I am having an issue with my hot water flowing slowly. The lines(copper) are in the floor(slab) and the WH is in a non-heated room. The problem only occurs when the outside temp is around 40 or lower. It seldom gets below freezing. I am replacing the WH next week with a Rheem 40gal, but should I be looking for other problems? Also, the WH is installed backwards in a corner (cannot get to elements or valve), so I assume it has never been cleaned. Only owned the house for 2 years. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Hot water slow flow
- Thread starter Chad
- Start date
Let me be sure I understand you.
Your saying if the temp outdoors goes below 40F, lets say 35F, the amount/speed of the water coming out of any faucet or the tub spout slows down. Do I have it right.
Is it just the hot side or both cold and hot.
Your saying if the temp outdoors goes below 40F, lets say 35F, the amount/speed of the water coming out of any faucet or the tub spout slows down. Do I have it right.
Is it just the hot side or both cold and hot.
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It was this way when we got the house as far as I know. We got the house in march 2004 and its already in the 70's by then. The house sat empty for 5 years before we bought it.
If I scratch my head anymore, I will be left with just shoulders!
If I scratch my head anymore, I will be left with just shoulders!
O.K. here is where we start. Have a boiler drain installed above the heater on the cold water side. After it is installed check and see if the slow flow is B4 the water enters the heater or after it goes through the heater. That will help isolate where the problem is coming from. Do you know how old the heater is? If no get the brand name Mod # and Ser.# off the heater.
The main shut-off is out by the street. As for the boiler drain, my new WH will be here on Wed. I have no idea the age, model #, or serial # of the current one. The WH is in a corner with the front turned into the corner, making it impossible to even see the name. I have to replumb everything going to the WH so I can put it in the correct way, so I will test the inlet line at that time. I will let you know what I find at that time. I GREATLY appreciate your insight.
Thank you,
Chad
Thank you,
Chad
If the temp is not low enough to test for low flow, or your just not sure about the flow, install the boiler drain. For the extra cost, $5.00 max, it is worth having. There may come a time when you wish you had one there anyway.
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