What Causes Low Hot Water Pressure and How to Fix It

Low hot water pressure - causes and fix

When you want to go somewhere and have got little time to complete your kitchen chores. And you turn on the hot tap for doing your dishes quickly, and it takes an agonisingly long time to fill up that sink. Or you have entered the bath and turn on that hot tap, but the shower isn’t satisfying. Here, the underlying problem is the low hot water pressure, and it could be triggered due to one or multiple things that might have impacted such as:

  • Water leaks,
  • Blocked filters,
  • A faulty tempering valve,
  • Debris and sediment in showerheads and taps,
  • Or it could be something else.

We will explain the vital causes that can lead to low hot water pressure, which will help you to troubleshoot your plumbing issue.

1. Water Leaks

A leak is a fearful cause of low hot water pressure; however, identifying it is not complicated. Walk to your water meter and see if the numbers are still rolling even when all the taps are turned off. Inspect your hot water system tank for leaks or see if there are joints in pipes leading to the unit. If this is the case, then without any delay, call your local emergency plumber near you to avert water damage or an even worse situation where water may get into the electrical wiring.

2. Filter

Some hot water systems are integrated with filters on the outlet and inlet. With time, they accrue sediment. A blocked filter is the most common hot water issue that is easy to clean or replace.

3. Tempering Valve

The tempering valve of your hot water system makes sure the water temperature is not too hot that it scalds you. Just like the filter and a few other valves in your unit, the tempering valve can damage and need replacing. They are available at an affordable price.

Hot Water Tempering Valve

4. Debris & Sediment

Debris and sediment can pile up in your hot water tank over time as the tank ages and corrodes. Thus, blockages happen over a while and can result in low hot water pressure.

Make it a point to check your low hot water pressure with the water pressure from the cold taps. If only the hot water is affected and runs down slowly, then you may need the services of a professional plumber to clean and flush your hot water unit. So give a call to the plumbing expert, Sydney Plumbing, on 0402 487 444 for servicing your hot water system today.

5. Taps & Showerhead

When low hot water pressure occurring to a single outlet – for example, only in your shower but no issues with your taps, the blockage is in the showerhead itself. If you have shifted recently, check the showerhead is not a water-saving one. Aged or exhausted taps can cause low pressure as well. The solution is to replace tap washers if the tap is still in good condition or update with an entire new tap replacement.

6. Hot Water System

If your hot water system outlived its age or nearing its lifespan and declined to the point that it is dispensing water at low pressure or leaking, it may be time for a complete hot water system replacement. In case your hot water system is not old enough, then it may only require unblocking, leak repairs, servicing by a licensed plumber in Sydney near you.

7. Pipes

The pipes can also get blocked! And it may happen due to rust, debris, calcium, sediment and other deposits accumulated over time. You can fix minor blocks in the pipes with simple DIY techniques such as sink drains. It is better to call an expert local plumber near you to repair the hot water pipes.

8. Faulty Installation of Your Hot Water System

A faulty hot water system installation could end up in low hot water pressure. An installation flaw can trigger this problem – it could be due to many bends in the pipework or mismatched pipe diameters.

What’s the Solution for Low Hot Water Pressure?

By carrying out the above checks, you can nail down the problem. It could be one or more of the following issues:

  • Have you detected a low water pressure issue for both hot and cold water?
  • Is only your bathroom tap or showerhead affected?
  • Does your hot water system leak?
  • Have you detected leaky pipes?

It is all right to DIY a blocked showerhead; however, it is not advisable to fiddle with your hot water system without having appropriate training and licenses. It could be riskier and illegal too, so it’s better to leave such complex jobs to expert local plumbers near you.

So when you’re dealing with low hot water pressure or any other issues related to your hot water system, or plumbing issues, call specialist plumbers at Sydney Plumbing on 0402 487 444, and we will be delighted to help you.

Sydney Plumbing Hot Water and Gas

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