Lack Of Water!

[Scarlett]

My shower seems less powerful than usual. I've tried turning the water up full but it makes no difference. My thought was that the shower head needs descaling- but is there likely to be anything else I should check? I have normal gas Central heating and a boiler in the kitchen. Thanks

[ivor4781]

is it electric first

[Scarlett]

It's a gas boiler, we have has central
Heating.. It heats the water and radiators. That's all I know?!

[Electrochem]

Have you noticed a loss of water pressure in other taps? Sometimes the system loses a bit of pressure and needs topping up. If that happens regularly, check for leaks. There is usually a valve on the boiler to top the system up (our is located at the bottom of the boiler). Have a look on the internet to see where it is for your boiler. Check the pressure (should be a display on the boiler). Should be at least 1.1/1.2 bar.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Electro...the system pressure within the boiler has no effect on the domestic hot water.If the basin tap water pressure is ok then there may be an issue within the shower mixer.

[The Builder]

Hi Scarlett ... if it's a "power shower", then it could be a fault in the built-in pump. Otherwise, I agree with BS... it's a bunged up, or faulty, mixer valve.

Where are the controls? On the shower unit itself, or on the wall somewhere?

[Old_Geezer]

Maybe the water company is saving itself money. Same price at lower pressure ?

[Dogsbody2]

Only if one is unmetered, OG.

[Old_Geezer]

I wondered that but figured folk usually want a specific quantity so would leave the tap on longer anyway.

[Scarlett]

Thanks! It's not a power shower; Just a normal shower over the bath which has mixer taps attached to the hose, fixed to the wall. There is no electric shower box or anything. I haven't noticed anything wrong with the other taps although there is a drip now in the bathroom sink. I'll try a descaler tomorrow and see if that helps!

[The Builder]

Most likely the shower valve then. It's often more trouble than it's worth to fiddle with it. (Overhaul kits etc.) It's usually easier and cheaper to fit a new one, especially if it's getting on a bit.

[Scarlett]

Hiya again, which bit needs replacing- the mixer tap bit?

[The Builder]

Yes, the mixer valve itself, Scarlett