Low Hot Water Pressure Causes & Remedies

Ever experienced low hot water pressure? There’s nothing more unsatisfying than a shower with poor water pressure – particularly after a long day at work, an afternoon in the garden, or a sweaty gym session

As many Australian homes are stuck with older, low-quality hot water devices; unfortunately, dealing with low and poor-quality hot water pressure is relatively common.

So, what causes low hot water pressure? And what can you do to fix the hot water pressure? Diagnosing the problem behind a loss of water pressure can be challenging if the water continues to stabilise at a high temperature, but the pressure drops off. A sudden change in pressure indicates a problem isolated in the hot water system, particularly if hot water pressure is low but cold is fine.

Why Is My Hot Water Pressure So Low?

As is the way with most plumbing concerns, there is a multitude of reasons that your hot water pressure is not working properly.

To start with, make sure you compare the pressure of the hot and cold-water taps. If low water pressure only affects one, you know the problem isn't widespread.

The best way to rectify a dodgy hot water system is to call in a qualified plumber to accurately diagnose and fix your hot water concerns.

CDL Plumbing is Lake Macquarie and Newcastle’s local team of trustworthy and experienced plumbers with over 15 years of experience installing, servicing, fixing, and replacing hot water systems. We’ve put together this article to help you work out what could be causing a loss of hot water pressure and what you can do while you wait for your local plumber to arrive.

Common Causes of Low Hot Water Pressure

1. Sediment

Hot water systems are prone to debris and sediment build-up as the tank naturally erodes over time. As the contaminating particles settle in the tank, sediments can find their way into the pipes, causing a build-up, blockage and potentially, a loss of water pressure.

Sediment build-up is a problem whether your hot water system is electric or gas and can be especially challenging if you live in an area where the water is hard. White, chalky limescale is likely to accumulate in appliances or systems that heat water regularly in these areas. Luckily, sediment can be flushed out of a hot water tank that is still in good condition, restoring water pressure and preventing future problems.

2. Water Leaks

Over time, all pipes eventually need to be replaced. If you're in an older home, it's to be expected that pipes may crack and leak from time to time. If there's a leak somewhere in your plumbing, water pressure will be compromised as water is diverted away from its intended destination.

You can try to determine where the leak is located by checking your hot water tank, as the tank itself could be the cause of the leak. If you suspect multiple leaks, you can turn off all taps in the house and check your metre reading. Ensure no water is used in the house for a while, and then recheck the metre. If the reading has increased (even though you haven't used any water), you can be almost certain that you’re dealing with a leak. This, however, will not necessarily present a slow leak as a slow leak (or leaks) will take longer to register on the metre. If you can't find the leak then give us a call.

3. Bent or Restricted Waterlines

Copper pipes are commonly used in hot water systems as copper is durable, can withstand high temperatures, and is corrosion-resistant. On the downside, copper is also malleable and prone to bending out of shape. If bends in the pipe are large enough, water flow may be restricted, resulting in poor hot water pressure.

Sometimes, water flow may be restricted if bends in the pipes are bad enough, resulting in low hot water pressure. Repiping can fix the problem, as can installing a pressure regulation device. If you decide to install a pressure regulator, then this needs to be configured correctly, as poor calibration can lead to water pressure that is too high or low for both your hot and cold water supplies.

Water pressure may also be negatively affected by water pipes much smaller or larger than the main water pipes supplying your property. If water cannot pass through the connections easily, pressure will be lost. Re-piping will allow water to flow freely into your household system.

4. Fixtures and Taps

If you've noticed poor hot water pressure only affecting one fixture, then it may be a fault with the fixture rather than your hot water system. For instance, if the pressure from your taps is normal, but the pressure from your showerhead is low, you can safely assume it's not a widespread issue.

If you've recently moved into the property, it could be that the showerhead is designed to be water-saving and you're just not used to the pressure. The problem could also be that the fixture or tap in question is either worn out or so congested by debris, that water can't flow freely. In some areas, fixtures and taps typically need replacing more frequently as limescale can build up surprisingly fast. If this is the case, replacing the fixture will completely resolve the issue.

Call In the Experts at CDL Plumbing

CDL Plumbing is a family-owned and operated business who have been servicing the Newcastle area for over 15 years. Our team are honest and reliable, providing high-quality plumbing solutions across suburbs like Warners Bay, Cardiff, Wallsend and Kotara,

If you're experiencing low hot water pressure, contact our team today on 0477 76 2937 for a free quote. Our experienced and skilled plumbers are fully licensed and equipped to provide hot water system installation and repairs across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.