Is There Anything I Can Do About My Shower's Water Pressure?

Question

I live in a five story apartment building on the top floor, the building is about 50 years old.

My water pressure has been very weak since I've moved in. However, my neighbor'r pressure is just fine.

Management is great, and has come up to check it out many times. It works somewhat better after they've tinkered with it, but it just goes right back to being very weak shortly after.

Some days it comes out as just a trinkle. I've had to use my friend's shower quite a few times when this happens.

I don't know what the management is actually doing when they "fix" it... But what could the problem be? All my faucets work!

Is there anything I can do? And what should I ask the building management to do? It needs to be fixed again.

The shower head isn't the best thing in the world, but I don't think it is the problem.

It's a combo shower/tub and the faucet on it also has bad pressure and suffers bouts of not working at all.

Answer 1

Sounds like your apartment building was originally plumbed using glavanized steel pipes. After many years it starts to rust and collect gunk on the inside of the pipe, just like clogged arteries that eventually cause a heart attack. I suspect when they tinker, they are using the homeowner's version of roto-rooter powered by hand. It will temporarily improve the water flow but it won't last. Your neighbor may have complained hard enough to the management to a point where he replaced the pipe. Or he was lucky to have a better section of pipe when it was installed. I would also check the shower valves to make sure they are opening all the way or not being blocked by corrosion buildup. Another thing may be that your are unfortunately the last outlet for the main pipe that feeds water to all units. So essentially your are getting left over water. If lot of units before you are using water, there aint much left for you.
If you can't get resolution from the management, go to the RV supply store and buy a 12VDC water pump and install it between the pipe and the shower head. You'll also need a 12VDC power supply. Using 12VDC pump is for safety. Turn it on when you take a shower and feel the difference.

Answer 2

I think there is blockage in the line.

How is pressure on the rest of the stuff in your apartment?

If it is good, another possibility is there might be a pressure balancing valve on the tub/shower supply that is old and wonky.

Try removing the shower head and running the water through the pipe alone. If the volume and pressure is weak - it is the line not the head.

If it flows OK, replace the head, and look for a filter or other screen that might be clogged in the tub filler side.

If it is line - look at the water mixer for temperature, it may be full of gunk, if it is removable have the management remove and either service or replace it.

Some building supers are nice guys, but not necessarily all knowing problem solvers.

If you get no joy, send a registered letter through your lawyer to management detailing what has been done and that the problem still exists. Give them a short amount of time to fix it adequately or you will hire a plumber to fix it for them and apply a reasonable service fee on top to cover your legal costs and time for your efforts on their behalf, which you will document appropriately and deduct from your rent.

If it gets no response, do it.
Get 3 written quotes, file all 3.
Pick the lowest. have the work done.
Be sure the contractor is a licensed plumber.
Call one last time to be sure Management is not acting before starting the work.

have fun.

Be polite and courteous, but firm. It is business, not friends arguing.

Answer 3

I would replace the shower head. Sometimes a faulty head can mess up the water pressure. They may just be adjusting it to make it work right. Oh, and if it still won't work complain more to managment. It is their job to permanetly fix it.

Answer 4

Yes, you don't say how old the shower head is. If it is old, try taking it iff and soaking it in vinegar( it could be plugging up with mineral deposits ). Or ask them to put a new one on. You might try asking what they do when they "fix it".

Answer 5

The faucet is plugged with minerals etc.. Replace the "Guts' . Purchase new shower head while your at it.

Answer 6

take off the shower head and run the water , if the water comes out strong then it the head thats clogged.

Answer 7

my maintence guy as quickly as advised me to have the water device flushed b/c some flats are so previous they have stressful water,which motives calcium to construct up. consequently leaving little or no water stress for yo uto use on a daily foundation. additionally if there is everyone else in the construction who has the comparable concern your water traces ought to be crossed.