9+ Causes And Fixes For Low Hot Water Pressure In The Whole House

When it comes to hot water pressure, many homeowners feel at a loss. What could be the cause of this problem, and how can it be fixed?

Low hot water pressure can be caused by a variety of factors- from corroded pipes to clogged water heating systems. Some people might try to fix the problem on their own, while others may call in a professional.

But before you do anything, it’s essential to understand the causes. In this article, we will be discussing some of the common causes for low hot water pressure in your home and how you can go about fixing them.

So if you’re tired of dealing with weak showers and slow-drip faucets, read on!

How To Determine The Main Cause Of Low Water Pressure?

If you have low water pressure in your whole house, the issue is likely with your main water line. However, if you only have low hot water pressure, the problem is probably with your hot water heater.

Here are the 2 ways to test whether or not the low water pressure is coming from your home’s water supply or plumbing –

1. Turn on both the hot and cold water taps in your sink.

If the water pressure is weak for both, then the issue is with your home’s main water line.
If the cold water pressure is fine, but the hot water flow is weak, then the problem is likely within your home’s plumbing.

2. Check the temperature for both.

Another way to tell is by feeling the temperature of the water coming out of both the cold and hot water faucets.
If the cold water is coming out at a normal temperature, but the hot water is lukewarm or even cold, there could be an issue with your hot water unit instead of the water main supply system.

Once you’ve determined that the low water pressure is coming from your home’s plumbing, there are a few possible causes to consider.

9 Ways To Identify And Fix Low Hot Water Pressure Problem

Here are 9 ways to find out the common causes and how to fix low water pressure problems in your home:

1. Check your Water Pressure Regulator

One of the first things you should check is your water pressure. Most homes have a water pressure gauge installed to protect your plumbing fixtures and appliances from high water pressure, which can cause damage.

If your home doesn’t have a water pressure regulator or if it isn’t working properly, this could be a cause of the low hot water pressure. Here’s how to fix it –

If you don’t have one at all, you can purchase and install a pressure regulator. Be sure to follow the installation instructions carefully.
If you already have one, but it’s not working properly, it’s time to replace your pressure regulator.

2. Water Leaks

A leak in your plumbing system can also lead to low hot water pressure. Even a small leak can siphon enough water out of the system to reduce the overall water pressure.

Check all of your faucets and fixtures for signs of leaks and have any repairs made as soon as possible –

If you find a leak, try to determine where it is coming from.
Often, a simple tightening of a loose connection will stop the leak.
If you can’t seem to stop the water leak, you may need to call in a professional plumber.

3. Flush your Water Heater

If you have an electric water heater, there may be a build-up of sediment in the tank, reducing the amount of hot water available.

To clear the sediment, you’ll need to flush your water heater.

Start by turning off the power to the unit and then attaching a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
Open the valve and allow all of the water to drain out.
Once it’s empty, close the valve and turn the power back on.

4. Check your Water Heater’s Temperature Setting

If you find that your hot water pressure is low when you first turn on the tap but increases after running the water for a minute or two, it could be because your water heater’s temperature is set too low.

Try increasing the temperature by a few degrees and see if that brings the water pressure back to normal.

5. Clogged Showerhead

If you’re only experiencing low hot water pressure in your shower, it could be because the showerhead is clogged. Most showerheads have an anti-clog device (such as a filter) that can become clogged with minerals from the water over time.

To clean it, remove the showerhead and soak it in vinegar overnight.
In the morning, brush away any debris and reattach the showerhead.
Flush out the line by running hot water through the tap for a minute or two before using your shower.

6. Clogged Water Heater Tank

If your tank-type water heater is full of sediment, it can restrict the flow of hot water, leading to low pressure.

To clean it out, you’ll need to flush the hot water system tank.
Start by turning off the power to the unit and then attaching a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
Open the valve and allow all of the water to drain out.
Once it’s empty, close the valve and turn the power back on.

7. Check for a Clogged Water Line

If your home has hard water, there could be a build-up of minerals in your pipes that restrict water flow and cause low pressure. This is most likely to happen in the hot water supply lines since the hot water dissolves minerals more quickly than the cold water supply.

