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View Full Version : Sudden loss of pressure in shower only


ljwiedemann
May 20, 2008, 06:05 PM
We have a sudden loss of pressure hot & cold:mad: in our shower and all other taps have normal pressure. A few weeks ago the hot pipe would make a soft banging noise

massplumber2008
May 21, 2008, 03:50 AM
Hello:

First thing to check is the SHOWER HEAD itself... remove the shower head (twists off counterclckwise) and look inside the shower head. Most shower heads come with a flow restrictor/screen... so this could be clogged. Clean this, then reinstall by wrapping teflon tape around the threads and tightening the shower head on clockwise.

If that does not fix it, then looks like you will need to shut the water off to the house and disassemble the shower valve to remove sediment that may have lodged in the unit (or repair the defective cartridge).

Basically, once disassembled you want to PULSE the water on/off for a second or two to remove any sediment that might remain in the water pipes going to the valve, then you want to clean parts and re-install. That should fix this up... if not, or if valve drips after repair/flush, then may need to replace parts.

Now... a question for you... How do you heat your hot water.. Is it by a gas or electric water heater.. If so, sounds like it is time to do what we call a POWER FLUSH.

This is where you hook a hose onto the water heater drain and LEAVING WATER ON TO HEATER... open the drain so you flush the sediment from the system for 2-3 minutes (watch what comes out the other end of the hose). You should do this every month or two.

Sediment will get disturbed so when you open the first hot water valve be sure it is to a laundry tub or a tub SPOUT only (won't clog valves/shower heads this way).

Anyway, try what I suggested... let us know how it goes or if you need more info... good luck... MARK

.

ljwiedemann
May 21, 2008, 10:57 PM
Mark,
Thank You, I took the head of the shower off, and ran the water through. A washer had desintegreted. The only thing is my dad does not believe me so I will so hime the answer you had supplied... You know the old sane, 'You want something done do it your self'
Thank you again, you're a like saver:D
ljwiedemann


Hello:

First thing to check is the SHOWER HEAD itself....remove the shower head (twists off counterclckwise) and look inside the shower head. Most shower heads come with a flow restrictor/screen...so this could be clogged. Clean this, then reinstall by wrapping teflon tape around the threads and tightening the shower head on clockwise.

If that does not fix it, then looks like you will need to shut the water off to the house and disassemble the shower valve to remove sediment that may have lodged in the unit (or repair the defective cartridge).

Basically, once disassembled you want to PULSE the water on/off for a second or two to remove any sediment that might remain in the water pipes going to the valve, then you want to clean parts and re-install. That should fix this up...if not, or if valve drips after repair/flush, then may need to replace parts.

Now...a question for you...How do you heat your hot water...? Is it by a gas or electric water heater...? If so, sounds like it is time to do what we call a POWER FLUSH.

This is where you hook a hose onto the water heater drain and LEAVING WATER ON TO HEATER...open the drain so you flush the sediment from the system for 2-3 minutes (watch what comes out the other end of the hose). You should do this every month or two.

Sediment will get disturbed so when you open the first hot water valve be sure it is to a laundry tub or a tub SPOUT only (won't clog valves/shower heads this way).

Anyway, try what I suggested...let us know how it goes or if you need more info...good luck...MARK

.