Hot water supply problems are generally caused by a small hot water heater or an older heating element that can’t provide adequate heat for the amount of cold water entering the tank. If this is the case, then you would really need to update your system to improve its effectiveness. Nevertheless, if you’re experiencing issues with hot water intermittently, there could be other factors contributing to the problem.
The most common cause is a clogged up drain line, which can cause the water heater to run inefficiently and produce less hot water than usual.
Another common problem is a faulty thermostat, which will cause the temperature level of the water to fluctuate. A malfunctioning thermostat can also lead to an irregular temperature throughout your home, in addition to an increased risk of scalding.
What Causes Water Pressure to Vary?
The water pressure in your house is controlled by a few different factors. Among those factors is the size of your home’s hot water heater. The bigger a home’s hot 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 a number of people living in the same home, then you might experience low water pressure at times when someone is showering or taking a bath. This is because there isn’t enough hot water for everyone to use at the same time.
Another factor 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 temperatures rise and fall throughout the year. This can cause changes in your hot water supply if you do not have adequate insulation on your pipes (or if there are other heat sources nearby).
Lastly, if you have low pressure at all times yet still have plenty of hot water when using a home appliance such as a dishwasher or washing machine, then this indicates that there is an issue with either the unit itself or with its electrical connection.
How can I Improve the Water Pressure in my Showerhead?
- Check for leaks and make certain all faucets are off when you’re not using them. Leaks waste a lot of water and can result in low pressure.
- Make sure that your pipes are appropriately insulated. Pipes that aren’t insulated tend to have more friction and create more resistance, which will decrease 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 changing the galvanized steel pipes with copper or plastic ones for better insulation and greater resistance against deterioration (which can cause leaks). You might also want to think about using PEX piping instead of copper piping if you plan on remodeling your restroom anyway because it’s much easier to work with than copper tubing is (and it does not need soldering).
Why is my Hot Water Pressure Low?
There are numerous reasons why water pressure can be low in your house. If you’re experiencing an unexpected drop in water pressure, it’s most likely due to a burst pipe. If the water flow stops fully, call a plumbing professional immediately. Otherwise, examine the faucets and shower heads for leaks. If they are leaking, shut off the water at the main shutoff valve and call a plumber.
If everything looks good, then the issue might be with your hot water heater. The most common reason for this issue 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 home.
You can try cleaning out the sediment yourself, however it is much better to call a plumbing company like Murray Electric & Plumbing who is experienced in doing this.
Hot Water Heater Tank Failure
The most common factor for an inconsistent hot water supply is a leaky 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 any further. This can result in cold showers and even no hot water at all!
A leaky tank is usually simple to identify because there will be water leaking from around the base of the unit. You can also check by shutting off all faucets in your home and looking for drips at the base of your unit after 15 minutes or so.
If you suspect your tank is leaking, replace it without delay!
What are the Signs of a Failing Hot Water Heater?
There are a lot of reasons your hot water heater may be failing. It could be because of a leaky tank or a malfunctioning pilot light. But if you see any of the following signs, it’s time to call a plumbing professional:
- Water is not getting hot enough
- You switch on the faucet and absolutely nothing comes out Or at least, not nearly enough comes out.
- The water in the tank is rusty, cloudy or smelly
- You hear unusual sounds coming from your water heater
- Your hot water takes longer than normal to heat up
Hot Water Heater Repair Work in Broken Arrow, OK.
If you’re having an issue with water pressure or quality, you should call a plumbing professional like Murray Electric & Plumbing. It’s a good approach to have someone come out to your house and check for problems well before they end up being a problem. Clearly you’ll need to hire a plumbing company if there’s already an issue. A Murray Electric & Plumbing local plumber can help you resolve a number of problems with your plumbing system. Consisting of leaks, clogs, and other concerns. If your hot water supply appears inconsistent, you might need help from a plumbing professional.
Call us today at (539) 289-0210 and let us help with your your plumbing concerns.