Low Water Pressure in Bathroom Shower?

Question

I actually have two questions. First, do plumbers generally use 1/2 or 3/4 inch copper pipe for residential water lines, and could the smaller of the two affect water pressure? Secondly, what are some scenarios that could cause lower water pressure in a shower or bathroom, particularly the cold water from a single handle shower? Thanks in advance for any help on this!

Answer 1

This is due to almost all shower heads sold now are "water savers" You might remove the head, look for a washer where it screws to the 1/2 inch supply pipe. It will have a very small hole that restricts the flow of water. I have just drilled or carved this hole to about twice its size and have water that will knock the dirt off your body!

In a normal 3 or 4 bedroom house with 2 full baths, yes 3/4 pipe coming into the water heater, 3/4 going out, normally to each bath room then reducing to 1/2 inch to each fixture. The kitchen and laundry will have plenty water pressure and volume from 1/2 inch piping. Providing that the incoming pressure is adequate.

**JD

Answer 2

Fireman4 is correct. It's the restricter. They suck.

Answer 3

in general there is a main line 3/4" around the house and from there there are 1/2" division  lines going inside the house to the fixtures.

Low water pressure can be caused by

calcium build up inside the lines

or a clogged connection, caused by too much solder that dripped in a connection

or a valve in a faucet that does not work correctly

or a clogged or water saving shower head.

Answer 4

Depending on district or country you are in, most household plumbing are 1/2" copper/ stainless steel/ polypropylene pipe for hot water and PVC/ GI/ SS for cold.

For the pressure again depends on whether you are getting direct supply from the city mains or reservoir tank in your ceiling or from a booster pump.

For first and second situation, your incoming supply pipe could be clogged with deposit especially GI pipe. For the third scenario your pump could require maintenance.

May this help.

Answer 5

the smaller the pipe the more PRESSURE it takes to get through so the smaller pipe can give you more pressure also look around the pipes i no at my place there are three nobs on the pipes near the hose 1 is for the hose the other splits the pressure just give the pressure to the shower by taking from the hose and the third is basic tempture