By Dan Martin

How to Increase Water Pressure in Your Shower

  • Wednesday 2 October 2024
  • 7 minute read

How to Increase Water Pressure in Your Shower

From running quick baths to enjoying powerful, invigorating showers, efficient water pressure is essential for a satisfying bathroom routine. Whether you’re unsure what’s causing your low water pressure or if you’re wondering how to increase the water pressure in your shower, read on to learn more.

What is water pressure?

Water pressure refers to the force that drives water through your plumbing. It determines how your taps and shower perform, with higher pressure delivering a fast, more powerful stream, while low pressure can result in a weak trickle.

Measured in bars or pounds per square inch (PSI), one bar represents the force needed to push water 10 metres high. In the UK, regional water suppliers must ensure a minimum level of water pressure is delivered to every household. 

Why is my shower water pressure so weak?

Weak shower pressure can stem from various causes, some beyond your control, but identifying the root cause is crucial for finding the right solution. From limescale buildup and clogged pipes to old plumbing systems and logistical issues, we’ve broken down some potential causes of low water pressure below. 

Common causes of low shower pressure

Here are the most common reasons you may be experiencing low water pressure:

  • Pumping issues – Undersized, faulty or poorly installed pumps may restrict water flow.  
  • Narrow pipes – Small or outdated pipe diameters can prevent water from running freely.  
  • Valve problems – Partially closed or faulty valves may restrict the water supply. 
  • Blockages – Mineral buildup, rust or limescale inside pipes and fixtures, like your showerhead, can narrow the waterway.  
  • Shared supply – Multiple properties sharing pipes can experience lower pressure, especially during peak usage times.  
  • Location factors – Distance from your local water source and its height in relation to your home may affect pressure, as water running downhill has more force than uphill or long-distance supplies. 

How to boost shower pressure: quick fixes

While some issues may require professional help, there’s a range of quick fixes that you can try first. If you’re wondering how to boost water pressure in your shower quickly, here are some helpful DIY fixes: 

  • Clear your plumbing by running cool water through your taps for a few minutes to dislodge any minor blockages.  
  • Clean your shower hose filter and aerators monthly to avoid debris buildup.  
  • Check your valves and taps are fully open throughout your home. 
  • Clean and descale your showerhead by removing it and soaking it in white vinegar overnight to break down limescale deposits restricting the water flow.  
  • Upgrade your showerhead if cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue – opt for a design with fewer, finer holes to improve your shower water pressure. 

Long-term solutions

If the DIY fixes don’t improve your water pressure, it’s time to implement more permanent solutions. From installing pumps to upgrading old fixtures, there are several things you can do, such as: 

  • Install a water pressure booster pump, which can increase the pressure throughout your home. 
  • Replace old or corroded pipes to ensure nothing is blocking the water flow, like mineral deposits or general corrosion. 
  • Upgrade your pressure regulator, as a faulty or outdated one can limit water flow.  
  • Upgrade to a power shower, which features a built-in pump designed for homes with low water pressure or gravity-fed tank systems.  
  • Modernise fixtures, as old showerheads, taps and appliances may not be optimised for low pressure.
  • Test your water pressure using a pressure gauge regularly. If it’s below 0.7 bar, contact your water supplier as they are legally required to provide a minimum of 0.7 bar. 

Are there showerheads that increase water pressure?

Showerheads with smaller, fewer holes create more forceful streams, which work well when water pressure is limited. High-pressure models, like Mira’s Switch Four Spray Showerhead, are an ideal choice, as they use aeration and internal pressure chambers to enhance water flow. Mira’s Beat range also improves water pressure, with integrated flow regulators.  

To discover which showerhead best suits your needs, read our comprehensive guide exploring different types of showerheads and styles.  

