If the hot water pressure is low, but the cold is fine: You may have sediment and limescale build-up in the pipes or faucet, or it could be caused by a partially closed or restricted shutoff valve.
If your cold water pressure seems fine but the pressure of your hot water is not, the shut off valve on your water heater might not be fully open. If that valve is partially closed, it will restrict the flow of hot water, leading to low pressure for the hot water only.
✅ The Fix:
If you isolate your low hot water pressure to a single room, inspect all showerheads and hot tap for signs of damage or sediment buildup. Replace any damaged or broken fixtures. Severe damage to a showerhead or tap likely indicates an underlying plumbing issue.
If the hot water pressure is lower than the cold and occurs throughout the whole house, you could have a problem with a plumbing system. If you have a single-handle faucet in your shower or tub, your mixing valve that controls the amount of hot and cold water sent to the showerhead may be stuck or worn out.
If it's only the hot water that is at a trickle, you might need a plumber to clean and flush your hot water unit. Sediment and scale in your hot water tank can build up as the tank ages and corrodes. This can cause blockages over time and low hot water pressure.
There are two potential reasons. The piping for your hot water is much longer than your cold water, causing increased friction losses. Or there could be obstructions causing a pressure drop. Obstructions could include a smaller diameter piping, valves partially closed, or damage to piping.
A quick and easy way to increase water pressure is to adjust the pressure-reducing valve, which can be found in your home, usually close to your water meter. If your pressure gauge reading was low, make slight adjustments to your regulator.
Water leaks causing low water pressure may come from burst pipes due to residue and buildup. Unfortunately, buildups may come from things out of your control. A clog from external elements isn't the only thing hindering water flow. Water supply lines may experience clogs due to mineral deposits.
While a water heater may be the cause of low pressure in your shower or other plumbing fixtures, it is far from the only cause. You will likely need a professional plumber to find the cause of your low pressure and fix it properly.
Low boiler pressure can wreak all kinds of havoc on your heating system - it could leave you with no hot water and no heating. Luckily, it's a relatively easy fix that you can do yourself at home. Read on to find out more about what to do if your boiler pressure is too low, including how to fix it.
Most experts recommend 50-60 psi. If your old water heater leaked prematurely, check your home's water pressure with a pressure gauge with a lazy hand (available at hardware stores and home centers for a few dollars). Measure the water pressure over a 24-hour period.
Generally, a low pressure hot water cylinder will provide water pressure at around 75 kpa. In contrast, mains pressure will provide water to your house at up to 500 kpa. It's more than just how the water feels – it can actually make a difference to your water bills.
Generally, a low pressure system provides water pressure at around 75 kpa. In contrast, main pressure will provide water to your house at up to 500 kpa. Initially, all houses in New Zealand were on low pressure water. However, most new homes nowadays are built with mains pressure water systems.
The best temperature setting for a hot water heater is between 120 and 140 degrees. Below 120 degrees, bacteria can develop in the stagnant water sitting in the tank. Above 140 degrees, the water is so hot that you and family members can be at risk for scalding in as little as two seconds.
If you notice excessive noises coming from your unit, there's a problem. Two common water heater sounds are rattling and whistling, both of which result from built-up steam that can't escape the unit. If the steam can't escape properly, that means the pressure relief valve isn't working.
The city could be flushing hydrants.
In any of these cases, the pressure loss will be temporary. But when the water does come back online, it will definitely kick up sediment, which can clog supply valves and faucet aerators. Be prepared to flush them if the pressure seems low when the water comes back on.
A boiler can definitely lose pressure without a leak. A leak is the most common cause of a boiler losing pressure, but it could also be caused by an expansion vessel problem, a pressure relief valve problem, a filling loop problem, or by bleeding the radiators.
Tip: The build up of sediment in the tank can reduce your water heater's energy efficiency and also clog your water lines. Avoid these problems and increase the life of your unit by flushing your water heater every six months.