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If you’re a new homeowner and struggling with low water pressure, you need to figure out if you have a water heater or a boiler. Knowing which unit you have can help you diagnose the problem and know which professional to call. Below is a guide explaining the differences between the two and what can cause them to have low pressure.

Water Heaters

These devices are designed solely to heat water for your home. They supply hot water to taps, showers, and appliances like dishwashers. Since they don’t heat your home, you’ll have a separate heating system installed, such as a furnace or HVAC. This water-heating device is available in tank or tankless configurations. 

Tanked heaters store a set amount of hot water in a large tank and are usually in a utility room or basement. When the hot water runs low, more is added and heated, but the immediate hot water supply is limited by the tank size. Tankless heaters work on-demand, so you don’t run out of hot water the way you would with a tanked one.

Boilers

boilerThese devices heat your water for your home, but they also use the heated water to keep your home warm. If you don’t have a furnace or HVAC system, you most likely have a boiler. Hot water is sent through pipes to heating convectors—such as radiators or radiant floor systems—which absorb and release the heat from water or steam into your home. If you have a high-efficiency unit, it’s a cost-effective and efficient way to heat your home

These also have two setup types. Tank boilers are used to store hot and cold water, and they're usually best for homes with high hot water demands. There are also tankless boilers that provide heated water on-demand. Often called a combi unit, they take up less space while still heating your home.

Causes of Low Pressure

Many of the causes for low water pressure overlap between the two devices. For tankless units, you can experience low water pressure if multiple appliances are drawing hot water from it at the same time. The pressure in your water main may also be too low to accommodate a tankless unit. 

For tanked units, the shut-off valve may be partially closed or the pressure set too low on the unit itself. With either type, mineral buildup from hard water can limit the flow of water. In older homes, the water supply may be gravity-fed, which can also cause low pressure. A lack of preventative maintenance or service causes pressure problems, too.

 

If you’re having water pressure problems with your boiler or heater, the team at Rick Ogden Heating & Air Conditioning in Loveland, OH, will help. With over 35 years of experience, they’ll install a new system at a competitive price, as well as provide preventative maintenance and repairs for boilers. Their techs are highly trained and offer 24/7 emergency services. Get a brief overview of their services and contact info online, and call (513) 683-3714 to get a quote.

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