A Hudson customer called because she had very low pressure on the hot side of her shower valve. The thing is, it was a shower that hardly ever got used. But she had guests coming, so it needed to work right — and soon.

Why a seldom-used shower loses pressure

This happens more than people think. When a shower valve sits unused, sediment and mineral deposits settle inside it and can restrict the flow — usually on one side, hot or cold, sometimes both. That’s why a shower you only use for guests is often the one that gives you trouble right when the guests show up. Using the valve more often actually helps keep it clear; the running water flushes out what’s building up in there.

Getting the hot side flowing again

Rather than just working around it, we got at the valve and cleared out the restriction so the hot side flowed the way it should. By the time her guests arrived, the shower had full pressure on both sides and she didn’t have to worry about anyone getting a trickle halfway through.

If you’ve got a shower in Hudson or anywhere in MetroWest that’s lost pressure — especially one you don’t use much — call Richard T. Curley Plumbing & Heating at (978) 562-3736. Usually it’s sediment and mineral buildup in the valve, and we’ll get it flowing right again.