You’re ready to wash your hands and start your day, but when you turn the hot water faucet on your bathroom sink, only cold water comes out. You know the rest of your house has hot water because you took a warm shower earlier.
Why is there no hot water in the bathroom sink, but it’s everywhere else?
What gives?
Loss of hot water can seem like a daunting problem, and it can be frustrating to experience. When it happened to me, I had no idea where to start. But don’t worry! This article will give you a comprehensive guide to figuring out what’s wrong with your hot water.
The problem could be as simple as an accidentally closed valve or as complicated as corroded pipes. No matter which it is, I can tell you everything you need to know about possible causes and how to address them.
Too Far From the Water Heater
The problem could be as simple as how far your bathroom is from the water heater.
If the bathroom is on the far side of your house, or an upper-level floor away from the water heater, the water may be cooling down on the way from the heater to your bathroom.
You can verify this issue by checking the path of the pipes. If your pipes run outside the house, they may need to be insulated to help maintain heat. Alternatively, you can install an auxiliary water heater near your bathroom.
Closed Shut-off Valves
Another possibility is that you have a problem with your pipe’s shut-off valves.
Most residential homes have shut-off valves attached to the pipes to help control the water flow. These are especially useful when the pipes need repairs. But, if one of these valves was accidentally left closed, it may cause problems with your hot water flow.
If you think this may be the cause of your cold water problems, see if you can find the valve on the pipe that connects the water heater to your bathroom.
You might also encounter what is called an “anti-scald device.” This device helps prevent the water in your sink and shower from getting too hot and burning your skin.
The shut-off valve should be visible along the pipe. Once you’ve found it, try adjusting it with a flat-headed screwdriver. This simple fix might be enough to do the trick and calm your worries about cold water in your sink.
Corrosion of Pipes
Unfortunately, the problem is sometimes a little more complicated than simply fidgeting with one valve. One of the worst problems is related to the pipes. It might be the case that some of your pipes have corroded.
Steel pipes, in particular, are notoriously susceptible to corrosion. This corrosion can directly affect the water flow through your house, and the presence of hot water only makes the problem worse. Even copper pipes can succumb to mineral deposit buildup, which can contribute to corrosion.
If this is the problem you’re experiencing, it’s probably time to call a plumber. This may seem like a big problem, but it’s inevitable with time, and it’s best to have a professional help you solve an issue of this scale.
Blockage in Pipes
Sometimes, the source of your problem is the pipes, but it’s not as complicated as corrosion. It may be the case that there is some sort of blockage in the pipes.
Plumbers have many ways of dealing with this problem. They can remove the pipes and clean them, replace the pipes altogether, or even use air pressure to dislodge whatever is clogging them.
While it’s nice to have a plumber help you with the work, you can also consider following an online tutorial and flushing the water pipes on your own. This could help restore regular water flow throughout your house and get the hot water moving again.
It might even be the case that the source of your blocked pipes is mineral buildup from hard water (water high in dissolved minerals). If this is true, consider installing a water softener to help prevent the problem in the future.
Pipe Leaks
Next, check that there are no leaks in your pipes. Pipe leaks will almost always be accompanied by a decrease in water pressure. This lower pressure would also make it harder for hot water to reach your bathroom.
If you aren’t sure whether your water pressure is correct, you can check it with a pressure meter. The pressure at your sink should be equivalent to the pressure at your water heater. If the pressure is too low and you have a leak, it’s time to dial the number for a plumber!
Broken Faucet
Maybe the hot water in your bathroom shower works fine, but the sink in the same bathroom doesn’t. This can be confusing. Why does one thing in the bathroom work when something else doesn’t?
The answer to this question might be simpler than you think. The problem could be as small as having a broken or faulty faucet.
Your bathroom faucet is composed of several different parts. The O-ring on your faucet, for example, helps prevent water from seeping out.
Meanwhile, the cartridge, which has a lifespan similar to that of your faucet, also helps with water distribution. But sometimes, the cartridge wears down and needs to be replaced.
There are several signs that you need to replace your cartridge, one of which is difficulty adjusting the water temperature. Sometimes, you might even find that hot water is coming out of the cold water outlet and vice versa.
If the faucet is the problem, you’ll need to replace your cartridge . You may want to call a professional to do this for you. Alternatively, you can follow a simple video guide and complete the replacement yourself.
Other Causes
There are still a few other potential causes for having no hot water in your bathroom sink.
Temperature Limiter Is Set Too Low
For instance, it might be that the temperature limiter on your faucet is set too low. Try looking on the outside of the handle to find the limiter.
If you still can’t find it on the outside, try removing the handle and looking underneath it. Once you locate the limiter, you can adjust it accordingly and increase the temperature.
Mixing Valve Is Broken
I find one of the more common causes for no hot water is a broken or dirty valve. This usually happens with cartridge faucets. Often, you’ll have to get a replacement cartridge to get hot water back.
Firstly, shut the water off and take off the handle. Next, remove the collar and ball valve. You’ll need a Phillips screwdriver to take out some screws and pull out the ceramic disk inside.
Now, take a pair of pliers to get out the retaining pin. If your cartridge is covered in build up or mineral deposits, soak it in vinegar. If it’s too damaged, just put in a new one instead.
Conclusion
Finding out that one of the sinks in your home doesn’t have hot water can be confusing and concerning. But there are many different ways you can determine the source of the problem and begin to address it accordingly.
You can seek the help of a professional or even fix the problems on your own. So don’t worry and don’t sweat it! Once you’ve identified the cause of the issue, your hot water should be flowing again in no time.
Leave a comment