Hot Water Crisis: Low water pressure and spotty heat

[Daniel Pitner]

The house that my wife and I currently live in will be a short term rental within the next few months, however we have one big issue: I can't solve our hot water crisis!

About 6 months ago our water heater worked very well and had regular water pressure.  I had to change the elements, however, about 5 months ago which is where are of our problems have begun.  Since I changed the elements I now have very weak hot water pressure through the whole house. I'm also getting very hot water to every faucet in the house EXCEPT for both of our bathtubs. I can't figure it out... any ideas you have would be tremendously appreciated! 

[Tim Johnson]

The filter elements are clogged in the faucets on the hot side. Very common when you replace the heater elements.  If it has handles take the handles off, clean the screen and reinstall.  Should fix it

[Daniel Pitner]

@Tim Johnson Thank you! It doesn't have handles-- it's a single knob faucet.  Would this work the same? 

[Frank S.]

Water scale may have come loose and clogged your mixing valve and faucets. 

Disconnect the faucet supply tube and test for flow with a bucket, see if scale and sedimentation arecl present. Clean your aerators. You may need to remove the faucet cartridge. 

Open your shower mixing valve and purge the lines,  clean or replace the strainers. 

Purge the water heater through the bottom drain yearly. 

If you have a larger system with a hot water circulation system, it may be air trapped in the lines. Air compresses and causes pressure fluctuations.  The mixing valves can't work properly due to the higher pressure differential between cold and hot.  In that case,  you must remove the air.

I hope that works for you. 

Frank