Choosing the right shower for your water pressure

Selecting the right shower type is essential for optimal performance, especially when dealing with low water pressure. Before choosing your shower, identify your water system so you can select a compatible shower that suits your home’s water pressure. Here are some shower types to consider:  

  • Electric showers are a reliable choice for low-pressure systems. They work by heating cold water directly from the mains supply, meaning they don’t rely on your hot water tank or boiler. This makes them independent of your home’s overall water pressure and ideal for properties with weaker flow. 
  • Mixer showers combine hot and cold water from your existing supply to achieve your desired temperature. While they deliver an excellent showering experience, they require good water pressure to function properly. If your pressure is consistently low, there are a range of more suitable options. 
  • Power showers offer an innovative solution for low-pressure systems. Featuring built-in pumps that actively boost water flow, they can transform a weak trickle into a powerful, satisfying spray.  

For more help, read our guide explaining how to choose the best shower for your bathroom. 

When to call a professional

Some problems require professional help. If you’re experiencing ongoing issues, like sudden changes to your water pressure or signs of pumping or supply difficulties, contact a qualified specialist for a thorough inspection. An expert should also handle system upgrades to ensure they’re installed correctly. 

Explore our shower replacement service for seamless help with upgrades.  


Ready to transform your shower routine? Explore our range of showers with electric, mixer, digital and smart options suited to all types of water pressure.

How to increase water pressure

Low water pressure can spoil your showering experience. From limescale buildup to water supply issues, understanding the cause of your low water pressure is the first step in fixing it.

Check that all water isolators are turned on. If you’ve had recent plumbing work carried out, the mains stopcock valve could be partially closed, slowing water pressure.

How to increase shower pressure

First, clean your showerhead thoroughly, ensure the hose isn’t damaged and check the filter. This might require taking your shower apart, so ask a professional for help if you aren’t sure.

If your shower pressure is still low, it might be time to consider some alternatives:

  • Replacing your showerhead – if limescale buildup has clogged your showerhead hose beyond repair, it might be time for a new showerhead. Showerheads with fewer, finer holes can produce stronger water flow.

  • Installing a water pump – in some cases, you can install a water pump or pressurised cylinder into your existing system, boosting water flow. Not all shower installations can accommodate water pumps, so check with a professional if you aren’t sure.

  • Investing in a power shower – power showers use an electrically-driven pump to transport water from your supply, designed to operate efficiently on low-pressure systems.

What’s the best shower head for low water pressure?

The best showers for low water pressure are electric, mixer and digital showers. Showerheads with fewer, smaller holes generally produce more powerful water flow. 

Electric showers provide hot water whenever you need it, and the amount of water produced depends on the shower’s power rating, measured in kilowatts (kW). Generally, the higher the kW rating, the better the water flow.

Mixer and digital showers are another popular choice for low-water-pressure households, as they can be fitted to mains or gravity-fed systems. Mains pressure from combi boilers usually provides enough water flow, while gravity-fed systems may need pumps to deliver sufficient water pressure.

You can learn more about choosing the best shower for your bathroom in our guide.

What’s the best shower pump for increasing water pressure?

A shower pump can boost your water flow, giving you better water pressure and a more satisfying showering experience. The best shower pump to improve water pressure depends on the type of central heating and hot water system in your home and the kind of shower you have. 

If you have a combi boiler or an unvented boiler system, you shouldn’t need a water pump. These boilers provide a high-pressure water supply with a generous flow. Gravity-fed systems are the most likely to experience low water pressure, which can be resolved using shower pumps.

There are a few things to consider when choosing the best shower pump for your home:

  • Whether you have a positive or negative head system – positive head systems need positive head shower pumps, and negative head systems need negative head shower pumps.

  • Whether you have a twin or single shower pump – twin pumps are designed for both hot and cold water supplies, boosting both at the same level. Single shower pumps can only raise the water pressure of the hot or cold water supply and are usually used to boost hot water.

  • The bar rating – 1 bar is ideal for smaller shower heads, 2 is best for multiple showers, taps or appliances, and 3 bar pumps are best for power showers and large shower heads.

At Mira, our electric showers feature revolutionary Mira Clearscale technology to reduce limescale buildup for longer-lasting water pressure performance and Mira Airboost technology, increasing water flow by up to 30%. Explore our stylish range to elevate your showering experience.

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