Why Is My Hot Water Tap Running Slowly?

If your hot water tap is running slower than usual, don’t worry — you’re not alone. This is a fairly common issue in many homes. While it’s often due to low water pressure or a reduced flow rate caused by a blockage, sometimes the cause isn’t immediately obvious.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons your hot water tap might be running slowly.

Why is my hot water tap running slowly?

There are a few typical culprits when it comes to sluggish hot water flow. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Low Water Pressure or Flow Rate

This is the most common reason. If your home has low water pressure, water won’t flow as strongly through your pipes — and that includes your hot water.

Signs of low pressure include:

Slow-filling bath or sink

Weak flow from the shower

The toilet cistern takes a long time to refill

Low water pressure can be caused by issues with your water supply or internal plumbing.

2. Buildup in Your Pipes or Hot Water Tank

If the pressure seems fine elsewhere in your home, the issue could be a buildup of debris, sediment, or limescale inside your pipes or water tank. Over time, these blockages restrict flow and reduce pressure, especially in older systems.

If this is the case, you may notice your hot water comes out as more of a trickle.

3. Blocked Showerhead or Tap

Sometimes the problem is isolated to a specific tap or showerhead — and that’s actually good news, as it’s much easier to fix.

Check for visible limescale or debris buildup. If you see any, try:

Soaking the showerhead or tap in limescale remover or vinegar

Scrubbing with an old toothbrush to remove mineral deposits

If cleaning doesn’t improve the flow, consider replacing the tap or showerhead entirely.

4. An Aging Hot Water System

Just like any appliance, hot water systems wear out over time. An older system can struggle to deliver strong, consistent water pressure and may even develop leaks.

If your hot water system is more than 10–15 years old and you’re experiencing frequent issues, it may be time to consider a replacement. This can greatly improve performance and efficiency.

How Do You Fix a Slow-Running Hot Water Tap?

Here’s a quick summary of steps you can try:

• Check water pressure and flow in other areas of the house
• Clean your showerhead or tap
• Flush out your hot water system if you suspect sediment buildup

If you’re considering fully upgrading your hot water tap, we recommend the ARNO 3-in-1 hot water tap. It features a dual-filtration system that effectively removes sediment from tap water, helping extend the lifespan of your boiler. Plus, it comes with a 3-year warranty for added peace of mind.