Assuming your water pressure is good, then it's probably the restrictor
within the shower head, which is code where I am. But if you had plumbing
work done, it could also be clogged up from new plumbing. Sometimes when
you first use new copper pipe and fittings, tiny bits of dirt, and metal,
come off the inside of the pipe, over time, and clog up the fixture. This
is why the lines should be blown out before putting on the fixture. It is
not unusual to have to go back and blow them out again.
Since you just had this done, I would call the contractor and see what he
says. If he says it is the constrictor, and he won't help, then you can fix
it yourself. Technically, he can't really help you without violating
building code.
First, take the shower head off and turn on the water to clean out the
line. Is the pressure good now? If it is still slow, then you have a
pressure problem. Check your pressure. It should be at least 45 psi. But if
your pressure is now great, then you have a restricted fixture, so look at
where it connects to the half inch shower arm, and remove anything you see,
so you end up with a clean threaded half inch fixture. The restrictor looks
like a piece of plastic in the form of a cross, or star, often with a
gasket. Just pull all that out, put some Teflon tape on the shower arm
threads, and screw the fixture back on. Now you can enjoy your good water
pressure.
Licensed General Contractor
The water pressure at my house isn't the greatest and the 'new' shower
head that the contractor put in, frankly, sucks. We've had a 'soaking'
shower head but that particular beast had a huge head and pretty much
drizzled rather than sprayed. Does anyone know of a good shower head that
gives you coverage and a reasonable spray? The current one acts like the
water flow is restricted, but even so, there's only a row of ports around
the edge so it give you a circle of water. Any leads appreciated!
Thanks...Steve
