathroom is a nightmare to keep clean — but this expert hack takes seconds and leaves it spotless Ditch the Vinegar: 3 Household Solutions Experts Use to Eliminate Limescale I tried this weird bathroom hack to clean my faucets — here’s what happened Weak shower pressure is draining your wallet — here's 7 ways you can fix it Kaycee Hill 24 August 2025 Fix poor shower pressure and reduce wasted water costs When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Shutterstock) Low water pressure in your shower is more than just annoying — it's costing you money every time you stand under that pathetic dribble. This problem usually stems from simple issues like clogged shower heads or hidden leaks that you can fix yourself. According to bathroom experts at Vidalux, most cases of weak shower pressure can be fixed at home without calling expensive plumbers. These simple solutions not only restore powerful water flow but also help reduce water waste and lower monthly utility bills. Here are seven proven methods to boost your shower pressure while cutting household costs. You may like Shower not draining? Fix it fast with this cheap household hack How to water your garden less — 8 expert tips that save money and help your plants I used to literally pull my hair out when cleaning my shower drain — but this 3-step routine has saved me from the worst bathroom cleaning job 1. Clean your shower head thoroughly (Image: © Shutterstock) Mineral deposits and limescale build up in shower heads over time, blocking the small holes that deliver water flow. This is one of the most common causes of reduced pressure and the easiest to fix at home. The experts note that "one of the easiest and most effective low-cost ways to clean a shower head and clear the nozzles is by using a natural cleaning solution of white vinegar and an old toothbrush." This method costs pennies compared to commercial cleaners and restores flow without harsh chemicals. 2. Check for hidden leaks around your home (Image: © Getty Images) Small leaks throughout your house can significantly reduce water pressure by diverting flow away from your shower. Even seemingly minor drips waste substantial amounts of water and money over time. Inspect all visible pipes, check under sinks, and look behind toilets for signs of moisture or dripping. Pay attention to dripping taps, which can waste at least 5,500 liters of water at home annually, while a leaking toilet could cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands in plumbing repairs. According to the experts, "even the smallest of leaks in a home can divert water away from the shower." Fixing these leaks promptly improves shower pressure while preventing expensive water damage and reducing utility costs. 3. Adjust or remove flow restrictors (Image: © Future) Many modern showers include built-in flow restrictors designed to conserve water, but these can sometimes limit pressure more than necessary. If you prefer stronger water flow, you might consider adjusting these devices. Consult your shower manufacturer's manual to locate the flow restrictor, which typically appears as a small plastic disk inside the shower head connection. Some can be adjusted for different flow rates, while others can be removed entirely. Be mindful that removing restrictors will increase water usage, so weigh the benefits of improved pressure against potential increases in water bills. Consider this option only if other methods haven't provided sufficient improvement. 4. Replace outdated shower heads (Image: © Shutterstock) Older or basic shower heads often aren't designed for optimal water flow, regardless of your home's water pressure. Modern high-pressure shower heads use advanced engineering to maximize flow efficiency even with lower pressure systems. Look for shower heads specifically designed for low-pressure situations, which often feature fewer but larger holes or special internal mechanisms that concentrate water flow. The experts suggest that "replacing them with a modern, specifically designed high-pressure head is sometimes your best option." Quality high-pressure shower heads also tend to be more water-efficient than older models, helping offset their cost through reduced water usage over time while providing the powerful flow you want. Cobbe Filtered Shower Head : was $39 now $23 at Amazon Improve your daily shower with filtered water that removes chlorine and reduces dry, itchy skin. Features six spray settings and pressure-boosting technology that works even with low water pressure. 5. Time your showers strategically (Image: © Shutterstock) Running multiple water-consuming appliances simultaneously reduces available pressure throughout your home. Schedule showers during off-peak times when other appliances aren't running. The experts recommend to "avoid showering at peak times when you have the washing machine or dishwasher running, as the appliances will be using a lot of water themselves." This simple timing adjustment costs nothing but can significantly improve shower pressure, especially in homes with older plumbing systems or lower overall water pressure from the main supply. 