Low water pressure

[drjch]

I have an old house with galvanized pipe. I know that the life span of galvanized pipe is about 40 years but I am hoping there is another solution than replacing the pipe. The water pressure is fine in the house except for the hot water side in an upstairs bathroom. I get no rusty water from any of the faucets and only the one line is low. I replaced the valve stem on the hot water side but nothing changed. Is there anything else I could try that might increase the pressure. Thanks for any input.
jch

 

[Gary Swart]

Sorry to say, there is no easy or cheap cure for your problem. The pipes are reaching their life expectancy and replacement is the only solution. Your problem is not one of low pressure, but of low flow. Two different things. Pressure is determined by the city's water main and you can't do much about that except reduce it if it is too high. Flow is determined by the interior size of the pipes. The hot water pipe you mentioned is corroded inside which cuts the amount of water that can be pushed through it. You might buy some time before a total re-piping job by just replacing that section, but doing the job piece meal will cost more in the long run than just biting the bullet and doing the whole house.