hot water heater has hot water but just a trickle. What is the problem?

Question

When you turn the hot water on any faucet in the house you get good pressure at first then just a small flow after a few seconds and the water is hot. Replaced the pressure valve did not help. What could this be?

It is a gas hot water heater. We drained it and the cold water comes out fine on all faucets it is just the hot water side very small flow. When it first comes out on the hot side it is great for a second then it goes to a very small flow like the pressure just went out of it.

Answer 1

Here in Oklahoma the heaters will fill with calcium/lime over time. You may need to shut it down and drain it.

Answer 2

Sounds like you have some galvanized pipe going into or out of the water heater. This will result in rust build up in that section of pipe and constricting flow. The reason you have good flow for the first second or so, is because the pipes past the rust are acting as a reservoir. Replace the galvanized pipe with copper or PEX, and you are back in business!

Good Luck!

Answer 3

what type of water heater? tank-less or tank type? your water could be to hot and believe it or not with extreme heat some gaskets or washers can expand slowing the flow of water. if your water is set too high it could be a danger.check your temp, and call a plumber if it persists.

Answer 4

hows the pressure on the cold water side?or feed side?

Answer 5

close and reopen the out let valve, sounds like a calcium build up , in the out let, also check inlet valve to see if its all the way open,

Answer 6

Have you drained out the hot water heater.

I will fill with sand over time.

Answer 7

you need a whole new hot water heater is the hot water heater old if so replace it ask a plumber or furnace person

Answer 8

replace filter on well pump