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gypsy1 · Mar 15, 2008, 09:12 AM

After installing a new well and draining the hot water heater, we now have low hot water pressure through the house. We also have low cold water pressure in the washing machine. I have cleaned all filters including the washer and turned the hot water on and off several different times in case we had build up in the pipes as we previously had lime and rust particles in our water. HELP!:(

massplumber2008 · Mar 15, 2008, 09:26 AM

Hi Gypsy:

Did you clean the strainer in the washing machine valve itself.. Did you remove the hose from the washing machine valve and check that for a strainer as well..

The hot water low... hmm. Is cold water to the rest of the house at full pressure.. Check strainers, and answer my questions... Mark

massplumber2008 · Mar 15, 2008, 09:30 AM

I couldn't wait for answers.. ;) Please post them though so I will know the answers.. ok? Assuming full cold pressure here to all fixtures BUT washer...

Here is what I would do... first, hook hose onto water heater drain, then with shutoff still open full, open the drain at heater full bore... do this for 10 minutes... that is how to clean a water heater.

Draining a water heater will do little to clean a tank... but if you started up with full pressure then you have disturbed the sediment and some may have loosened in chunks and clogged stuff up.

Start there, if no improvement then we will be looking at nipples and the dip tube next... :( Get back to us.

.

gypsy1 · Mar 15, 2008, 02:48 PM

Hi Masterplumber2008.
This is gypsy. I did remove the hose from the washing machine and cleaned the strainer in the hose but didn't do the washer its self. I really don't know where the strainer would be in the washer but will try to find it.

I will clean the hot water heater tomorrow and get back to you then.

Thanks for your help:)

massplumber2008 · Mar 15, 2008, 03:11 PM

Hey G1

Strainer is sometimes located at the washing machine valve itself... not just the hoses... disconnect hoses and check the valve ON the machine itself.

You forgot to tell me how the cold water pressure is throughout the house.. I just want to confirm the next step (probably going into the cold water shutoff to water heater and the dip tube next)... Oh! And how old is this water heater? Thanks.

gypsy1 · Mar 16, 2008, 08:28 AM

Hi Masterplumber2008,
Will check the valve on the washing machine. The cold water pressure in the rest of the house is fine.

Now, are you ready for a good laugh? :D While getting ready to clean the hot water heater again we discovered the inlet valve for the water heater was not open all the way. It was stuck in a barely open position. Now we have great hot water pressure. I was dreading taking off and cleaning all the faucets.

Thanks again for all your help. Will let you know about cold water on the washing machine.

Gypsy:)