Older electric water heater, low hot water pressure

by Jenny
(Bonnieville, KY, USA)

I don't know if this is a problem with the water heater, or something else. Our hot water pressure is suddenly very low, while the pressure of the cold water is normal.

There was a connection that came loose under the house, on the cold water pipe leading to washing machine. We can't get to that area until tomorrow, so we cut the pipe to the damaged area, and capped it. The only thing this section of pipe leads to is the washer. However, after this was done, the hot water pressure dropped to a trickle.

It seems to make no sense at all. The only thing I can think of, is maybe there's some sort of blockage at the water heater outlet, or in the pipe attached to it.

I don't know the brand or model, it was here when we bought the house, 12 years ago, and it's an ordinary electric tank-type water heater. It's under the house, in a big hole, (about 6 ft X 10 ft) apparently dug out for the water heater.