Call This Wednesday to Get $75 OFF

Call ThisWednesday to Get $75 OFF (Service of $250 or more)

24 Hour Emergency Plumbers in Pittsburgh and nearby cities.

4.7 / 5 Ratings based on 1273 reviews

Your Neighborhood Plumbers

image

July 10,2024

Can a Bad Water Heater Cause Pressure Loss?

Water heaters are essential to life, providing hot water for showers, dishwashing, and laundry tasks. But when your pressure falls suddenly? Could the issue lie within your water heater itself? Here, Mr. Rooter Plumbing explores why bad heaters could cause pressure loss and what you can do about them to prevent the need for water heater repair.

Understand Water Pressure

First and foremost, we all must comprehend what water pressure means. Water pressure refers to the force exerted against pipes to propel water through faucets. When this pressure is strong and constant, it means solid and steady streams, while with lower water pressure comes weak and intermittent streams, which make everyday tasks like showering or dishwashing time-consuming.

How a Water Heater Works

Water heaters serve a crucial purpose: heating water before it needs to be delivered through your plumbing system. Various kinds of heaters, from tankless models to storage tank types, are available, regardless of their form factor or purpose.

Signs of a Defective Water Heater

An unhealthy water heater can exhibit any number of indicators: strange noises, fluctuating water temperatures, and leakage around its unit, are just a few. A more subtle but equally alarming sign could be decreased water pressure. Should these occur, it could be time for repair work on your unit.

Can A Faulty Water Heater Cause Pressure Loss?

Yes, an inadequately performing water heater can contribute to pressure loss in a household. Here's why:

Sediment Buildup

As minerals like calcium and magnesium linger in your water supply, their deposits can build up inside your water heater over time, creating sediment build-up that clogs pipes and the heater itself, restricting how much water flows through. Regular maintenance checks on your heater are key in helping combat sediment build-up. For instance, flushing its tank periodically is one effective strategy to deal with its accumulation.

Corroded Pipes

An older water heater could leave its pipes exposed to corrosion and become blocked with debris that restricts water flow or causes pressure loss, potentially limiting or stopping its flow altogether. A professional plumber should thoroughly inspect these pipes to determine whether corrosion is present and its source.

Faulty Valves

Water heaters utilize multiple valves that regulate water flow and pressure. If any of these valves become worn or defective, restricting water flow while decreasing pressure, a professional plumbing repair service must assess and replace them to restore normal pressure levels.

What to Do if Your Water Pressure Drops

You must act if you experience pressure loss and suspect it might be related to your water heater. Here are a few steps that may help:

Inspection of the Water Heater

Conduct an initial examination of your water heater for any signs of trouble, such as leakage or strange noises. Ensure the temperature is set correctly and there is no visible sediment buildup around its base.

Check for Sediment

If you feel confident, flushing your water heater to remove sediment may be possible. This process involves draining its tank and flushing away any buildup, similar to flushing. However, as this task can often prove complex or tricky for those who need plumbing experience, professional plumbing services should likely handle this job on their own or on behalf of an insurance provider.

Call a Plumber

When in doubt, seek professional plumbing advice immediately. A trained technician can quickly detect and resolve your water heater or plumbing-related problems. Even more complex problems will require expertise to restore pressure quickly and reliably. A plumber should always have all the right tools to fix water pressure quickly and reliably.

Preventing Pressure Loss

To stop water pressure loss from happening regular plumbing inspections and water heater maintenance are required to prevent pressure loss. Here are a few helpful hints:

Have Your Water Heater Regularly Serviced

Have a plumbing service perform regular maintenance on your water heater to flush its tank, test its anode rod, and inspect its valves - this way, early problems are caught earlier, and the extended life of your unit is ensured.

Periodically Inspect Pipes and Valves

Regularly inspect the pipes and valves connected to your water heater to detect corrosion, leaks, or wear and tear. Your plumber can assist in this inspection process and perform any needed repairs if any are detected.

Consider Installing a Water Softener

If your home has hard water, installing a water softener could help mitigate sediment accumulation in your heater and pipes, protecting them and the plumbing system in general from further corrosion and build-up. A softener can significantly decrease this accumulation.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Although a malfunctioning water heater may lead to pressure loss, you can maintain steady and strong pressure levels in your home's plumbing system with proper care and timely repairs. Should any issues arise or repairs become necessary, don't hesitate to seek professional plumbing help from Mr. Rooter Plumbing.

Recent News

01

November

Sump Pump and Rain: All You Need to Know

When heavy rain hits, water can cause severe issues for homeowners, especially those with basements…

Sump Pump and Rain: All You Need to Know
24

October

How to Replace a Water Pressure Regulator

Water is essential for our daily lives. We use it for drinking, cooking, washing, etc.…

How to Replace a Water Pressure Regulator
10

October

The Outdoor Kitchen: Trendy Home Projects

Grill burgers or bake pizza - an outdoor kitchen adds style and function to any…

The Outdoor Kitchen: Trendy Home Projects
02

October

The Benefits of Regular House Plumbing Inspections

Some of your home's most critical systems are the ones you can't see. Your plumbing…

The Benefits of Regular House Plumbing Inspections
18

September

How to Troubleshoot Common Hot Water Heater Problems

Nothing is more frustrating than turning on the tap, expecting hot water, and getting nothing…

How to Troubleshoot Common Hot Water Heater Problems
11

September

How to Block a Bathtub Drain Without a Plug

Sometimes, you may want to relax but realize your bathtub plug is missing or broken.…

How to Block a Bathtub Drain Without a Plug
05

September

How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?

Garbage disposals are handy kitchen appliances that help keep our sinks free of food waste.…

How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?
21

August

Why Your Shower Makes a Squealing Noise

Have you ever been enjoying a relaxing shower when suddenly an annoying squealing noise comes…

Why Your Shower Makes a Squealing Noise
08

August

How to Check & Inspect for Potential Leaks

Finding leaks early can save you a lot of money and prevent damage to your…

How to Check & Inspect for Potential Leaks
04

August

What Is Hydro Jetting And What Are The Benefits?

Hydro jetting is a modern and powerful method for cleaning drains and pipes. It involves…

What Is Hydro Jetting And What Are The Benefits?