Problems with my shower - any help much appreciated!

[nickOlars]

Hi,

I have read through a few posts on similar problems to mine, so sorry if I’m covering old ground here but I still can’t find exactly what I need to know.

So.... I have just moved into a new flat in London. I’m told London mains pressure is pretty low, but I find my shower is really, really weak. The mixing temp is just fine.

I have a combi boiler so I’m pretty sure a pump is out of the question and probably more than I can afford to spend anyway. I’d like to know if there is any way I can increase the pressure to my shower?
The cold and hot water in the kitchen seems good enough so I wonder why the difference?

Could it be that my landlord has not fitted a shower that is appropriate for combi boilers? Does anyone know how I can tell?

Can i increase the pressure that my combi boiler pushes out? (i notice a pressure gauge on the boiler is at approx 1 bar)

Second issue - the shower drips constantly, sometimes in an almost steady stream. I hate the thought of all that wasted water and the noise is pretty annoying too. (my landlord is a bit of an arse and has not attended to this despite many weeks of asking). I’m assuming it is in need of a new washer in the mixer? How easy is this to do DIY?

Cheers

nickOlars

 

[Cpplumber]

Hi,

First off id be checking the strainers in the hot and cold supplies to the shower. There is usually a mesh strainer on each supply.

I've also had a customer complain of this recently and found her shower head so badly scaled up, nothing could escape it! Check this also and if required give it a good clean with something like Viacal...even vinegar will do!

If its letting by, it could be in need of some TLC! Sometimes a quick dismantling and clean/grease (with silicone grease) can sort this. It depends how competent you feel. If you knew the manufacturer or your shower then the manufacturers service instructions can probably be obtained from them.

Cheers
Carl

 

[nickOlars]

Thanks for the tips Carl. I will have a crack at strainers. The head seems pretty free from scaling but I will certainly strip it down and give it a good clean.