How to Increase Hot Water Pressure

Introduction to Hot Water Pressure

Proper hot water pressure is critical for efficient plumbing and fixture performance. Low hot water pressure can disrupt everyday activities like showering, laundering, and dishwashing.

Multiple factors, including the size and age of your hot water cylinder, pipe conditions, pressure valves, and sediment buildup, can influence water pressure. Our expertise enables us to identify and correct the root causes of low hot water pressure effectively.

Common Causes of Low Hot Water Pressure

Numerous factors can lead to low or inadequate hot water pressure in residential plumbing systems:

• Old, worn out, or failing water heater - As a water heater ages and components corrode or collect sediment, it becomes less efficient at heating your low hot water and supplying adequate pressure.
• Undersized hot water cylinder - A water heater that’s too small for the household demand will fail to deliver sufficient hot water pressure.
• Partially opened shut-off valves can restrict water flow and decrease pressure.
• Sediment deposited in pipes, leading to mineral and corrosion build-up, can significantly restrict the flow of hot and cold water.
• Narrow or leaky pipes reduce water pressure by limiting the volume of hot water reaching your shower.
• Improperly sized supply lines - Lines that are too narrow choke water flow to fixtures.
• Inadequate supply lines - Insufficient piping shared among several fixtures can dilute water pressure.
• High demand can cause pressure to wane, yet staggering water usage may remedy pressure drops.
• Pressure issues from municipal supply can influence the pressure your home experiences, affecting the entire water system.

If you’re experiencing a decrease in hot water pressure, contact professional St Marys plumbers for an accurate assessment and tailored solutions to restore your system’s performance.

Sediment Buildup

Sediment buildup inside hot water pipes and tanks is a major culprit behind decreased hot water pressure. Heating water typically leads to sediment and scale accumulation, separating from the water and collecting along the interior walls of lines and tanks. Over time, this buildup can amount to a large amount of sediment that severely restricts water pipe flow and pressure.

Sediment buildup affects both electric and gas hot water systems in homes.

In electric water heaters, elements submerged in the tank lead to sediment buildup, while in gas heaters, deposits typically accumulate in heat exchanger coils and intake pipes.

The gradual sediment accumulation reduces hot water flow as it should come out of faucets and fixtures. Showerheads, sinks, and appliances receive less hot water and at lower pressure. To restore optimal pressure, the sediment needs to be flushed from the hot water system.

A qualified plumber can use advanced techniques to power flush tanks and pipes, removing sediment and improving water flow. We offer maintenance advice to prevent mineral deposits and ensure consistent pressure.

Partially Closed Shutoff Valves

Partially opened shutoff valves, often overlooked, can reduce hot water pressure. These valves are placed on the hot and cold water lines leading to water heaters, under sinks, behind toilets, and at other crucial locations.

These valves enable you to turn off sections of plumbing for maintenance and ensure pressure hot water delivery remains consistent. A partially closed shutoff valve restricts water flow, lowering pressure in downstream fixtures.

Shutoff valves may not be fully opened after minor plumbing work, reducing water pressure, and mineral deposits can cause these valves to close over time.

To address subpar hot water pressure, start by ensuring all shutoff valves are fully open. Turn each valve handle fully to maximise flow, which may instantly improve pressure at your fixtures.

If balanced hot and cold water pressure is still elusive, our plumbers can expertly diagnose and remedy more intricate issues. Reach out for an assessment and resolution tailored to your needs.

Faulty Pressure Regulator

A pressure regulator is a specialised valve fitted to manage and mitigate high water pressure in the supply line to homes. It serves to reduce and control high incoming municipal water pressure down to safer levels for indoor use, typically around 50 to 60 PSI.

When you wonder 'What do I do when a pressure regulator malfunctions?' remember the full high pressure of the municipal supply can get through, potentially harming the home’s plumbing system. This may initially seem like an increase in water pressure. However, pressure levels that exceed the safe rating of fixtures and pipes may not increase water pressure as desired.

Common signs of a faulty pressure regulator include:

• Water spurting strongly from faucets or showerheads
• Pipes rattling loudly when water is turned on
• Fixtures beginning to leak or spray water
• Unpredictable pressure fluctuations, ranging from low to high

Persistent exposure to excessively high or low water pressure can lead to premature wear and damage to the plumbing system. Replacing a faulty pressure regulator is crucial to restore normal pressure levels and prevent leaks or bursts in pipes.

As your local St Marys plumbers, we have the expertise to accurately diagnose pressure regulator issues and get the pressure your system needs regulated for reliable, trouble-free service. Contact us if you suspect any problems with the regulator or water pressure in general.

However, even though high pressure levels suggest good flowing systems, they may be indicators of issues that require troubleshooting:

1. Check the water pressure at the main line - Turn on a cold water tap and check the pressure using a gauge. If pressure here is low, the issue is with your home’s main supply.
2. Inspect individual fixtures - Compare water pressure from different hot taps to helent buildup - Drain a small amount from the hot water heater to check for mineral deposits or scale.
3. Ensure shutoff valves are fully open to prevent low water flow.
4. Check for kinks or blockages in hot water supply lines.
5. Flush hot water pipes and water heater to clear sediment.
6. Consider water heater age and capacity - Older units or those too small for your home can cause your pressure issues.

If after troubleshooting you still have low water pressure, contact the professional plumbers at St Mary’s Plumbing Services. We have the expertise to accurately diagnose the specific cause and recommend the appropriate solutions to restore full pressure. Trust us to get your hot water system performing optimally.

