View Full Version : Hot water pressure drop but only at a few faucets
rcspencer1
Nov 21, 2013, 08:28 AM
I have a very strange problem in that the hot water pressure is significantly less than the cold water pressure, but only at a couple of faucets in my house. The faucets in both the kitchen and bathroom - both on the first floor - is where the problem is, and all of the other ones including the showers and tub in the other 2 bathrooms in the house are fine.
Any thoughts on what can be going on? My only idea is that perhaps the hot water supply pipes feeding the first floor may have some buildup inside, but I'd really appreciate any thoughts you can share. Thank you.
hkstroud
Nov 21, 2013, 11:14 AM
What kind of pipes. Unless you have very old galvanized pipes the restriction will not be in the pipes themselves. Any restriction will be at a valve. Follow line out of water heater to kitchen and bath. Chances are that you will find a stop valve somewhere on that line.
speedball1
Nov 21, 2013, 11:20 AM
How often do you flush your water heater? Back to you, Tom
rcspencer1
Nov 21, 2013, 11:48 AM
The pipes are copper, but thanks for the advice and I'll check the valves first.
Thanks again for the help - I really appreciate it.
What kind of pipes. Unless you have very old galvanized pipes the restriction will not be in the pipes themselves. Any restriction will be at a valve. Follow line out of water heater to kitchen and bath. Chances are that you will find a stop valve somewhere on that line.
rcspencer1
Nov 21, 2013, 11:51 AM
Interesting, since I just flushed it to replace the pressure relief valve, and it's since then that this problem started. So I guess I'll check the valves starting from where the hot water copper pipes leave the heater?
How often do you flush your water heater? Back to you, Tom
Lewis D
Nov 22, 2013, 02:22 PM
Shut the valve off at the water heater, drain the tank down about half way. At one of the faucets with low pressure take off the aerator open the hot valve first, Then place your hand tightly over the spout while opening the cold water valve. That forces the obstruction back into the water heater, Do that at all the obstructed valves. Then drain the water heater down, slowly open the valve at the heater check the pressure if good replace the aerators. That will help even old galvanized pipes. Good luck!
massplumber2008
Nov 22, 2013, 04:55 PM
Good advice by Lewis D, but first investigate the shut off valves under the sinks... quick and easy check here.
If that fails to resolve the issue you can mess with the faucets (disassemble and purge) or you can try Lewis D's approach...
Mark
speedball1
Nov 22, 2013, 06:13 PM
Sounds like you've disturb some debris and is now clogging the hot water inlet ports in the affected faucets. If all of the above advice fails then try this.
Shut the water off to the faucet and open it up. Remove the cartridge and check a clean the inlet ports. Before you reassemble place a pan over the faucet and turn the water back on to flush out the supplies. Reassemble and test. Good luck, Tom
rcspencer1
Nov 23, 2013, 06:09 AM
Thanks guys. You were right on with your advice. Replaced the shutoff valve under the kitchen sink and that fixed the problem. Now off to the bathroom... :>)
Thanks again for the help - I really appreciate it.
speedball1
Nov 23, 2013, 07:09 AM
We appreciate the feedback. Always good to hear back. Glad we can help. Good luck, Tom