8 Causes of Low Hot Water Pressure

Experiencing low hot water pressure can be extremely frustrating especially when it is a common occurrence. There are many reasons why the hot water coming out of appliances is of low water pressure. Optimised Plumbing Services with our 20 years of experience knows exactly why hot water pressure problems occur. Our professional plumbers understand everything about the situation and provide essential assistance with the issue.

8 reasons why a person will experience low hot water pressure are:

• The direct water supply has its shutoff valve partially closed
• Water supply lines are bent or the water pipes have too many bends
• There is a large amount of scale and sediment in fixtures
• Low pressure is generally occurring in the building
• The shutoff valve is partially closed
• Plumbing fixtures are worn out, old or damaged
• The water supply lines are the wrong size
• The pressure regulator has been poorly configured

The direct water supply has its shutoff valve partially closed

When the direct water supply lines are not properly open the water pressure will decrease. There is a sharp drop when this happens and so the shut off valve needs to be opened completely.

To fix this, easily open the water main fully so the water can flow perfectly at high speeds. The problem should be resolved in not time but call for a plumber if wanting professional help.

Water supply lines are bent or the water pipes have too many bends

Some hot water systems will have a type of copper pipe which is known to bend easily. Bends that are extreme will limit the flow of water which can travel therefore decreasing the water pressure. Similarly, the hot water supply system might be designed with many bends in the pipes. As the water flows through the pipes, there might be that many that it will decrease the water pressure.

If the bends are close to faucets then replacing the pipe by a plumber can occur. However, if the bends are throughout the plumber can install a pressure regulator to increase the water pressure.

There is a large amount of scale and sediment in fixtures

All types of hot water systems can have the chance of scale and sediment building up. The interior of the water heater tank might corrode which will lead to particles flowing to the bottom. On the base of the tank, they might build up and cause a blockage. The Blocked Drain or plumbing lines in the hot water tank will lead to decreased water pressure.

Newer hot water systems should be flushed and cleaned of sediment regularly. However, older systems will be hard to clean so replacing the hot water system is often the best option. If wondering if gas or electric hot water systems are better, read our blog for more information.

Low pressure is generally occurring in the building

The home or building might be experiencing a general low hot and cold water pressure dilemma. The cause of this problem in the water pressure is usually from the main water supply of the building.

A pressure regulator can be installed by a plumber which will help in boosting the overall water pressure. The plumber will specifically configure the system so that proper water pressure is achieved.

The shutoff valve is partially closed

If the shutoff valve is closed but not all the way then this can cause the water pressure to drop. Simply opening the valve all the way will restore the hot water pressure across the whole building. Ensuring that the whole process is handled correctly and safely is important to prevent further issues from occurring.

Plumbing fixtures are worn out, old or damaged

When plumbing fixtures are older, become damaged or are worn out then can cause the water pressure to be low. Such as the shower head, they might also have scale built up inside of them causing water to incorrectly flow.

Having these fixtures replaced is the most common and useful procedure. The older fixture should be replaced with a new one which will restore the hot water pressure

The water supply lines are the wrong size

If the water supply lines or the main water supply pipes are smaller than the other this can influence water pressure. Having the pipes replaced to the correct sized pipes is often the easiest methods. This will reduce any friction and overall increase the hot water pressure.

The pressure regulator has been poorly configured

When a pressure regulator is already installed for helping with low hot water pressure it might be incorrectly programmed. The plumber might have configured the system incorrectly leading to the overall water pressure to be lowered. Additionally, an old regulator or one which is broken might also be the reason.

If the regulator’s settings are incorrect then changing the settings is needed, often performed by a licensed plumber. When the actual regulator is at fault then having it replaced with a new one is the smartest choice. It is strongly advised that plumber should handle the regulator because it can be more complicated than it seems.

Reliable Hot Water System Plumbers

The plumbers here at Optimised Plumbing Services are trained to handle all issues with water pressure. In particular, our team can easily fix problems with low hot water pressure. Our hot water repairs cover all types of systems which are experiencing issues. Additionally, each qualified plumber can work in commercial and residential settings across all of Sydney.

Our Emergency Plumber service is open 24/7 for everyone so we can help restore water pressure. This means we can also work across all of Sydney, including South Western Sydney, the Hills District and North Shore.

No matter the hot water system which we work on we will easily have the low hot water pressure fixed. Our team work effectively and will quickly ensure the problem is resolved as soon as possible. It is vital that Sydney relies on us for hot water pressure issues – contact us on 02 8074 1475 or email us at contact@optimisedplumbingservices.com.au.