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xanadu71 · Aug 4, 2009, 06:01 AM

I purchased my home 1 year ago and it is 6 years old. About 3 days ago, I noticed the hot water coming out of all faucets has low pressure. I checked the hot water heater valve and it is completely open. I'm sure there is build up of hard water (since our water is very hard) somewhere but was wondering if there was something simple I could check before I call a plumber. Thank you for any advise.

speedball1 · Aug 4, 2009, 06:20 AM

Do you have heat trap nipples,(see image) installed? Regards, tom

xanadu71 · Aug 4, 2009, 07:00 AM

Gosh I don't know. Where would I look for something like that? I'm not great at things like this so if you could tell me, I will run downstairs and check. Thank you Tom
Dawn

speedball1 · Aug 4, 2009, 07:04 AM

Hi Dawn,
You'll find them on top of the heater coming out of the cold and hot inlets. Regards, tom

xanadu71 · Aug 5, 2009, 06:52 AM

Hello Tom,
I finally had a chance to look and yes, those are on the hot and cold inlets. Can't wait to hear more!

Thank you,
Dawn

speedball1 · Aug 5, 2009, 07:07 AM

Swap the heat trap nipples out for brass nipples of the same size and see if that doesn't bring the ptressure back up. Don't forget to wrap the threads in Teflon Tape. Good luck, tom

xanadu71 · Aug 13, 2009, 11:27 AM

I received information from a nice man on this site regarding replacement of some type of metal coupler things atop the hot water heater from metal to copper. I have no idea how to install these items or shut off water, gas, or any other installation process. I don't know exactly the names of the items he suggested I replace and am willing to do it however; I just need a little help in the safe removal and installation process. Any assistance would be appreciated. Additionally... what size are they suppose to be?

speedball1 · Aug 13, 2009, 12:21 PM

Well here I am back again. I went back in time and retrieved your original question. Dawn, You will need soldering skills and equipment to replace the heat trap nipples with 3/4" brass ones. You would have to cut the hot and cold copper adapters on top of the tank and remove the old nipples and replace with brass ones. You would then have to solder back the cut lines using 3/4" copper couplings. Would you be up to this? Before we go any farther go down to the heater and whack those nipples to see if you can break something loose. I really don't know if those nipples are bad but it's the first place I'd start looking.
We might do away with the solder joints if we use SharkBite Couplings. But you'll still need tools to complete the job. Let me know what you want to do. Tom