Are you not satisfied with the hot water whenever you turn your tap? Are they always running slow? Then, you are no different. This is the most frustrating plumbing issue everyone has to face for at least a lifetime. Well, knowing the reasons behind this would solve the issue.
5 reasons for hot water running slow in the kitchen
The most common complaint by the homeowners is the slow running of hot water from the kitchen faucets. The reasons for this can be several including clogging, pipeline or pressure regulator problems, shutoff valve closure, or even due to recent modifications.
As daunting as this issue sounds, understanding the causes can surely help the homeowners to avoid this problem.
Clogged Faucet:
The faucet can be filled with dirt and sediment which builds up, preventing the water from flowing efficiently. To check this, first, one must turn on the water to identify leaks
Apart from that, removing the sprayer can also be necessary. It would reveal whether the aerator is blocked with dirt or not. If the doubt proves right, do not delay in cleaning it.
Defective Pressure Regulator:
The pressure regulator is most prone to damage and defects. No wonder, it does the most arduous work while the water runs. Defects in them would surely result in slow water flow.
To inspect this, you need to look beneath the front hose connection. If any issue is found, calling a professional would be the best thing to get a fast solution.
Pipelines Malfunction:
If most of the taps of the house have low water pressure, undoubtedly, the problem does not lie in the kitchen. Rather, it is the main part – the pipelines. This is the most logical answer if the pipes are made of galvanized metal.
The sediments and dirt often clogged up the passage of the pipelines making it almost impossible to have an efficient water flow. Also, the galvanized metal itself reacts with the water to build up deposits which make things worse.
Shutoff Valves:
Sometimes, the major problem has the simplest answer. Hot water will inevitably run slow if the valves are not closed properly.
Thus, it is often recommended to check the shutoff valves before anything. Tightly close it to the far right. Then you can compare the hot and cold water flow.
Extra outlet:
The extra outlets, that have been added recently, can be the cause of the reduced water flow. Usually, this happens as the water demand increases and the pipe fails to cope with this.
Sounds familiar? Then replacing the main water pipe with something bigger in size would solve the problem. Though the work is long and hectic, it’s totally worth a shot.
5 reasons for hot water running slow in the bathroom
While showering, one of the most disturbing things is the shower not running water fast enough. The possible causes for this can be dirt clogging up, water leakage, faulty filter, issues with tempered valves, messy installations, and a couple more this and that.
So, what’s the answer? To know the answer, one must have a clear idea of some of the prominent reasons. Before calling any expert, a run-down is necessary to troubleshoot the plumbing fuss.
Dirt and Sediments:
Most often, dirt and sediments are the real culprits. They build up and completely close the path through which the water flow. As a result, the slow flow of water is no surprise.
To identify this, homeowners can follow a simple technique. Just a simple comparison between cold and hot water tap is needed. If the hot ones lag significantly, then this is the most probable problem.
Water Leakage:
Water leakage has been a reckless issue for slow-running hot water. Whether it is hot or cold water, the problem is nothing less than an elephant in the room.
The water meters are there to warn you. Their ticking even the tap is closed is the major sign of this. If found leakage, calling professional plumbers is best to avoid risky outcomes.
Faulty Filter:
The inlets and the outlet have a filter to remove dust and dirt particles from the water. But the misery befalls as the filter itself gets damaged while doing its job.
To solve this problem, the blocked filter should be clean. However, you may even need to replace it in case it doesn’t function accurately as it should.
Damaged Tempered Valve:
The tempered valves are the master-piece – they monitor the temperature of the water. Any defect in them is enough to make the hot water run slow.
Even face this? Then, don’t wait and replace it as soon as possible. Problem solved!
Wrong Installation:
If you fail to install the water system appropriately, then such problems with the water flow are relatively a regular issue. Thus, having a plumber checking things up would reveal any mismatch.
How to fix slow running hot water?
Fixing a hot water tap with low pressure is one of the hectic works that homeowners have to face often. But, this work can be a catwalk, if you know where the problem lies.
Surely, a guideline below would come in handy if you’re trying to fix it.
Check the shower head or faucet:
As proved by several examinations, built-up sediment can be the top reason. For this, checking the tap head is a must when identifying the problem.
Firstly, unscrew the head part. After that, prepare a vinegar solution. Don’t hesitate to dip it for 8 hours. You can also use a toothbrush, in the meantime, to scrub it.
Identify leakage:
Leakage problems are easy to find out. Frequently, this problem not only reduces the water flow of the hot water but also the cold ones. Therefore, in such cases, you should fix the leakage.
To fix it, it is suggested to replace the water pipe with the new one. A simple help from the expert service provider would make this a sealed deal.
Watch for the stop tap:
The stop tap is the ultimate controller of the water pressure. If it is not closed tightly, you have to get used to dripping water from your showers.
Refer to the user manual to locate the stop tap. Searching for the shutoff valves will also do. Once found, it is best to close it tightly, ensuring optimum pressure of 1 bar.
Use a shower pump:
When all the other options fail, this should be your call – install a shower pump. This pump has the power to push the water with the greatest pressure.
Hopefully, with this, you can say goodbye to your common water troubles.
How do you clean sediment out of a water heater?
It’s awful! When the entire water heater gets filled with dirt and sediments, not only does the water flow gets reduced, but it also ruins the whole mood. Who wants that?
However, everything needs maintenance. And to keep the water heaters free from sediments, it is the only key.
So here, the simple steps are outlined to make the work easier and guide the homeowners from this mess.
Switch it off:
The first and foremost duty should be to turn off the power outlets of the water heater. Also, don’t forget to power off the pilot light to prevent extra hassles.
Drain water:
Next up, draining the water is mandatory before moving forward. Therefore, drain all the dirty water as fast as possible using a gallon or automated technology if your heater has any.
Add gallons of vinegar:
Make a solution of vinegar and water. To do this you would need at least two gallons of vinegar. And then pour it into the water heater.
Without any doubt, the vinegar’s scrubbing properties are enough for the sediments to clean.
Switch it on:
In order to complete the task, you need to circulate the vinegar solution in the water heater for the next 8 hours. It’s no big deal.
Just turn it on and leave it for the next couple of hours. Magically, you’ll see all the deposits being dissolved in it.
Open all the faucets:
Keep all the faucets on until every drop of vinegar washes off. Smelling it is also a great idea to make sure the water is free of vinegar.
Bingo! It’s done!
Final Thoughts
Though the slow flow of hot water can be annoying, knowing the reasons one can easily sort them out. Mostly, the issues are dirt, leakage, faulty filter and pressure regulator, pipes issues, and mismatched installation. All of these have easy solutions and you can solve them in a go.