How to Fix a Hot Water Faucet

Hot water faucets are good to have in a home. If you are in a hurry and you want to make hot chocolate or instant coffee, you can use the hot water dispenser instead of boiling water in a kettle which takes time. Another use of a hot water faucet is to boil pasta and instant noodles. But, like any appliances, overtime there will be problems that will arise. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Hot water faucet or dispenser Instructions or owner's manual
• Wrench
• Screw driver

1. Check if water is not hot. This may be caused by the unit being unplugged or the electric outlet is not working. Make sure that the unit is plugged in properly to a grounded electric outlet. Check if the circuit breaker fuse is functioning properly. Turn on the outlet if it is switched off.

2. Check if water is too hot or not hot enough. Temperatures for hot water dispensers are predetermined and set up by the manufacturer. If water is too hot, consult your manual and set it correctly. To be safe, do not set it higher than 120 degrees to avoid scalding. Adjust the temperature by depressing or twisting the faucet handle for about 20 seconds so that new water will be brought in to be heated at new setting. Wait for about 5 to 7 minutes before the new temperature to set in.

3. Check if water is dripping from spout or vent intermittently. This problem is maybe due to low water pressure causing the expansion chamber not to drain properly. Another cause maybe when the spout is blocked. Fix this by unplugging the unit. If the dripping continues after a few minutes, check the supply valve to ensure that it is fully open and that there is no blockage on the water line which may have reduced the pressure to below 30 psi. Clean out the debris by unscrewing the spout end piece. Low water pressure may also be caused by poorly mounted water valve, clogged water filter or partially opened shut-off valve.

4. Check if water is dripping from spout or vent constantly. This is caused possibly by debris in the water line may be in the faucet valve seat causing a slow water leak. To fix this problem, unscrew the spout end piece and clean out any debris. You can also try depressing the lever about 7 to 10 times to flush the faucet and lines.

5. Check if the stream is divided which may be caused by debris in the end piece. To fix this problem, unscrew the spout end piece and clean out any debris that may be present.

6. Check if water and steam spits forcefully from spout without turning on the faucet. This may be an indication that the unit is boiling. Fix this by depressing the faucet lever to release some water from the tank. Adjust the water temperature on the tank.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are going to work on the internal parts of the hot water dispenser, make sure that the unit is turned off and unplugged from the outlet to prevent any accidental burning or death due to electrocution.

• Consult a licensed electrician if you are unsure of what to do.