There are few things in life more rewarding than a hot, steamy, powerful shower. And there are few things in life more frustrating than water pressure that’s just not up to the job.
If you’ve got low hot water pressure, you’re not alone. But together, we can help you leave that behind, and enjoy the wonderful hot water pressure you deserve.
Identifying the problem: sudden hot water pressure drops, or lacklustre hot water systems
Most people get used to the hot water pressure they know. The problem usually comes when that pressure changes. That usually happens in one of two areas:
- Sudden drops in pressure: Some houses might have great high pressure hot water systems, but a problem pops up suddenly, or over time. A lot of the time there’ll be a relatively easy fix here.
- Moving to a house with a low pressure system: Some houses simply have older, low pressure water systems. Generally, this means you’ll have to upgrade to a mains pressure hot water system.
Let’s look at both.
Causes of sudden low hot water pressure
Sometimes, your hot water pressure might drop for no obvious reason. Here are some of the common culprits.
Local street works or water supply maintenance
It won’t be all that common, but this kind of work may mean water supply is reduced or stopped. But it’s good to check this first by asking your neighbours if they’re having problems. If they are, you probably won’t have to check for other problems.
The fix: You’ll probably have to wait it out. But it’s a good idea to keep an eye on local council announcements to see if there’s upcoming work, so you can plan accordingly (or at least avoid any surprises).
Blocked mixers
Over time, mixers in your taps can get clogged with sediment or debris. This reduces hot water flow.
The fix: Cleaning the aerators in your taps and showerheads regularly can prevent and fix blockages, and keep your water sparkling clean. Sometimes, you might need to replace them. Either way, fixing a blocked mixer is usually a simple DIY task.
Partially-closed or faulty valves
Valves regulate the flow of water. If they’re not fully open, they might be letting in less water than you need.
The fix: Check the valves on your hot water cylinder, and your mains supply. Valves can also become damaged, or malfunction. In these cases, it’s best to get a professional to look them over. Often, higher hot water pressure is just a quick fix or replacement away.
Header tank issues
If your hot water cylinder is supplied by a header tank, a faulty ballcock valve can cause pressure issues. This valve controls the water level in the tank, and if it’s not doing its job, you can strike inconsistent pressure.
The fix: Inspect the ballcock valve or have a professional check it. A repair or replacement could solve your problem.
None of these?
If you’ve tried these and still haven’t had any luck, get in touch with us. We can help you check if there’s something else at fault in your hot water system.
Low pressure hot water systems
If you’ve had low hot water pressure since you moved in, you might just think you need to live with it.
Good news! You don’t.
Many older homes in New Zealand are equipped with low pressure water systems. These deliver hot water at a pressure lower than the mains cold water pressure.
Newer homes are equipped differently, with mains pressure. And many people choose to replace their low pressure water cylinders with these, too.
Why consider mains pressure cylinders?
- Higher pressure water (think more powerful showers).
- Faster delivery of hot water (less time waiting for it to heat up).
- More consistent hot water (the shower pressure won’t drop suddenly when someone turns on a tap).
- Greater tapware choice, and upgrade options (such as solar or heat pumps).
- Adding value to your home.
Contact us to boost your hot water pressure, and your hot water satisfaction
We work alongside you to understand what you want and need from a hot water system. That can include your usage, the size of your household, your budget, and your future plans.
This is maybe the one time you want someone to help you get into hot water, and not out of it. So make it count.
BOOK YOUR HOT WATER PRESSURE INSPECTION NOW