Hot water supply problems are generally caused by an undersized hot water heater or an older heating element that can’t offer enough heat for the amount of cold water entering the tank. If this is the case, then you would really need to upgrade your system to improve its efficiency. Nevertheless, if you’re experiencing issues with hot water periodically, there could be other variables contributing to the problem.
The most typical cause is a clogged drain line, which can cause the hot water heater to run inefficiently and produce less hot water than usual.
Another typical issue is a defective thermostat, which will cause the temperature of the water to fluctuate. A faulty thermostat can also lead to an uneven temperature throughout your house, as well as an increased threat of scalding.
What Causes Water Pressure to Change?
The water pressure in your house is controlled by a couple of various factors. One of those factors is the size of your home’s hot water heater. The larger a home’s water heater, the more hot water it can hold at any given time. If you reside in an older home with a smaller hot water heater or if you have several people residing in the same home, then you might experience low water pressure at times when one person is showering or taking a bath. This is due to the fact that there isn’t enough hot water for everyone to use at once.
Another variable that causes rising and falling water pressure is the kind of pipes used in your home’s plumbing system. If you have copper pipes, then the copper will expand and contract as temperature levels rise and fall throughout the year. This can cause changes in your hot water supply if you do not have sufficient insulation on your pipes (or if there are other heat sources nearby).
Lastly, if you have low pressure at all times yet still have a lot of hot water when using a home appliance such as a dishwasher or washing machine, then this means that there is an issue with either the system itself or with its electrical connection.
How can I Enhance the Water Pressure in my Showerhead?
- Look for leaks and ensure all faucets are off when you’re not making use of them. Leaks waste a great deal of water and can result in low pressure.
- Make sure that your pipes are adequately insulated. Pipes that aren’t insulated tend to have more friction and create more resistance. This will reduce the quantity of water flowing through them. Insulating your pipes will enable more hot or cold water to flow through them with less resistance at the same time.
- If you have an older home, think about replacing the galvanized steel pipes with copper or plastic ones for better insulation and better resistance against rust (which can cause leaks). You may also want to think about using PEX piping instead of copper piping if you plan on remodeling your bathroom. This is due because it’s much easier to deal with than copper tubing is (and it does not require soldering).
Why is my Hot Water Pressure Low?
There are lots of reasons water pressure can be low in your home. If you’re experiencing a sudden drop in water pressure, it’s likely due to a burst pipe. If the water flow stops completely, call a plumbing company right away. Otherwise, inspect the faucets and shower heads for leaks. If they are leaking, shut off the water at the main shutoff valve and call a plumbing company.
If everything looks good, then the problem might be with your water heater. The most common reason for this problem is sediment buildup inside the tank or burner. This can cause the burner to not function properly and the results are low pressure and no hot water in some parts of your house.
You can attempt cleaning out the sediment yourself, however it is better to call a plumbing company like Mullin Plumbing Oklahoma City who is experienced in doing this.
Hot Water Heater Tank Failure
The most common factor for an inconsistent hot water supply is a leaking tank. When the tank leaks, the water within is lost and replaced with air, which cools off the remaining water and prevents the burner from heating it further. This can lead to cold showers and even no hot water at all!
A leaking tank is generally simple to spot because there will be water leaking from around the base of the unit. You can also check by turning off all faucets in your home and watching for drips at the base of your unit after 15 minutes or so.
If you think your tank is leaking, replace it right away!
What are the Indications of a Failing Hot Water Heater?
There are a lot of reasons why your hot water heater might be falling short. It could be because of a leaky tank or a malfunctioning pilot light. However if you see any of the following signs, it’s time to call a plumber:
- Water is not getting hot enough
- You turn on the faucet and nothing comes out Or at least, not enough comes out.
- The water in the tank is rusty, cloudy or smelly
- You hear weird sounds coming from your water heater
- Your hot water takes longer than usual to heat up
Hot Water Heater Repair in Moore, OK.
If you’re having an issue with water pressure or quality, you really should call a plumbing company like Mullin Plumbing Oklahoma City. It’s a good idea to have somebody come out to your house and look for issues well before they end up being a problem. Obviously you’ll want to hire a plumber if there’s currently an issue. A Mullin Plumbing Oklahoma City plumber can help you solve a number of problems with your plumbing system. Including leaks, blockages, and other issues. If your hot water supply seems inconsistent, you may need aid from a plumbing company.
Call us today at (405) 943-0009 or submit this easy online form and someone will contact you about your plumbing issues.