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sw1rmd85 · Dec 31, 2006, 09:27 AM

I have low water pressure in the hot side of my kitchen faucet. It's definitely not the faucet since its brand new. I also took apart the pipes underneath and turned on the water hoping it would blast through a blockage; however, there were no signs of any buildup and the water pressure was very low there as well. We know a guy who's sopposedly a plummer. He came over and is blaming the problem on the water heater, though I highly doubt this considering hot water pressure throughout the house is perfectly fine; the problem is only in the kitchen. So basically do you think? Is it in fact my water heater or possibly a rust buildup somewhere in the piping from the water heater to the faucet or is it something else? Thanks.

ballengerb1 · Dec 31, 2006, 09:54 AM

It is more likely an anode rod than rust. The anode rod is the large nut-like opening on the top of your heater. This rod is designed to slowly deteriorate so the tank itself does not deteriorate. When the rod is nearly gone large flakes and specks can fall off and get suspended in the water. These specks can build up in the control valve, hot only, and lower your water pressure. Shut off the watermain, flush your tank, remove and check the rod, disassemble the control faucet and clean. New anode rods can be purchased at most hardware and big box home stores.

sw1rmd85 · Dec 31, 2006, 10:02 AM

Ill check it but is it likely the rod since my tank is only about 4 years old? And hypothetically it Isn't the rod... would the water heater have to be replaced or is the plummer who told me that totally wrong? And also, if the anode rod is reducing my water pressure, wouldn't the hot water pressure throughout the house be low and not JUST in my kitchen faucet? Because my hot water pressure in every other faucet is perfectly fine? Thanks

ballengerb1 · Dec 31, 2006, 10:07 AM

Most tanks will last 6 to 12 years depending on initial quality. Rods should last more than 4 years but they start to deterirate the moment you fill your tank with water. If your tank is near the end of its warranty it might not be a bad idea to replace it. Water heaters are a little like car batteries. If they are warrantied for 6 years they will frequently die 6 years and 1 month later.

sw1rmd85 · Dec 31, 2006, 10:14 AM

And the anode valve can affect JUST my kitchen faucet while my other faucets are fine right? Or is that not possible?

speedball1 · Dec 31, 2006, 11:12 AM

If you have a anode rod disintegrating, a dip tube going bad or excessive mineral buildup in the heater the first faucet making a draw will suck the crud up into it. However, having said that I find it odd that the other faucets aren't affected.

" I also took apart the pipes underneath and turned on the water hoping it would blast through a blockage; however, there were no signs of any buildup and the water pressure was very low there as well."

That takes it away from the faucet and locates it in the branch or the seat of the angle stop.
Shut off the water at the house stop or the hot water off at the heatet and remove the angle stop. Check the seat for crud and trash. Now turn the hot water back on while holding a pan to catch the water. Strong stream now? You have just located the source of your pressure loss. Good luck, Tom

ballengerb1 · Dec 31, 2006, 02:29 PM

One last thought! I am assuming that you used a shut off valve under the sink when you replaced the faucet. The crude or restriction could be in that valve. Shut off the main and remove the hot water supply valve under the sink. Inspect it while the valve is in the open position. If it is a straight line valve you should be able to see a perfect circle right through the valve. If you can get a helper now would be a good time to slip a piece of hose on the pipe where you removed the valve. Run the hose into the sink or in a bucket. Have your helper open and close the main very quickly to avoid a mess.