Quick Answer:
If your shower feels weak after the recent outage, start by removing the showerhead and flushing the line until the water runs clear. Sediment or trapped air often lodges at the smallest screens first and can block flow; check sink aerators too. If flushing clears grit and pressure returns, the fix is simple. If gritty water persists or flushing doesn’t help, call a plumber.
Why This Happens
When a city outage or repair is followed by service restoration, flow changes can dislodge mineral deposits, rust, and grit from mains and distribution pipes. That loose sediment travels until it hits the smallest restriction in your plumbing — usually the tiny screens in showerheads, faucets, and cartridges. Air pockets can form as lines refill, which temporarily reduces pressure or makes the stream sputter.
This is similar to problems seen after other plumbing changes, such as winter work or remodeling — think of this as the same type of clogging issue you might read about with Shower pressure worse after winterization and Shower pressure low after remodel.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Run the main shower valve and flush the line
- Turn the shower on full hot and full cold (if separate) to both ensure any trapped air and loose material move out and to check whether the problem is on one side only.
- Let it run for several minutes until the water looks clear and the sputtering stops.
2. Remove and clean the showerhead
- Unscrew the showerhead (use a cloth to protect finishes).
- Point the exposed pipe or hose down and run the shower briefly to flush any debris from the arm and pipe. After an outage, remove the showerhead and flush until water runs clear.
- Inspect the showerhead screen or nozzles. Rinse or soak in vinegar if mineral buildup is visible, then run water through it before reattaching.
3. Check faucet aerators and other fixtures
- Unscrew sink aerators and inspect for grit—sediment often hits the smallest screens first. Clean any debris and run the tap to flush.
- If multiple fixtures show grit or low flow, the issue is likely in the service line or main, not just one fitting.
4. Inspect the cartridge or valve screen
- If pressure is good with the head removed but still poor with the head on, the head is the likely culprit. If pressure is low with the head removed, the cartridge or internal valve screen may be clogged.
- Shut off the water to the shower before removing a cartridge. If you’re not comfortable, skip to calling a professional.
5. Reassemble and test
- Reattach cleaned parts, slowly restore any shut-off valves, and test at normal temperature and pressure.
- If flow returns and water runs clear, continue monitoring for a day to ensure no new grit appears.
What Not to Do
- Don’t ignore gritty water after outages—sediment can damage cartridges and valves over time.
- Don’t force or pry delicate cartridge components without shutting off the water first; that can cause leaks or more damage.
- If flushing doesn’t restore pressure, a plumber is appropriate—don’t repeatedly run fixtures hoping the problem will resolve itself.
When to Call a Professional
- Low pressure remains after you’ve flushed lines, cleaned heads, and removed visible grit.
- Multiple fixtures across the house show reduced flow—this may indicate a main service issue or a problem at the meter or street connection.
- You find damaged cartridges, leaking valves, or you’re uncomfortable shutting off water and disassembling plumbing parts.
Safety Notes
- Turn off water at local shutoff valves before removing cartridges or doing internal work to avoid scalding or flooding.
- Use basic protective gear—gloves and eye protection—when cleaning screens or working with vinegar and debris.
- If you smell gas, hear unusual hissing, or find evidence of a broken main, leave the area and contact the utility immediately.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Will the air clear on its own? Yes, small air pockets typically clear within minutes to hours as you run fixtures, but persistent sputtering with grit means flushing and inspection are needed.
- Can I clean a cartridge myself? You can clean simple screens and removable cartridges after shutting off water, but if the cartridge is corroded or hard to remove, call a pro.
- Can this sediment harm my water heater? Sediment can settle in appliances over time; one episode from a city outage is usually not catastrophic, but repeated grit can shorten equipment life and should be addressed.