Just bought my first home, need a little help

So, I have done a little searching, but I am in a bit of a time crunch so I can't do a lot of searching and research.

To start, we just had a guy come look at our water heater (gas GE mfg, 08/2008) because we noticed out of the blue last weekend that our water pressure went up dramatically in our shower and hot water has been diminishing drastically as well.

I do know a lot about hydraulics but not home water systems, but I realize if more hot water comes from the shower that it will drain the tank quicker. We used to get 4 people showered no problem before, and now can't even get 1 full shower before it's cold.

So the guy came out and we were hoping for him to check out different areas of the water system to at least narrow down an issue, and all he did was test the house water pressure (100psi) and said we need a surge tank, and pressure valve installed before the home warranty would do anything, so all he did was turn up the thermostat on the water heater and away he went.

I have replaced the valve in the shower, no change, but was needed bad. And seems like the shut-off valve to the water heater never actually shut off. It just keeps turning closed and doesn't stop but will stop full open.

We have a second person coming to give a second opinion but I was hoping someone could at least give me a little fuel to have the guy check things that could effect this issue instead of another person just wanting to sell us a surge tank and crap and not actually work.

Thanks for reading if you made it this far.

sorry, your post is all over the place.

is your complaint th water heater valve does not work or the shower head uses to much water ?

what brand and model is the new shower valve....that will tell us what gpm are running thru mit

a 100 psi is high.. you need a pressure reducing valve, or if you have one it needs adjusting or repplaced

as far as an expansion tank. if you get your water down to 60 psi, you do not need it

frodo said:

a 100 psi is high.. you need a pressure reducing valve, or if you have one it needs adjusting or repplaced

as far as an expansion tank. if you get your water down to 60 psi, you do not need it

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He needs no TET on a Closed System?

I'm sorry, my thoughts were all over the place and just wanted to get it all out. The shower is a Delta 1400 series and I got the new valve just for the 1300/1400 series showers with the white cap.

I guess my question is why would my shower all of a sudden have higher pressure? Could it be related to the water heater? Or could it be related to anything other than the shower? There is no pressure regulator in the house so another question would be, is it necessary to install one or is 100psi high, but OK for everything, like appliances, in the house?

SquattyD said:

There is no pressure regulator in the house so another question would be, is it necessary to install one or is 100psi high, but OK for everything, like appliances, in the house?

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100PSI is very high (and can go higher depending on time of day). Most fixtures are rated @ 80# and that high pressure is doing damage.

1) Needs a Pressure Reducing Valve set to 50 to 60PSI

2) The PRV makes it a closed system and therefore a thermal expansion tank is needed

3) Replace the shut-off valve @ the WH.

Be wary of home warranties. In this case they are probably somewhat honest as the system needs to be upgraded to prevent further claims.

OK, thank you for the help! Being a Saturday, and that he didn't test anything except the pressure, to me it just seemed that he didn't want to be working. I mean I wouldn't blame him, I don't like working weekends either.

SquattyD said:

OK, thank you for the help! Being a Saturday, and that he didn't test anything except the pressure, to me it just seemed that he didn't want to be working. I mean I wouldn't blame him, I don't like working weekends either.

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Most likely, he heard your complaint and then checked the water pressure first and then informed you that unless the pressure was regulated, the insurance company would not authorize any work. You refused the diagnosis and he went on his way (unless you wanted to pay out of pocket).

A lot of contractors will not work with these HOME INSURANCE COMPANIES as they are slow pay and want a discount on parts.

Not criticizing, just saying...