I just bought a bank owned home. The house has plumbing issues where when I turn on any faucets; there is only a small stream of water flow coming out of the faucets. The house is an older home therefore it has galvanized plumbing. I am thinking that the pipes could have rust in them from the lack of use but I was wondering if anyone can give me any tips on how to even try to tackle this issue. Any help is appreciated!

Thanks!

You I would probably try pulling off the spicket at the main see what comes out and clean all the screens in the faucets first

Being bank owned... they probably shut off the main shutoff coming into the house... and perhaps the main shutoff is defectice.

First thing is to go to the water meter or the well pump and try to open the main water shutoff fully (opens counterclockwise)... this may take quite a few turns.

Then check that out and see if that helped. If already open wide, you can try to remove the aerators at the end of the spouts next.. but I suspect that is not the issue for you here (click on attachment: aerator2.pdf )

Next, if no water yet, I would have to drop the water meter and see if water is coming into the house... could be that the bank had the city/town come out and shut the water off at the main shutoff to your house.

Check these things first... get back to us... MARK

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I am going to the house today (I have not moved in yet) and I will check these things you have mentioned. From what I know so far, water is coming into the house. We got the kitchen sinking working propertly now with good water flow with hot and cold water. We still have an issue with the hot water not coming in the bath sink and bath tub as well as the water flow in the bathroom being only a small stream. If you guys have any more advice I am all ears, otherwise I will be getting back to you tomorrow. Thanks so much!

If you got the kitchen going good then your galvanized pipes are not choked with ruts, yet. Keep checking screens and aerators but you may need to pull a few cartridges if any faucets have them. Just opening and closing the main can disturb debris.

So I went to the house yesterday and checked the aerators (there are none). I was wrong about the hot water working in the kitchen sink. The cold water is working great with good water pressure. When I turn it to hot, a good water pressure comes out too but its not hot water its cold. The cold water pressure works good in the bathroom sink and tub. No hot water in the tub. The bathroom sink does get hot water but only a stream not a good flow. I am a first time home buyer as well as this is my first time faced with any plumbing issues (I have no clue about plumbing). Do you guys have any thoughts on what I can do next? How I can try to tackle this issue? I am moving into the house this weekend and need to try and have this water issue corrected... any other ideas?

Thanks so much!

Check your water heater, the bank would not have it turned on if the house was vacant. Lets get that fired up and see what we have from there. You should flush that heater before going too far. Open the drain spigot at the very bottom of the tank. Depending on the location of the floor drain you may want a hose to divert the water.

Ok so I just got word that my sister's friends, boyfriend is going to come over my house tomorrow and he will check everything out for me. He said we will fix/replace what's needed and get the water working. I am very grateful for his help that he is coming out to assist me with something like this when he barely knows me. He hasn't said anything about how much he wants (which I doubt he will) but I want to make sure I give him something as I am very grateful for his help. How much do you guys think I should give him as a thank you? $200?

If he isn't a pro $200 would be a nice tip. You will likely need some parts so ask him to tell you what to buy or to keep the receipts.