Help! No Hot Water from Kitchen Sink But Everywhere Else Is Fine
Having no hot water in the kitchen sink can be extremely frustrating. You go to fill up the basin to wash dishes or get some hot water for cooking, but only cold water comes out. To make matters worse, the bathroom and laundry room sinks have nice, hot water. So what's going on?
We'll also provide tips to diagnose the issue so you can get your hot water restored and get back to your after dinner clean up.
Check Your Water Heater First
Before assuming the issue lies with the kitchen sink faucet or pipes, first make sure your water heater isn't to blame. Here's how:
Confirm Your Water Heater is Heating Water
Check the temperature setting on your water heater's thermostat. Make sure it's set to at least 120degF. You can also test the temperature by running hot water from the tank itself before it travels to faucets. Use a thermometer to test the temperature. If the tank isn't heating properly, the issue is with the water heater, not the faucet.
Verify Hot Water is Reaching the Kitchen
Even if your water heater is operating normally, hot water may not be reaching the kitchen sink. Check that all valves controlling flow from the heater to the kitchen sink are fully open. You can also feel the hot water line going into the kitchen to pinpoint where hot water stops flowing.
- If the line is hot up until right before the faucet, the problem is isolated to the sink.
- If the line goes cold farther back, there's an issue between the heater and that point.
Examine the Hot Water Supply Line
If the water heater is fine, take a look at the hot water supply line going from the heater or main line into the kitchen. Here are a few things to check:
Clear Any Obstructions
Over time, sediment, mineral deposits, and rust can build up in water lines, blocking flow. Disconnect supply lines and flush them to remove any debris. Replace old galvanized steel pipes which commonly collect corrosion.
Fix Kinks or Damage
Kinked lines or physical damage like dents can prevent water from passing smoothly. Inspect pipes thoroughly for leaks or dents. Patch small damaged sections or replace entirely if needed.
Check for Airlocks
If air bubbles get trapped in the hot water line to the kitchen, this airlock can block water flow intermittently. Try opening the kitchen faucet and allowing the water to run for several minutes to purge any air pockets. Bleeding radiator valves can also help remove trapped air.
Troubleshoot the Faucet
If hot water is reaching the shutoff valves under the sink but not the faucet itself, the issue may be with the faucet. Here are some things to check:
Test Faucet Valves and Cartridge
The valves and internal cartridge control water flow and regulate temperature. Remove the cartridge and check for any cracks, chips or obstructions preventing them from functioning. Replace the cartridge if necessary.
Clean Aerator and Pipes
Remove the aerator screen and disassemble the faucet to remove any trapped sediment. Use a pipe brush to clear out mineral buildup in the hot water line inside the sink cabinet.
Fix Leaky Faucet Seals
Worn out seals around the faucet stem, seat or handle will allow hot water to leak out before reaching the spout. Identify the origin of any drips and replace faulty washers, O-rings or seals.
Prevent Future Problems
To avoid dealing with no hot kitchen sink water again, here are some maintenance tips:
- Flush your water heater annually to remove sediment
- Install water filters and softeners to minimize scale buildup
- Insulate hot water pipes to prevent heat loss
- Replace old steel pipes and outdated fixtures
No hot water from the kitchen sink can be frustrating, but in most cases, the fix is straightforward. By methodically checking the water heater, supply lines and faucet parts, you can determine the cause and take steps to restore hot water. Pay attention to obstructions, leaks, and areas of corrosion. And consider calling in a plumber if repairs require getting into walls or under the sink.