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Sometimes, you may open your water taps or shower and realise that the water pressure is lower than usual. This problem can typically cause a lot of inconvenience because you may be unable to carry out your tasks more effectively.
When you note the low water pressure, you must first determine the cause. If you experience low pressure in a single fixture, the first thing to do is to have a look at the valves.
If your valves are on and not working, there might be a clog somewhere requiring cleaning out. To expound more, this article explores why you may have low hot water pressure and how to solve the problem.
Debris or Dirt Accumulation
Debris or dirt can block the pores of your hot water heater, reducing the amount of hot water coming out. The residue may be caused by hard water scales or debris sucked when doing a fixture replacement, especially for outdoor fixtures.
If this is the cause of the issue, the best solution is to flush your hot water system regularly. Another option is to install a water filter on your system's outlet and inlet. Installing an inlet valve on your system helps minimise the sediment accumulation in your cold and hot water supply lines and ensures you get soft and clean water.
Damaged Water Pressure Valve
A damaged pressure regulator can also cause low water pressure. These valves are designed to manage the water pressure in your property and usually let water flow constantly, even if the pressure from the main supply is too low or high.
You can easily recognise the pressure regulators from their designs because they feature a pressure gauge. A damaged pressure regulator affects water pressure input for cold and hot water systems.
The best way to solve this issue is to replace the damaged pressure valve. If you perform a DIY replacement, ensure that you use a new original part explicitly designed for your unit. A professional plumber is a better place to diagnose and fix the problem.
Hot Water Shutoff Valve Broken or Partially Broken
A shutoff valve is one of the most critical parts of your hot water system because it helps regulate the amount of hot water coming out at once. It is there to help shut off the hot water when doing replacements or repairs.
Sometimes, the valves may fail to open up or break, reducing water pressure. If the shutoff valve is closed partially, it makes the overall hot water pressure on your property drop off.
To solve the problem, you should check to find out if it is turned on completely, and if it is not, you can turn it on completely to solve the problem. If the valve is broken, you should replace it. Before removing the hot water system valve, turn off the main supply water inlet valve.
Corroded or Rusted Pipes
Pipe corrosion and rusting are common problems in many old properties in Australia. Older pipes can be made with steel or cast iron, which are more susceptible to oxidation than materials such as copper and less prone to degradation over time.
If your property has pipes made from iron or steel, corrosion can lead to low hot water pressure in your cold and hot water faucets. The pipes may be full of scale or sediment accumulation or cracked. Inspecting your plumbing system for likely signs of damage or rust is advisable.
It is also advisable to use ABS plastic pipes or PVC that don't rust and are corrosion-resistant. If only a few parts are rusted, especially near joints, your plumber can cut out and replace the corroded parts. For steel or iron piping that is rusted, the best option is to replace them with PVC options.
Hard Water Accumulation
Most of the water supplied in many properties in Australia is hard water, which contains minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. They may not be a significant problem, but if the minerals are excessive, they precipitate and create a coating inside your plumbing pipes.
The buildup of the minerals throughout your pipes can lead to low hot water pressure. A great way to check out if your water has high mineral content is by checking your tubs and sinks. If you notice discolouration or whitish film, then the low pressure would be caused by the hard water coat buildup.
To solve the problem, you should drain the water from your hot water tank system to eliminate all the mineral buildup. You can also use vinegar, which is a non-toxic and affordable way to dissolve the mineral deposits in your water pipes.
Allow the vinegar for about six hours, then open and flush the taps until you no longer smell the vinegar. For an instant water heating system or if the mineral buildup is excessive, you should seek help from a plumbing contractor because they have specialised tools to fix the buildup in your pipes.
Taps/Faucets and Shower Head
If you experience low hot water pressure from one outlet, then that outlet may be worn out, damaged or have sediment accumulation. There might be clogging on your tap, and if there's low pressure in the shower, then the problem may be with the showerhead.
To solve the issue, replace the faucet, washers or the showerhead. Ensure you carry the old fixture when buying the replacement parts for correct sizing. Another option is to submerge the fixture with the scale or sediment buildup in a bucket and add an equal amount of vinegar and water.
You can also use lemon juice, vinegar only and any recommended acidic solution to dissolve the sediments clogging your system. Allow the fixtures to stay submerged for up to four or six hours, rinse them with water, and fix them to the system.
Main Water Supply Lines Blockage
A blockage on the links between your municipal supply system and your home plumbing system may also cause low water pressure in your home or business. The pipes bringing water into your home may be blocked, which you should check regularly. If your pipes have sediment build ups or restrictions, you can utilise a garden hose to flush out the debris from the supply lines.
Water Leaks
Reduced hot water pressure can also be caused by water leaks anywhere along the water system. So, if you recognise reduced pressure, it is advisable to check your piping system.
Some signs of pipe leaks include wet spots on the ground near your home or signs of flooding in areas where your pipes run to the surface. You should call your plumber to fix the leak to avoid severe damage to your property.
Check Your Water Metre
Low water pressure can also result if your water meter is not open all the way. The metre is a valve that belongs to your water company, so it may not be opened completely. If you can access it, you can check to find out if it is opened all the way. If you cannot access the metre, contact your water company to inspect and assess if it's fully opened.
Ask a Contractor to Help With Low Water Pressure
As mentioned above, low water pressure on your property can cause a lot of inconvenience, so the problem should be handled quickly. Employing a professional plumbing contractor to diagnose and offer a long-lasting solution to the problem is advisable.
They have the experience and knowledge of how your plumbing system works and can navigate the intricacies of your hot water heater, providing a reliable and long-term solution.
By entrusting the job to a professional plumbing contractor, you can ensure that the issue is addressed comprehensively, avoiding potential complications and ensuring the continued functionality of your hot water system.
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