6. Ensure your main water valve is fully open (Image: © Shutterstock) Partially closed main water valves are surprisingly common causes of reduced water pressure throughout homes. This valve controls water flow from the street into your house, and even slight restrictions can impact pressure significantly. According to the experts, "the cause of low water pressure in a home is often the result of a partially shut main water valve." If the valve was partially closed, you should notice immediate improvement in water pressure throughout your home. Locate your main water valve, typically found near where the water line enters your property or by your water meter. Turn it counterclockwise to ensure it's fully open — you should be able to turn it until it stops naturally. 7. Install a water pressure booster pump (Image: © Getty Images) For homes with consistently low water pressure due to location or municipal supply issues, a water pressure booster pump provides a permanent solution. These devices increase water pressure throughout your entire home, not just the shower. Pressure booster pumps work by using a motor to increase water flow from your main supply line. While they require professional installation and aren't cheap, they can dramatically improve pressure for the entire household. A Vidalux spokesperson emphasizes that "most cases of weak shower pressure can be fixed at home without calling a plumber, saving homeowners hundreds on bills and water waste." Consider this option if other methods haven't provided sufficient improvement and low pressure affects multiple fixtures. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. More from Tom's Guide Make your yard smell amazing — 9 fragrant plants you need How to rat-proof your yard — 5 expert tips to keep rodents away This DIY wasp trap costs nothing and actually works — here's how Today's best iRobot Roomba S9+, iLife V3s Pro, Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra andShark IQ Robot XL deals iRobot Roomba S9+ $1,249.99View Deal See all prices iLife V3s Pro $159.98View Deal See all prices Shark IQ Robot XL $319.99View Deal See all prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. See more Home How-Tos Kaycee Hill Social Links Navigation How-to Editor Kaycee is Tom's Guide's How-To Editor, known for tutorials that skip the fluff and get straight to what works. She writes across AI, homes, phones, and everything in between — because life doesn't stick to categories and neither should good advice. With years of experience in tech and content creation, she's built her reputation on turning complicated subjects into straightforward solutions. Kaycee is also an award-winning poet and co-editor at Fox and Star Books. Her debut collection is published by Bloodaxe, with a second book in the works. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. Shower not draining? Fix it fast with this cheap household hack How to water your garden less — 8 expert tips that save money and help your plants I used to literally pull my hair out when cleaning my shower drain — but this 3-step routine has saved me from the worst bathroom cleaning job I never have to deal with limescale in my shower, and it's thanks to this one daily task that takes seconds My busy bathroom is a nightmare to keep clean — but this expert hack takes seconds and leaves it spotless Ditch the Vinegar: 3 Household Solutions Experts Use to Eliminate Limescale Latest in Home I tested the PerfectDraft beer machine in the name of science — now I don't think I can live without it I've already tested Casabrews' great new espresso machine — and you can pre-order it now to save a massive $149 Google's next Gemini-powered Home speaker actually appeared during Pixel 10 launch — what we know Hummingbirds love this one plant — and I think you’ll fall in love with it too I tested the new Breville Luxe Brewer — it can make 12 cups of coffee faster than my kettle boils I put two 'Dyson dupe' hairdryers to the ultimate test — here's how the Laifen SE 2 and the Dreame Glory Mix compare Latest in How To ChatGPT-5 claims to be a superior writing assistant — I tested it to find out How to watch US Open 2025: free streams, preview, order of play How to watch ‘Naomi Osaka: The Second Set’ on Tubi — it's *FREE* How to watch Women's Rugby World Cup 2025: Streaming guide, free games Your Samsung Galaxy phone comes with a hidden Easy Mode — here's how to activate it Waze's 'when to leave' feature is a game-changer — here's how to set it up LATEST ARTICLES Every upcoming DC Universe movie and TV show ChatGPT-5 claims to be a superior writing assistant — I tested it to find out Sleep Number's Labor Day sale slashes a huge $1,760 off a top-rated smart mattress today Forget sit-ups — a personal trainer shares 5 bodyweight moves you need to build a stronger core I Couldn’t Stop Binging This Underrated Post-Apocalyptic Series on Paramount Plus Tom's Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. Terms and conditions Contact Future's experts Privacy policy Cookies policy Accessibility Statement Advertise with us Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Please login or signup to comment Please wait...