Low hot water pressure after fitting a tee

[Mrxman]

Hi There

I recently changed a hot water compression fitting elbow to a tee in bathroom so we can fit a thermostatic shower.
I noticed the hot water pressure in kitchen seems to be a bit lower after this maneuvre.
We have a greenstar combi boiler btw.

Any thoughts on what might be the cause?

There's a 15 mm hot water pipe coming out of the combi boiler which then changes to 22 mm for a short run and then to the tee which is 22, 22 and 15 mm.

 

[Stuckinarut]

Sounds like a reduction in flow rate, rather than pressure. A tee iirc has slightly more frictional resistance than an elbow.

 

[Mrxman]

Sounds like a reduction in flow rate, rather than pressure. A tee iirc has slightly more frictional resistance than an elbow.

Thanks

The weird thing is the bathroom sink pipes seem to be functioning very well.
Is there a simple solution? If not, what the more complex solution?

 

[terryplumb]

Sounds like an issue with kitchen hot tap. Maybe some gunk has gotten into the taps aerator ,or filter if it has one ,or flexible hose tap connector if fitted.

 

[Mrxman]

Sounds like an issue with kitchen hot tap. Maybe some gunk has gotten into the taps aerator ,or filter if it has one ,or flexible hose tap connector if fitted.

Yes it's possible. Will try and clean it out. Thanks

 

[Johntheo5]

Put back in the elbow if you can, that will soon tell you something?

 

[Mrxman]

Put back in the elbow if you can, that will soon tell you something?

I've the old elbow so will give it a go. Thanks

 

[terryplumb]

Changing an elbow for a tee alone would not cause one tap to have reduced flow and all others be fine.
I assume the new branch to the shower is fine ?
I see no point whatsoever in changing it back.

 

[Mrxman]

Changing an elbow for a tee alone would not cause one tap to have reduced flow and all others be fine.
I assume the new branch to the shower is fine ?
I see no point whatsoever in changing it back.

I haven't actually connected the shower yet. I think your suggestion of cleaning out the kitchen tap is first step to take. Now I just need to get the aerator off, it's a bit stuck.

 

[terryplumb]

How is the new branch pipe that's not yet connected to the shower terminated currently? Is there an isolation valve on the end of it that you could use to flush out that branch pipe ?

 

[Mrxman]

How is the new branch pipe that's not yet connected to the shower terminated currently? Is there an isolation valve on the end of it that you could use to flush out that branch pipe ?

The new branch pipe is temporarily terminated with one of those speedfit plastic ends. There's no isolation valve. Could take the plastic end off as it's installed of the bath.

 

[terryplumb]

No matter ,before connection to the shower just make sure the pipework is flushed through,hot and cold.

 

[dilalio]

The new branch pipe is temporarily terminated with one of those speedfit plastic ends. There's no isolation valve. Could take the plastic end off as it's installed of the bath.

Turn boiler off so you don't get scalded and pull cap off and shove it back on again. But also check aerator at problem tap... Meddling with Plumbing shifts things about... It's the nature of the game!

 

[Mrxman]

Turn boiler off so you don't get scalded and pull cap off and shove it back on again. But also check aerator at problem tap... Meddling with Plumbing shifts things about... It's the nature of the game!

Great thanks. Will do.