I had a new hot water heater installed and now input water pipe to upstairs bath is blocked. What can I do?

Question

We have galvanized pipes and the installer says that it because of the change in water pressure, it caused debris to flake off and plug the line. They are not responsible. It's only affecting the toilet. The sink and shower work fine. I'm looking for a way to fix it myself. Any ideas?

Answer 1

First just try turning the shutoff valve to the stool *(should be right under the tank on the left) turn it off and on several times as you tap on it with a small hammer, (tap gently this might loosen up the debris and let it flow through the valve.)

If that does not work then you need to shut off valve and flush stool to get rid of water in the tank, Get the remaining water out by soaking it up in some old bath towels.

Now you have the water to the stool shut off, the tank is empty. If you have a flexible supply tube coming out of the shut off valve just run it into a small bucket of pail, turn on the water a little and open valve - tap on the valve to dislodge any debris - open valve then shut it - open then shut it. This may be enough to unblock the valve.If it works- simply hook everything back up.

If not shut off the main water valve to the bathroom let pressure off at a faucet, then open the valve to the stool and unhook the supply line to the tank. Blow in the end of the supply line to try and dislodge the debris that is stuck in the valve. You need to leave the sink faucet open as you do this.

One of the two procedures should work. I would also unscrew all the faucet aerators (little pc. threaded on the end of your faucet spouts) Take out the plastic pc.and let water flow freely for a minute or so.

You may want to take off your shower head and do the same thing. This will let the debris that might still be floating around in the pipes - out.

As a precaution- if you have an electric water heater- shut the breaker off to it before you shut off the water, then turn back on when you are done.

Answer 2

Your installer is having a laugh. The pipe may be bunged up, or it may have an air lock. Either way here is what I would try. Turn off the water at the main stop c**k, and drain down. Take the ball c**k and the flushing tackle off the feed pipe, but leaving the pipe attached to the water cistern. Put the cistern cover back on. Open all taps and turn the water back on. In 2 minutes turn off all taps. Now the water pressure is now directed to the toilet only and if there is any c**p in the pipe it will flush out and for an air lock it should clear. Worth a try eh..  

Answer 3

The blockage is probably in the water shut off  for the toilet, or the supply line going into the toilet. You'll have to turn off the shut off and flush the toilet. After that try to remove as much water from the tank with a sponge as you can. A wet vac works great if you have one. The reason for emptying the tank is that when you undo the water supply line, all that water is going to exit the tank where the supply line was attached. Get a small container and place it under the shut off and slowly open it, Not all the way or you'll have water all over the place. If the water coming out increases as you open the shut off then it's probably not clogged. If it is clogged you'll have to turn off the water for the entire house before you can open up the shut off to clear the debris. There is a compression nut that the stem attached to the handle passes through. By removing the nut and then completely removing the stem you can remove the debris. Also check the supply line for clogs. If none of this works you'll probably need to call in a plumber.