What to Do When Your Water Heater Has Low Pressure

It’s so easy to take your water heater for granted. It sits unnoticed in your garage, basement or storage place, providing you with the luxury of instant access to hot water. But when it breaks, things can go south quickly. From the dangers of flooding to the misery of cold showers, you are sure to be acutely aware of your water heater every time it malfunctions. Here are some tips on dealing with a bad water heater.

Check the Range of the Problem

If you find drops in hot water pressure, the first thing you want to do is assess the scale. Is it a single faucet, one room or the whole house? This isolation tactic can help you quickly identify the culprit, or it can at least rule outsome possibilities. If the issue is not across the house, then you can take comfort in knowing that your water heater is likely functioning correctly. Aerators, leaks or valves are your top suspects.

Look for Leaks

If the whole house has a problem, then the search should start at the water heater. The first and most obvious step is to check for leaks. Keep in mind that water discharge does not have to be massive to cause low pressure. Even abnormal levels of condensation on the heater itself can indicate a problem with your appliance. If you can’t see any signs of a leak, there still could be a flow problem in the unseen pipes. A water heater can only put out as much pressure as is put in.

Check Flow Pressure

If you can rule out leaks for the most part, you want to continue your investigation by checking pressure. Low intake pressure or clogging are the two most likely sources in this case. The first pressure regulator to check is a cut-off valve. First off, make sure the valve is not adjusted to reduce pressure. If all seems normal there, then it may be time for a pressure check. If you are qualified, you can shut off water to the house and remove the valve. If you are not qualified, it may be time to call a plumber. In the case of clogging, check with your manufacturer for maintenance techniques. Many water heaters can be cleared out with a garden hose, but you want to stick to the technique suggested by the appliance’s designers.

Poor water pressure is always unpleasant, but there are steps you can take to manage and even prevent these situations. If you would like to see more information on water heater repair in Escondido, follow the link.