Low Water Pressure in the Shower? Get a Power Rinse
Weak shower spray? Learn the 8 proven ways to restore pressure—cleaning restrictors, testing PRVs, descaling heads, plus the Canadian flow-rate rules you need to know. Get Same-day help: Call 416-231-3331 for 24/7 Emergency Plumbing Services in Toronto.
Nothing kills post-workout bliss faster than a dribbling shower head. While Toronto mains deliver 40-80 psi at the curb, several in-home hiccups, plus new 1.8 gpm national flow-rate limits coming in 2025 can leave you with a trickle.
Below are eight step-by-step checks ranked from easiest DIY to fixes better left to a licensed plumber.
1. Verify Whole-House Pressure First
Thread a C$15 gauge onto the outdoor hose bib.
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50–60 psi: ideal.
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< 45 psi at the hose = a global supply issue; call a plumber before tearing apart the shower.
2. Clean the Shower-Head Screen & Nozzles
Unscrew the head, soak it 30 min in warm 5 % vinegar, scrub nozzles with an old toothbrush, rinse, reinstall. Mineral scale is the #1 cause of fixture-only pressure loss.
3. Check (or Remove) the Flow Restrictor
Most heads include a plastic disc limiting flow to 2.5 gpm; Canada will tighten the cap to 1.8 gpm on 2025-built models. If your household pressure is healthy but the spray is weak, removing or enlarging the disc can help—yet may void warranty or breach building-code amendments.
Tip: Swap to a WaterSense® head with pressure-compensating nozzles instead of tampering.
4. Fully Open the Shower’s Supply Stops
For showers with separate shut-off stops (often behind an access panel), ensure both hot and cold stops are turned counter-clockwise to the hard stop.
5. Replace a Clogged Cartridge or Mixing Valve
Sediment can choke the valve body, especially on older Moen or Delta single-levers. Shut water, pull the handle, extract the cartridge and inspect ports for debris; replace if worn.
6. Inspect & Adjust the Pressure-Reducing Valve (PRV)
Find the bell-shaped PRV near the meter. If house pressure reads < 45 psi, turn the adjustment screw clockwise ¼-turn, re-test. Springs fail after 10–15 years; a replacement runs C$300–$450 installed.
7. Look for Hidden Leaks Stealing Pressure
Shut every tap, note the meter, wait 2 h. Any movement = leak. Fixing pinholes restores both pressure and your wallet.
8. Consider a Booster Pump for Top-Floor Suites
Gravity robs 0.43 psi per vertical foot. High-rise top floors or hillside homes may need a ½ hp booster with an inline tank to hit the sweet 60 psi mark.
Still Stuck With a Trickle?
ANTA Plumbing’s technicians carry gauges, valve cartridges and replacement PRVs on every truck. Call 416-231-3331 for a same-day pressure diagnosis anywhere in the GTA—or request a free online estimate and reclaim that power shower tonight.
Low Water Pressure in Your Shower FAQs — People Also Ask
Is it legal to remove a shower flow restrictor in Canada?
It’s not illegal for existing fixtures, but new 2025 heads must ship at 1.8 gpm. Disabling a restrictor could void warranty or clash with local green-building codes.
What’s the ideal shower flow rate for good pressure?
Most users find 2.0–2.5 gpm at 50–60 psi delivers a satisfying spray without wasting water.
Will a larger diameter shower hose boost pressure?
Not noticeably; pressure is about psi, not hose diameter. A clogged handheld hose can, however, restrict flow—replace if kinked or mineral-laden.
Can hard water in Toronto clog my new water-saving head?
Yes. The city’s hardness averages 121 ppm, enough to scale fine nozzles; quarterly vinegar soaks keep the head clear.
References
https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/energy-efficiency-regulations/faucets
https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2022/cnrc-nrc/NR24-29-2020-eng.pdf
