Experiencing low water pressure in your home can be frustrating. And when your hot water pressure is lower than it is typically, the first thing that’s likely to be on your mind is whether your water heater can cause low water pressure. Let’s find out whether this essential household appliance can be the cause of your problems.
Will a Bad Water Heater Cause Low Water Pressure?
Low pressure in your water lines is one of the most annoyingly frustrating plumbing issues you can ever experience. Most people don’t think about their water heaters until they experience issues such as insufficient amounts of water or leakages on the tank.
However, can a ‘bad’ water heater be the cause of loss of water pressure in your home?
Before we get into the topic, we first need to understand that water pressure and water flow aren’t the same things. Here’s what you need to know:
Water flow: water flow is the amount of water coming through a pipe at a time. It’s measured in liters per second. For example, you can describe it as the amount of water you get when you do specific tasks like washing dishes or taking a shower. These tasks require your plumbing system to give you a sufficient amount of water.
Water pressure: this refers to the energy or force applied to water flow to enable it to travel through the water lines. Most times, the amount of water pressure you have resulted from gravity. It is measured in kPa or kilopascals.
What Causes a Water Heater to “Go Bad”?
You might think that your water heater has gone ‘bad’ if it isn’t regularly maintained or if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan. There are many problems that your water heater can have but it might just be time for an inspection or service. You can help your water heater work efficiently at the required pressure by flushing out buildup and sediments from the tank.
Doing this will also help to improve the quality of water you get in your home. Sediments that have to travel through the pipes from the heater may increase friction inside the pipes and increase the risk of clogs and blockages in other parts of your plumbing system. Here’s what you need to do to flush your water heater:
- Turn off the power or gas supply to the heater.
- Keep the cold water feed to the tank on since it will help you get rid of the sediments while you empty the tank.
- Get a long hose and connect it to the hose bib (drain faucet). Place the other end of the hose in an area where it can drain safely and open the hose bib.
- Keep flushing until you see clean water coming from the end in the drain area. Make sure you complete this process at least once each year.
Keep in mind that while flushing can seem like an easy DIY project, it’s always best to get in touch with an experienced and licensed plumber to conduct annual water heater maintenance.
A professional plumber will perform the flush and inspect your entire plumbing system. They will also evaluate the condition of your water heater, check the thermostat and the pressure relief valve.
What Causes a Hot Water Heater to Lose Pressure?
Heated hot water leaving the water heater should have the same pressure and energy as cold water. If this isn’t happening, the pipes from the water heater running to the rest of the house or the water heater itself could have a problem. There are many common water heater issues that could be the source of the problem.
Knowing where the problem lies is vital. Replacing your water heater only to find that the issue still exists due to water line clogs or corrosion doesn’t make sense. Below are some issues that could be making your water heater lose pressure.
- Buildup of hard water in the pipes can prevent water flow in and out of the tank and result in low water pressure.
- If there’s an accumulation of sediments in your hot water tank, it can lower your water pressure.
- The presence of kinks in the flexible water pipes used in water heaters can result in low water pressure.
- If the shut-off valve isn’t fully open, water pressure can drop.
- Small water distribution pipes will prevent adequate water pressure from getting to the water lines in your house.
- Maintaining optimal water pressure from the hot water heater to the faucet can be difficult if there are too many sharp bends within that distance.
- If pressure from the city to your house is too low, both the hot and cold water will lose pressure.
Can a Water Heater Cause Low Pressure in Both Hot and Cold Water?
Your water heater can cause low pressure in both the hot and cold water fixtures in your home. One example we’ve previously given of this is when the water coming to your house from the city is too low. Here are other reasons to explain low water pressure in both your cold and hot water faucets.
- Hard water buildup: your water heater and connecting pipes are susceptible to mineral and sediment buildup over time. Mineral and sediment buildup can take up too much space and restrict water flow. The flow of water in and out of your water heater is compromised depending on the location of buildup.
- Water heater valve: your water heater comes connected to a shut-off valve. If this valve is opened fully or is closed, you will experience low water pressure. Turning the water heater valve to open fully can remedy the situation and return your water pressure to normal.
Keep in mind that water heaters can be dangerous, especially since they generate a lot of pressure. If yours must be repaired, let a plumbing expert do it. They are knowledgeable about water heaters and how to prevent accidents from such repairs.
