how do i fix low water pressure in an electric water heater?

Answer 1

The water pressure coming out of the water heater is dependent on the pressure of the cold water going in. The only pressure created by the heater is a small amount of pressure from the water heating up. Like a teapot does. Usually electric water heaters don't build up pressure like a gas heater does. I would put a pressure gauge on a cold water outlet such as a hose bib and check the pressure there. Then use the same gauge and check the pressure where you hookup the hot water to your washing machine. If there is a large difference it could be a couple of things like corrosion build up in the hot line or a kinked line somewhere or mineral build up in the pipe or in the fittings in the hot line. It's hard to say exactly without knowing the kind of pipe and if it's city or well water. Good luck.

Answer 2

If you are experiencing adequate flow from the cold water but not from the hot, you have a flow restriction somewhere but probably not a pressure drop. It is unlikely that the hot water heater is the problem. It is simply a big tank with little to cause flow restriction. Old pipes partially clogged with deposits, possibly a malfunctioning filter system, or a water softener are much more likely culprits. One easy test is to open the spigot on the hot water heater and see how good the flow is there. If it is good your problem is after the heater, if it is bad, your flow restriction is upstream from the heater. If you get a huge glob of stuff out of the heater, it my actually be the problem but I don't think so. Finding and fixing the problem may be difficult and asking a reliable plumber familiar with your area and its problems is probably a good starting point.

Answer 3

Install larger diameter pipe. You probably have 3/4" going to the water heater and 1/2" or 3/8" coming out. That would be a bottle neck.

Answer 4

The water heater isn't the source of the problem with low water pressure. That would be the pump's function. Not really enough information given in question to enable us to be of much help.