I noticed something similar when I switched to a low-flow showerhead last year. At first, I thought it was just my old water heater acting up, but after some digging around online, it seems like lower flow rates can sometimes mess with the heater's ability to maintain consistent temps. Ended up tweaking the thermostat on my water heater slightly higher, and that seemed to smooth things out a bit. Not perfect, but definitely less noticeable fluctuations now...might be worth a shot if you're comfortable adjusting settings yourself.
Yeah, adjusting the thermostat can help a bit, but keep an eye on your energy bills—cranking it too high can offset those eco-friendly savings. Sometimes installing a thermostatic mixing valve can smooth out temp fluctuations without needing to fiddle too much with heater settings...just a thought.
I've been thinking about thermostatic valves too, but honestly, how tricky are they to install yourself? I'm decent with basic plumbing stuff, but don't wanna dive into something that'll flood my bathroom...
If you're decent with basic plumbing, thermostatic valves aren't too intimidating. I swapped mine out last year—honestly, hardest part was getting the old fittings loose without wrecking the pipes. Just make sure you've got the right valve size and some plumber's tape handy. Worst case scenario, you might get a small drip (been there), but flooding your bathroom? Nah, pretty unlikely unless you're really careless... I'd say go for it, it's worth the comfort upgrade.
I've been considering thermostatic valves too, glad to hear they're manageable. On a related note, has anyone here tried installing low-flow showerheads or faucets? I'm keen on reducing water usage but wondering if they noticeably impact water pressure or comfort. I've read mixed reviews online, and firsthand experiences would be helpful before I commit to swapping everything out...