Will a Hot Water Heater Lose Pressure Suddenly?
Usually, the hot water pressure will lose pressure over time if there’s mineral or sediment clogging in your plumbing system. If this is the issue, the hot water pressure will be much lower than the cold water pressure. Nevertheless, there’s a reason why you experience a sudden loss of hot water pressure.
There could be a valve problem or blockage in your water piping. If cold water flows as it should, but the hot water stops suddenly, a valve may have a broken stem part. When this happens, the valve looks open externally but has an issue internally. Another issue is that the control valve may be closed. Lastly, sudden hot water pressure loss may be caused by a blocked pipe elbow or valve. The blockage could be a result of mineral scale or other debris in your tank or plumbing system.
Corrosion in the Water Heater Tank
One often overlooked cause of low water pressure is corrosion inside the water heater tank. Over time, the steel tank in your water heater can corrode, especially if it’s not properly maintained. This corrosion can lead to rust, which can accumulate in the water heater and restrict the flow of water, resulting in lower pressure.
How Corrosion Affects Water Pressure
As the inside of the tank corrodes, it can cause the water heater’s components to become less efficient. Rust and sediment can break free and clog the pipes, reducing the amount of water that can flow through them. Additionally, the corrosion can damage the internal components of the water heater, such as the heating element and dip tube, leading to further issues with water flow.
Preventing Corrosion in the Water Heater
To prevent corrosion, it’s important to regularly maintain your water heater by flushing it annually. This helps remove any sediment buildup and can extend the life of the water heater. Installing a water softener can also reduce the chances of corrosion by removing minerals that contribute to rust and scaling inside the tank. If your water heater is already corroded, it may be time to replace it to restore proper water pressure in your home.
Malfunctioning Pressure Relief Valve
Another common issue that can cause low water pressure is a malfunctioning pressure relief valve. This valve is an essential safety feature of your water heater that helps regulate the pressure inside the tank. If the valve becomes stuck, blocked, or otherwise damaged, it can reduce the pressure of the water being distributed throughout your home.
Identifying a Faulty Pressure Relief Valve
If your water pressure has dropped suddenly and you suspect the pressure relief valve, there are a few signs to look for. You may notice water leaking from the valve, or you might hear unusual noises coming from the water heater, such as hissing or popping. These could indicate that the valve is not working properly, leading to lower water pressure.
Fixing or Replacing the Pressure Relief Valve
This is a job best handled by a professional plumber, as improper handling of the valve can be dangerous. Regular inspections of the pressure relief valve can help prevent this problem from happening in the first place.
Faulty Water Heater Expansion Tank
Your water heater’s expansion tank is designed to absorb the extra volume of water that expands as it heats up. However, if the expansion tank is faulty or overfilled, it can affect the overall water pressure in your home. This happens because the extra pressure from the expanding water isn’t being properly absorbed by the expansion tank, putting strain on the system and reducing the pressure in your pipes.
How to Tell If the Expansion Tank Is Causing Low Water Pressure
If you have a faulty expansion tank, you might notice fluctuating water pressure, particularly after using hot water for an extended period. You may also hear banging or knocking sounds from the pipes, which indicate that pressure isn’t being absorbed correctly. A quick test is to check the pressure gauge on the expansion tank to ensure it’s within the recommended range.
Repairing or Replacing the Expansion Tank
If the expansion tank is the cause of your low water pressure, it might need to be recharged with air, as it can lose pressure over time. You can use a pressure gauge to check if the air pressure in the tank matches the water pressure in your system. If the expansion tank is damaged or completely overfilled, it might need to be replaced by a plumber. Keeping the expansion tank in good working order can help maintain proper water pressure throughout your home.
By addressing these potential causes—corrosion in the water heater tank, a malfunctioning pressure relief valve, or issues with the expansion tank—you can ensure your water heater functions efficiently and provides consistent water pressure in your home. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these problems from developing, saving you from the frustration of low water pressure.
Hot Water Heater Repair at White’s Plumbing
If you are having issues with your hot water heater, it may be time to call the professionals. If you are experiencing any of the issues mentioned above, be sure to reach out to White’s Plumbing for plumbing repair and maintenance.
