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    icwc's Avatar
    icwc Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Sep 12, 2007, 07:43 AM
    Slow running water pipe
    I have a half bathroom and the hot water faucet just dribbles out. I have run the water with just the hose connection and replaced the valve but it is still dribbling out. I suspect it is either clogged in the copper pipe or there is build up blocking it from having a water softner. Is there some way I can snake this copper pipe to see if there is a blockage that is preventing a steady flow of water? I can take the valve off and put a coat hanger in it but only so far and that did not seem to do anything, the clog may be further in the pipe. It is 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch copper tubing.

    Thank you for your help.

    Lorne Stamler
    doug238's Avatar
    doug238 Posts: 1,560, Reputation: 62
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    #2

    Sep 13, 2007, 08:20 AM
    What faucet brand do you have?
    icwc's Avatar
    icwc Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Sep 13, 2007, 09:08 AM
    It is an American Standard, but it has nothing to do with the faucet, water runs slow directly from the copper pipe with nothing on it.

    Lorne Stamler
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    doug238 Posts: 1,560, Reputation: 62
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    #4

    Sep 13, 2007, 09:11 AM
    Is other hot faucets slow? Is a valve in the line not open? What type of pipe?
    icwc's Avatar
    icwc Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Sep 13, 2007, 09:15 AM
    Other faucets are fine and the valve is open, it just seems that over 10 years there could possibly some buildup or blockage in the 3/4 inch copper water pipe, is that possible and can I snake it?

    Thank you
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #6

    Sep 13, 2007, 09:20 AM
    Doug, She says she has copper piping.
    " Is there some way I can snake this copper pipe to see if there is a blockage that is preventing a steady flow of water?"
    Due to the tight turns in the 90's it's impossible to run a snake through water pipe. However it it is possible to open both ends and blow the crud out using a compressor or a pressure tank. Good luck, Tom
    doug238's Avatar
    doug238 Posts: 1,560, Reputation: 62
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    #7

    Sep 13, 2007, 09:21 AM
    If you had dip tube problems it could. It may be a royal pain to fix though. You may end up putting back pressure on that line with either water or air.
    doug238's Avatar
    doug238 Posts: 1,560, Reputation: 62
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    #8

    Sep 13, 2007, 09:22 AM
    Thanks tom, just noticed your response.
    icwc's Avatar
    icwc Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #9

    Sep 13, 2007, 09:24 AM
    Please explain what a dip tube is.

    Thank you
    doug238's Avatar
    doug238 Posts: 1,560, Reputation: 62
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    #10

    Sep 13, 2007, 09:31 AM
    There was a problem with dip tubes not too long ago. The water heater manufacturers were warrantying them because of them breaking up. Google dip tube warrantees. dip tube
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #11

    Sep 13, 2007, 09:33 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by icwc
    please explain what a dip tube is.

    Thank you
    A dip tube is a plastic tube in your water heater that directs the incoming cold water past the hot water in the upper part of the tank down to the bottom where it will be heated and raise to the top. If it goes bad and disintegrates it could be sucked up into your hot water system and clog inlets. To check for this problem unscrew the aerator from the faucet in question and check the screen for white particles. Good luck, Tom
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