[reasonforseason]

I am new to this forum and I hope someone can answer my question. First of all I would like to say hello, and I am very happy to have found this forum and am sure I will learn alot from all of you.

My question is about the water preassure in my shower, I have noticed a gradual loss of preassure. The preassure appears to be fine every where else in the house, but both the hot and cold water is weak coming out of the shower head. My tub spout also holds the diverter switch and it is broken so it is always stuck to feed the shower.

I replaced the shower head and when that didn't solve the issue I removed the tub spout, the preasure from the spout seems o.k. but there is a loss coming from the shower spout.

The pipes feeding the valve assembly seems small to me also.

My question is what size pipes should feed the valves and how can I boost the preassure to the shower head?

Thanks in Advance,
John

 

[Bob Mariani]

Test the pressure with a water pressure gauge at the shower nozzle with the shower head removed. You should have 55-60 PSI. Pipe size will effect flow rate but not effect the pressure. Usually there is a screen and filter in the cartridge that is in the mixing valves, these get clogged and may be your problem.

 

[reasonforseason]

Thanks Bob,

Would the screen be in the stem? Can I get at it by taking the stem out? Can I get a pressure gauage at Home Depot or Lowes?

Thanks again,
John

 

[majakdragon]

Try removing the shower head and see what the pressure is like. New shower heads are rated at a maximum of 2-1/2 GPM. For your spout and diverter, you will need to change the spout. This is easier than messing with trying to repair/replace the diverter. Most tubs/ shower valves are piped with 1/2" supply lines. This is also the size that runs up and feeds the shower head.

 

[brokenknee]

edit; read through post to fast, mixing valve was already stated.

 

[Bob Mariani]

Thanks Bob,

Would the screen be in the stem? Can I get at it by taking the stem out? Can I get a pressure gauage at Home Depot or Lowes?

Thanks again,
John

Yes they will have one. Post what valve and type you have. Some will have screens and/or cartridge some will have neither. If you do not know what the manufacturer is, post the picture of it.