No water coming out of your hot side faucet can be a frustrating situation, and you want to get it resolved as quickly as possible so you can resume your regular daily tasks.
Your problem could be as simple as a blocked drain or clogged pipe. Call an experienced plumber to inspect your pipes for obstructions and use hydro jetting to clear them out.
Table of Contents
1. Check the Water Pressure
One of the first steps to take when trying to determine why there is no water coming out of your hot side faucet is checking water pressure. This simple test can help determine if there is an issue with plumbing or municipal lines.
Water pressure refers to the amount of force applied to water flowing through your pipes. It can vary depending on where you live and what local codes require. If there’s excessive pressure, it could damage pipes and fixtures, rendering them inefficient.
Some cities in the area require homeowners to install a water pressure reducing valve (PRV) in their homes in order to protect homes from high water pressure damage. These fist-sized bell-shaped devices, usually near the household shutoff valve, feature a screw that can be adjusted to increase or decrease pressure.
If the pressure reading on your gauge exceeds 60 psi, it’s likely that you need to have a plumber replace or repair the PRV. Doing this regularly will guarantee that all of your home’s plumbing stays in optimal condition.
Another possible explanation for no water coming out of your hot side faucet is a blocked aerator. This could be due to dirt or debris buildup at the end of the aerator, making it difficult for water to pass through. To clear this blockage, you may need to take out the screw at its end and clean it with vinegar and water.
Other potential causes for no water coming out of your hot side could include a broken valve or an airlock issue in the pipe. To resolve these issues, you will need to clear out the airlock and fix the valve before getting your hot water flowing again.
Finally, if you notice that the water pressure on all faucets in your home is lower than usual, it could be an indication that a new pressure regulator needs to be installed. This is something a licensed plumber can do; however, try troubleshooting the issue yourself first before calling them out to come out.
2. Check the Faucet
If you’re having trouble getting hot water out of your kitchen faucet, it could be due to a blockage. This could be caused by either a blockage in the pipes or improper installation. In order to clear away any buildup and clean out your plumbing line, call an experienced plumber for assistance.
One quick way to determine if your faucet isn’t dispensing hot water is by checking its temperature. This step is essential as it can help determine if there’s a blockage or something more serious going on with the supply.
First, inspect the spout and handle for cracks. These could indicate a leak that must be addressed promptly.
Additionally, inspect the aerator. This small piece screws onto the end of your faucet spout and allows you to control water flow through it. A clogged aerator can cause water pressure issues as well as no hot or cold water at all.
Another possible explanation for no hot water could be due to a defective cartridge or stem in your faucet. In this instance, you’ll need to replace it.
To do this, first unplug the sink and turn off your water supply. Afterward, use a screwdriver to access inside of the faucet by unscrewing its handle.
Once the cartridge or stem is out of the faucet, you can easily take out its cartridge or stem by lifting it out with needle-nose pliers. If your faucet has a retaining clip that needs to be taken off with needle-nose pliers, this step becomes even simpler.
Depending on the type of faucet, you’ll need to take apart its parts in their proper order. This may be a little challenging for some models; so be sure to record each step and reassemble everything correctly when finished.
Once the faucet is disassembled, you can reassemble it by replacing the cartridge and matching up its cold and hot sides. Finally, put back the handle and attach the decorative cap for proper sealing.
3. Check the Water Heater
If your faucet is not dispensing water from the hot side, it could be indicative of an issue with your water heater. It could be as simple as the heating elements failing, or it could be something more serious that requires professional intervention to resolve.
If the heating elements are failing, they should be replaced promptly to avoid a potential fire hazard. Furthermore, they should be checked for rust and corrosion before being replaced.
Examining the heating elements will also reveal any damage to the supply line that connects to your faucet. If it appears bent or kinked, this could cause your hot water not to flow smoothly.
Another common reason for no hot water coming out of your taps is a blockage in your pipes, usually caused by mineral deposits buildup.
You can take out your aerator and clean it with vinegar or a long brush to clear out any sediments in the pipes. Doing this usually restores the flow of hot water.
A blocked tap may be due to an accumulation of calcium or scale in the pipes, which is composed of soluble minerals found in hard water. This buildup can clog either the pipe itself or even damage the faucet depending on where it’s situated.
High water pressure can affect your hot water supply and cause it to come out slowly, especially if other faucets in your home are working fine.
When an aerator becomes blocked, there’s typically a screw or ply at the end that can be removed to clean it. If not, using a screwdriver may help break free the obstruction and release your hands from pain.
You can try taking the hot water valve out and rotating it clockwise to see if that opens the faucet’s flow of water again. If not, you’ll need to replace the valve and attach it again to your faucet.
4. Check the Water Line
Water lines are essential components of your home’s plumbing system. These pipes carry water from your meter, through various valves and out the cold and hot water faucets.
Your water lines not only supply you with water, but they also protect the interior of your home from leaks and breaks. If these pipes rupture, it could result in flooding and extensive property damage.
If your water dispenser is running slowly, one of the first things you should check is your water line. Clogged pipes are often responsible for why a dispenser stops working properly.
Water lines can clog due to age or sediment accumulation. They may also be kinked or twisted, creating an obstruction which prevents water flow through them.
To test for a blocked water line, insert either a ziptie or weedwhacker about 4-6 inches into the line near your refrigerator’s dispenser. If there is resistance, it could be due to ice buildup in the line that has restricted flow of water.
You may wish to test your valve’s functionality with an electrical tester. If the meter reads between 500 and 1500 ohms, everything appears fine; however, if it displays 0L or 1 in the far left digit, unfortunately you need to replace your water valve.
Another factor to consider is the material of your service line. If your home was constructed before 1970s, there’s a good chance it contains lead. To learn more about this issue, ask your local water supply company or reach out to your state’s drinking water program for clarification.
If you notice a problem with the water line, you can hire a professional plumber for repair. They’ll be able to diagnose the issue and take care of it quickly so you can start enjoying your new water dispenser! Alternatively, you may learn how to fix a slow water dispenser yourself.