Plumbing Mistakes You Will Never Make Again

At the start or end of a hard day, many people truly look forward to a cleansing hot shower. When that shower is low pressure and it's difficult to regulate the temperature, that enjoyable experience can become quite frustrating and displeasing. If your shower has low hot water pressure, this short troubleshooting guide will help you to restore water pressure in no time and enjoy your showers once again.

Has the hot water pressure been lost overnight?

If the pressure has been lost slowly over time, the most likely cause is a gradual build-up of scale and mineral deposits. This can usually be resolved by draining and flushing your hot water system. Sudden loss of pressure is less likely to have been caused by mineral build-up, unless a chunk of mineral deposits has broken off internally and become lodged in a valve or pipe elbow. The most common cause of sudden hot water pressure loss is that the water heater shut off valve is closed, so check your valve to ensure it is fully open.

Has your hot water system been worked on recently?

If you have recently had your hot water system repaired or serviced, it is possible that the loss of hot water pressure is related to this work. Sometimes when a plumber performs a repair on a hot water system, mineral deposits can be dislodged from inside the tank and cause blockages. If you have noticed a change in your hot water pressure as a direct result of recent plumbing work, contact your plumber immediately for professional advice and restoration of your water pressure.

Is the low hot water pressure isolated in one location?

Hot water loss throughout the whole house may indicate a leak or blockage in your hot water tank, or if your hot water system is very old, it could be time for a replacement. If your hot and cold water pressure is diminished in your shower but not in your kitchen or other areas of the home, your showerhead could have a blockage. However, if it's just the hot water pressure that's gone, the blockage could be in a hot water pipe or valve point, which requires a system flush to remove. Also check all your control valves to ensure that they have not been accidentally shut off. If there's still a problem, there may be an internal valve failure, which will require the technical expertise of a skilled plumber to repair. 

If you are still experiencing issues with your hot water units, or you are not confident to flush your system yourself, contact your local plumbing professional for expert advice today.