Kitchen hot water losing water pressure

[ianmoone]

For the last couple of weeks I've noticed a decline in the water pressure from the hot water tap in my kitchen, the tap is a dual control faucet and the cold pressure is good.

I have checked the hot taps in both the bathroom and bedroom sink and the water pressure is fine and stays constant. However when I have all three taps on full blast - the kitchen tap quickly turns to just a dribble. It's as if the water source to the kitchen tap has run out. Once the taps upstairs are switched off it takes some time before I can get any water flowing back out of kitchen. So, I don't think it's the tap at fault.

The boiler is located in a cupboard in a bedroom and there is a water tank in the loft.

I'm not really proficient at this type of work, but if it's a simple fix then I'll have a go.
Any help as to what may be going on would be great....

 

[galaxy_plumbing]

Could be partial blockage somewhere, either on the hot supply to the kitchen, or check if you have isolating vale, if that is not playing. I'm sure other guys give you some more ideas.

 

[ianmoone]

Isolating valve under kitchen sink is working as it should (I think) - I can open and close valve (which stops flow altogether until back in open position).
If there's a blockage - what do I need to do - layman's terms please...

 

[Paulus]

I'm guessing that by "dual control" you mean that it's a mixer. If so, try turning the hot and cold on with a cloth pressed tight against the spout to try and prevent the water flow. This may clear any blockage or airlock and is the first thing I would always try.

Be careful you are likely to get a bit wet depending on the water pressure.

 

[ianmoone]

@Paulus:
Yes it's a mixer tap - however when I look underneath at the end of the tap I can see that there are two independent outlets one for hot one for cold - so there's two taps, two channels with one spout housing so to speak.
Anyhow - tried what you said to no avail...

 

[kay-jay]

do you have a hot and a cold washing machine valve? if so connect a hose across the two and open hot and cold together. the higher cold pressure will force any air back up the hot pipe to cylinder

 

[ianmoone]

@Kay-jay:
Got hot and cold pipes leading to washing machine -
1. hot has a stop valve on end (and a closed nut) as washing machine only requires cold water.
2. Cold pipe has hose leading to washing machine.

So do I undo hose to washing machine and connect to hot pipe once stop valve nut removed? Also if so, how long do I leave it like that - basically how long to force air back up to cylinder.

 

[glenno1]

Do as you describe and it only takes a second or so

 

[kay-jay]

try it for a couple of seconds then run hot tap and check results. may need to repeat a couple of times increasing time by a couple of seconds

 

[ianmoone]

Thanks guys - I'll give it a try tonight - hopefully won't flood the place.

 

[ianmoone]

Managed to get time off work to try this.
OK so been to B&Q for hose and connected hot to cold pipe and turned on both valves, definitely heard some movement traveling along the pipes.
Tried hot water tap in kitchen but still got same problem (tried above procedure 4 times - last time I tried I left for a good minute).
On top of that I've now got discolored water coming from the hot taps in bathroom!

What would be my next step?

 

[ianmoone]

Is anyone able to advise me any further on this?
Thanks

 

[glenno1]

Strip tap down to see if anything is lodged or if washer has come loose

 

[ianmoone]

@glenno1
Will try that.

Why though is water pressure dropping on kitchen tap to just a trickle when other hot taps are switched on - it's as if the water source is running out? Could there be any problems with the hot water cylinder?

 

[stevetheplumber]

@glenno1
will try that.

Why though is water pressure dropping on kitchen tap to just a trickle when other hot taps are switched on - it's as if the water source is running out? Could there be any problems with the hot water cylinder?

assuming no works been done on any of the pipe work and its only the kitchen its happening to id be looking at the tap its self
a tap with two seperate channels is called bi flow this is the correct tap for your setup with a tank
not sure if this is screwdown or quarter turn taps but my bet is screw down and its the tap body needs overhauling or replacing or possibly a washer breaking up

 

[ianmoone]

@stevetheplumber:
No work has been done on any of the pipe work.
Here's a couple of pics showing the tap:

Any tips (instructions) on where I get started overhauling or replacing tap or resolving any washer issues?
Thanks

 

[glenno1]

its a contract mixer tap,cheap to buy but if you want to strip it,take out screw,pull off handle then use a spanner to undo valve,these tend to come to far down the thread and come out of the sleeve when they are turned off too far.Take off circlip take spline bit out put valve back on thread then put back together

 

[Oscar Wildefan]

I used to arse about dismantling glands but not any more. If the OP takes it apart - assuming he'll get it back together again - it will happen again very soon. Replacement glands £5-99 a pair from B&Q. I reckon 80% of tap spinners fit the splines. Tap feels and performs like new.

 

[Toxic Ted]

Check the difuser on the outlet of the tap.....im always cleaning them out cos they can clog up with limescale from the h/w cylinder.