Shower low pressure?

A weak shower is most often mineral buildup in the showerhead or a flow restrictor, and both are easy to deal with. If the sinks are weak too, the cause is in the whole house, and if only the hot side is weak, the valve's temperature limit or the water heater may be the cause.

Not sure which one it is? Snap your shower or tub and we’ll narrow it down.

Is water leaking or dripping instead?

That's a worn cartridge, failed caulk or a leak in the wall. Shower leaking

Likely causes

Mineral buildup in the showerhead
Most commonEasy DIY
The spray is uneven, some holes are blocked, or you see white or crusty deposits on the face of the showerhead.
Part: $100–300 to replace the showerhead (professional price)
Flow restrictor in the showerhead
CommonEasy DIY
The spray is even but gentle, and the showerhead has a small disc or insert behind the face that limits the flow.
Clogged or worn cartridge or pressure-balance valve
CommonModerate DIY
The showerhead is clean, but the flow is weak, the handle feels rough or stiff, or the temperature wanders.
Part: $100–300 for a cartridge, $75–250 for valve repair, $200–650 for valve replacement (professional prices)
Valve's anti-scald limit set too low
Less commonModerate DIY
The water is weak or only lukewarm on hot, even with the handle turned all the way, while the cold side runs fine.
Low pressure at every fixture
Less commonCall a pro
The sinks and toilets fill slowly too. That points to the main valve or the pressure regulator, so call a plumber. See faucet low pressure.

Quick checks

Shut off the water before you pull a cartridge. Some valves have stops behind the trim, and otherwise use the main water valve. Plug the drain so small parts can't fall in. If a stop or valve won't turn or starts leaking, stop and call a plumber rather than forcing it.

Run the sinks. If they are weak too, the cause is in the whole house, so skip to calling a plumber.
Check hot and cold separately. If only the hot side is weak, look at the valve's temperature limit and the water heater.
Look at the face of the showerhead for white or crusty deposits and blocked holes.
Unscrew the showerhead and look for a small flow restrictor behind the face.
Soak the showerhead in vinegar and rinse it, then screw it back on and run the water.

Sharpen the read

Diagnose your shower in seconds, for free

No account, no phone number. Fixology’s AI reads your photo and tells you what’s likely wrong, how worried to be, and whether it’s a DIY fix.

Snap one of these:

the showerhead and handle
the face of the showerhead, close up
the tub spout and the wall around the valve

Add a note or more photos next. Nobody calls you.

When to call a pro

Every fixture has low pressure, the showerhead is clean and the flow is still weak, the handle is stiff or the temperature wanders, or a valve won't turn or leaks. Valve work can mean opening the wall. For a weak stream at the sink, see faucet low pressure. For hot-side-only trouble, see no hot water. For lifespan and upkeep, see the shower or tub guide.

Typical cost: Fixr's shower repair page gives these professional prices: a repair averages $350 ($100–700), a cartridge replacement is $100–300, valve repair is $75–250, valve replacement is $200–650, and a showerhead replacement is $100–300. Fixing low water pressure is $100–800.

Sources: Fixr: Cost to repair a shower (updated January 31, 2025)

After a scan, Fixology can also help you find pros near you.