To clean your pipes, you can flush them with a solution of vinegar and water.
Start by pouring one cup of vinegar into a gallon of water.
Then, turn off the power to your water heater and open all of the faucets in your home to allow the solution to reach all of the fixtures.
After an hour, turn the power back on and run all of the faucets until the water runs clear.

8. Leaking Water Heater

low pressure due to leaking water heater

If your water heater is leaking, it could be because the tank is corroded or there is a crack in the hot water tank that is allowing water to escape.

This will not only lead to low water pressure but can also cause extensive damage to your home if left unchecked.

Therefore, if you suspect your water heater is leaking, it’s essential to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

9. Have a Plumbing Professional Check Your Pressure

If you’ve ruled out all of the other potential causes of low hot water pressure and you still can’t find the source of the problem, it’s time to call in a professional –

A plumbing contractor can check for a faulty pressure regulator to see if it needs to be adjusted or replaced.
They can also check for any other issues that may be causing low hot water pressure in the home.

10. Other Possible Things That You Can Do –

Try using a descaling agent to remove any water scale and mineral deposits that may have built up in your water pipes.
Ensure your home’s main water supply valve is fully open.
If you live in an area with hard water, install a water softener to help prevent mineral buildup in your main water supply lines.
If you have a tankless water heater, ensure it is properly maintained to prevent mineral build-up and corrosion.
Check all of the fixtures in the entire house to see if they are properly installed and not causing any restrictions in water flow.

FAQs – Low Hot Water Pressure In The House

1. Why is only my hot water pressure low?

There are a few different reasons why your hot water pressure might be low.

It could be due to a problem with the water heater, the pipes leading to and from the water heater, or the fixtures themselves.
Another possible reason for a sudden drop in water pressure is that the valve controlling the hot water supply is partially closed.

Check to see if this is the case, and open the water valve fully to restore normal hot water pressure.

2. How do you fix low hot water pressure?

If only the hot water pressure is low, but the cold water pressure is fine, it could indicate a problem with the water heater itself. Try flushing the unit to clear any sediment that may have built up inside it.

3. Can you flush the water heater without turning off water?

You can flush a water heater without turning off the water by opening the cold water meter valve and allowing the unit to fill until water starts flowing out of the overflow pipe. Once the unit is full, shut off the water valve and allow the water to drain out completely.

4. How often should you drain your water heater?

It is generally recommended that you drain your water heater once every six months to remove any sediment that may have accumulated.

5. Can I flush my water heater myself?

Yes, you can typically flush a water heater yourself by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Can a hot water heater cause low water pressure?

Yes, a clogged or sediment-filled water heater can cause low water pressure. To clear the unit and restore normal water pressure, simply flush the unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

7. What causes low hot water pressure in the kitchen sink?

A number of things could be causing low water pressure in the kitchen sink only –

Check to see if the shutoff valve under the sink is fully open. A partially closed main water shutoff valve is one of the most common reasons that cause water pressure to drop. However, if it is fully open, you must check for other issues.
Check the aerator on the faucet to see if it is clogged with sediment. If so, simply remove and clean it.

If neither of these solutions solves the problem, you may need to call a professional plumber for further assistance.

8. Can cold weather cause low hot water pressure?

In very rare cases, a drop in water pressure might be caused by cold weather.

If the pipes leading to and from your water heater are exposed to cold temperatures, they can contract and cause a low hot water pressure.

This is usually only an issue in homes with unheated basements or crawl spaces.

Get Relief From Low Hot Water Pressure Today!

Low hot water pressure can be a huge inconvenience, especially when you need to take a shower or bath.

If your home experiences reduced water pressure issues often, it is essential to diagnose and fix the flow of water as soon as possible. This will help ensure that you have enough hot water for all of your needs.

If these solutions don’t work or if your low water pressure is due to something more serious, it might be time to call a professional plumber to take a look at your water system and help you get back to enjoying high-pressure showers again!

We hope our tips have helped you resolve the issue and restore your hot water pressure. Have any questions? Feel free to reach out to us for more information.