KITCHEN HOT WATER TAP RUNNING SLOW
Having a reliable hot water stream in your kitchen is essential because it determines your ability to clean, rinse, and perform other duties in the home.
One of the problems experienced by homeowners is the low hot water pressure in the kitchen, which can be so annoying, especially if you are running your dishwasher at the time of low water pressure.
So, what could cause hot water to run slow in the kitchen tap? This article answers this question and other frequently asked questions about hot water running slow in the kitchen tap.
Why Is My Kitchen Hot Water Tap Running Slow
A loss of hot water pressure is not necessarily related to a malfunction of the water heater. The lack of flow can have its origin in several causes, more or less critical. It takes a long time to get hot water for several reasons.
1. The distance traveled or length of the pipes
It makes sense; the farther your water heater is from the kitchen, where you want the hot water to come, the longer it will take for it to arrive.
2. Presence of a flow reducer
A flow restrictor may be installed on one or more sanitary facilities, such as the water heater, which can delay the water supply.
3. Faulty water heater
Water heaters over ten years old can fail or become much less efficient and fast at heating your water. A plumbing expert can assess whether your water heater is working properly. They can also carry out regular maintenance on your device and determine if it is time to think about replacing it completely for a more modern system.
4. Sediment buildup in your water heater or pipes
Over time, sediment can build up in your water heater tank or pipes, especially if you live in a calcareous region. The sediments are dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which settle or precipitate in the reservoir.
This chemical phenomenon is particularly active in hot water with the evaporation of a part of the water. Sediment buildup greatly reduces boiler efficiency and the amount of hot water produced and will take even longer between refills.
Recommended Read – Are bread machines worth it? – Everything You Need To Know
If the water heater causes the reduced flow of hot water, it is often a limestone plug that obstructs the circuit from the tank. To check if this hypothesis is at the origin of the decrease in pressure, you can proceed as described below.
- Start by turning off each hot water faucet.
- Then lower the safety group pressure. Just turn the tap. By doing so, the limestone plug will move.
- You can then open the tap again.
- Test your hot water faucet to see if the flow has returned to normal. If the flow drops again after returning to normal, the limescale plug has gone back into place.
Why Is My Water Hot In The Kitchen But Not In the Bathroom
If you are having trouble getting hot water in the shower, this could result from setting your anti-scald device too high, or your shower mixer is bad.
The anti-scald device is a safety feature that regulates how far the shower handle can rotate in the direction of the hot water. This limits the temperature your hot water generates.
Your shower mixing valve is another device that can prevent hot water flow in your bathroom if it goes bad. This device controls the water temperature of your shower by mixing hot and cold water. If this valve is faulty, it will prevent hot water from mixing properly in your shower
How To Increase Water Pressure In Kitchen Hot Water Tap
The only solution to solve your hot water flow problem, if it is caused by the water, is then to remove the limescale plug.
- Start by shutting off the power to your water heater and shutting off the water, then check that every faucet is closed, including the cold water ones.
- Turn the valve of the safety group to decrease the pressure of your hot water tank.
- You can gently remove the seal at the hot water outlet. Be vigilant because if water flows from the water heater, it will be hot. You can place a container under the connection to catch any water that may leak.
- Then, remove the hot water outlet pipe and clean it.
- If necessary, you can descale the bottom of the tank as well as the walls of your water heater.
- Also, check the seals; if these are damaged, take the opportunity to change them.
- You can replace the dielectric fitting and turn the water on.
Despite all your efforts, and the water flow is not restored or you’re in doubt, it is recommended to call a professional.
- Use a hot water recirculation system
A hot water recirculation system can reduce the amount of water wasted while waiting for it to warm up to the faucet. A recirculation system moves water by pumping faster from the water heater to the desired faucet.
Must Read – Can We Keep Jade Plant in Kitchen
The pump recirculates your waste water back to the water heater and keeps hot water close to the faucets. These systems are usually activated by a timer or by a thermostat. But beware; systems in continuous use increase your energy consumption.
The recirculation system can be mounted in different ways: near your tap or attached to your water heater. The version attached to your water heater includes a pump and an activated timer to allow hot water to circulate.
- Use a tankless instantaneous water heater
A tankless water heater is another option for providing continuous on-demand hot water without having to wait for a traditional water heater storage tank to fill. This results in endless hot water and reduced heating costs because the tank does not heat unused water.
In addition to large whole-house tankless water heaters, smaller tankless water heater units are installed at the point of use. These smaller units treat and heat water at the outlet for individual faucets and can be installed in a closet or under a sink. This is a good option for an economical and efficient heater.
FAQ
How Do I Remove The Limescale Plug To Restore Hot Water Pressure?
If you want the hot water flow to return to normal, you must eliminate the limescale blockage blocking the hot water outlet. To do this, you must empty the water heater tank.
Why Does The Pressure In My Hot Water Circuit Drop?
If there is a pressure drop in your hot water circuit, there is a problem with the scaling of the hot water outlet at the water heater. You will need to remove and clean the hot water outlet pipe.
You now know the tests to be carried out to determine whether the drop in hot water flow only affects your home or not, totally or locally, and whether it only concerns the hot water network or also affects the cold water.
How To Identify The Presence Of A Water Leak?
As you know, widespread pressure loss can also result from a water leak in your drain (apart from the other causes mentioned above). Bathroom and toilet pipes are often affected by this type of problem. To check if your pipe is affected by a leak, simply observe the water meter. Read the numbers on the meter and ensure all the taps in your home are turned off.
CONCLUSION
A lack of hot water pressure is alarming in addition to being unpleasant. For what reasons can there be a lack of pressure on the hot water supply?
This inconvenience is not only embarrassing, but it can also be a sign of a bigger problem. To restore the hot water flow in your kitchen tap, whether it is a faulty heater or not, you must first know the cause of your problem.
This article has provided the causes of low pressure in kitchen hot water tap and their possible solutions.