Checking Water Pressure at Main Line

Checking the water pressure at your home’s main water line is an important first step when troubleshooting low hot water pressure. Here is a simple process to check your main line pressure:

1. Locate the main shutoff valve where the water supply enters your home. This is usually near the front of the house where the water meter is installed.
2. Attach a water pressure gauge to an exterior hose bib or spigot after the main shutoff valve.
3. Turn on the water to allow the gauge to measure the static or residual pressure in the lines when no water is flowing.
4. Pressure should typically register between 45 - 60 PSI. A reading below 45 PSI suggests a potential issue with your main supply line.
5. Next check the pressure with multiple taps running to simulate high demand. A significant pressure drop indicates an issue with the home’s supply capacity.

Checking both static and flowing water pressure at the main line will help determine if low hot water pressure is due to broader supply issues rather than specific plumbing fixtures. Contact St Mary’s Plumbing if your main line pressure checks out but hot water flow is still insufficient in your house. Our skilled plumbers can diagnose and address the hot water-specific issues.

Inspecting Faucets and Showerheads

Clogged aerator screens or showerhead filters frequently cause low water flow. Use these tips for inspection and cleaning:

• Unscrew the aerator from each faucet and check for mineral deposits or sediment, indicative of a need for a water softener. Soak in vinegar to dissolve scale sediment buildup.
• Substituting old aerators with new models designed to boost water flow can enhance pressure.
• Remove showerheads and inspect filters for sediment or scale. Clean or replace clogged filters.
• Upgrade to water efficient showerheads with flow restrictors, one of the many great service offerings to prevent loss of pressure.
• Check for kinked or flattened shower hoses limiting water flow.

If issues persist after cleaning or replacing aerators and filters, St Marys Plumbing can identify and fix the underlying problems to restore proper fixture flow.

How to Increase Hot Water Pressure

There are several methods homeowners can use to increase low hot water pressure:

• A major step towards increasing hot water pressure is flushing out sediment from the pipes and heater, a service that St Mary’s Plumbing can professionally execute.
• Substitute corroded or restrictive pipes with new, full-diameter copper ones to maintain optimal water flow.
• Install a hot water recirculating pump to boost flow to distant fixtures.
• Upgrade to a larger capacity or tankless water heater if your current unit is too small.
• Consider a hot water pressure booster system if your home’s water pressure is under 45 PSI.
• Replace old galvanised steel pipes that have built up interior rust and scale.

For the best solution to maximise your hot water pressure, contact the professional plumbers at St Mary’s. We can inspect your plumbing system and recommend the right improvements tailored to your home.

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• Flush hot water pipes and heater to clear sediment buildup.
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• Substitute corroded or restrictive pipes with new, full-diameter copper ones to maintain optimal water flow.
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• Install a hot water recirculating pump to boost flow to distant fixtures.
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• Upgrade to a larger capacity or tankless water heater if your current unit is too small.
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• Use a hot water pressure booster system if your home pressure is beerior rust and scale.
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Replacing Old Pipes

Substituting old steel or galvanised pipes is an effective method to rejuvenate home water pressure. Over time, these pipes corrode and accumulate mineral deposits that result in poor hot water flow. Sections of pipe can also become completely clogged with sediment, contributing to buildup your pipes can do without.

When galvanised or steel pipes are replaced with new copper pipes, full water flow capacity is regained. Copper has a smooth interior surface that minimises corrosion and scale buildup. The full diameter design maintains water velocity and improves pressure.

Re-piping projects involve removing all accessible old piping and installing new copper tubing in its place. For minimal disruption to walls and structures, pipe relining is an alternative. The old pipes are scoured clean and new epoxy liners installed inside to create smooth flow channels.

Upgrading your home’s old steel and galvanised pipes to copper can significantly increase hot water pressure. Contact professional St Marys plumbers to discuss the best whole home re-pipe options for restoring optimal water flow and pressure.

Installing a Booster Pump

A hot water booster pump is an effective solution for enhancing suboptimal water pressure from municipal sources, ensuring satisfactory flow and pressure to your home’s fixtures and appliances.

A gravity fed booster pump system is installed to enhance both hot cold water, sited after the main shutoff valve but before the hot water heater. It pressurises both the hot and cold water supply lines. The pump must be sized appropriately for the home’s plumbing demands across all bathrooms, kitchens, laundry, and outdoor taps.

Boosted mains pressure improves shower pressure and the performance of the entire plumbing system. Showers and taps consistently receive water at ideal flow rates and temperatures. Homeowners gain the convenience of not having to wait for hot water delivery.

If your home’s inlet pressure falls below 45 PSI, a well-suited booster pump may offer a cost-effective fix. The professional team at St Mary’s Plumbing can evaluate your needs and install an appropriate booster pump system.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

There are certain plumbing issues that require professional expertise. Calling a licenced plumber from a reputable company like St Marys Plumbing is recommended in these situations:

• You’ve thoroughly tried troubleshooting low or no hot water pressure but the problem persists.
• Leaking pipes, faucets or water heater tanks that continue despite DIY repairs.
• Complete drain clogs that cannot be cleared with a plunger, drain cleaner or hand snake.
• Banging or hammering noises coming from water pipes.
• Major problems with sewer lines or septic systems.
• Strange smells coming from drains.
• Any sign the plumbing system has been contaminated.
• Needing to install or replace a water heater, sump pump or dishwasher.

St Marys’ team of licenced plumbers, equipped with advanced tools and expertise, efficiently diagnose and rectify complex plumbing challenges. The expert service gave me confidence, as they handle all repairs and installations with a commitment to next day service, safely, efficiently, and to current code. Trust us to do a great job with our decades of quality service when your plumbing system needs a professional.