Kitchen Sink Hot Water Not Running? How To Get It Working Again

Is your kitchen sink refusing to dispense anything warmer than icy cold water? Few things are more annoying than turning on the faucet and getting a frigid blast when you expected comforting hot water.

But never fear - with some troubleshooting and DIY repairs, you can likely get your kitchen sink's hot water flowing again without waiting for a plumber.

Common Causes of Kitchen Sink Hot Water Not Working

There are a handful of common culprits behind a kitchen sink hot water shutoff:

• Sediment buildup in faucet - Mineral deposits and corrosion can clog up the faucet spout and handle, preventing hot water from flowing through.
• Clogged aerator or showerhead - These easily get blocked with sediment, restricting water flow.
• Malfunctioning shutoff valves - Faulty hot and cold shutoff valves under the sink can stop hot water supply.
• Water heater issues - Problems with the water heater like sediment buildup, faulty thermostats, or broken heating elements can affect hot water supply.
• Problems with supply lines - Kinks, cracks, or clogs in the hot water supply lines can cut off hot water.
• Clogged cartridge - Debris stuck in the faucet cartridge prevents it from controlling hot water flow.

A clogged aerator is one of the most common reasons for a kitchen faucet to stop delivering hot water. Small mineral deposits and sediment accumulate in the aerator screen over time, slowly restricting water flow. Aerators should be unscrewed and cleaned every 3-6 months to prevent buildup.

Malfunctioning shutoff valves are another frequent culprit. The hot and cold shutoff valves under the sink can get stuck in the closed position, or the rubber washers inside them wear out, preventing hot water from reaching the faucet. Try opening the shutoff valves fully to see if that restores hot water flow.

Diagnosing Why You Have No Hot Water From Kitchen Sink

Before attempting any repairs, it helps to diagnose the likely source of the kitchen sink hot water problem:

• Check if hot water works elsewhere - This indicates whether the issue is isolated to the kitchen sink or a wider house plumbing problem.
• Test water temperature - If cold water comes out hot, the issue may be with the faucet handle or cartridge.
• Inspect shutoff valves under sink - Closed or faulty shutoff valves can block hot water supply.
• Examine supply lines - Damage, kinks, corrosion or clogs in the hot water supply line points to the source.
• Remove and inspect faucet aerator - Sediment buildup here is a likely cause of restricted hot water flow.

Start by checking if hot water flows properly from other faucets and appliances like the bathroom sink or shower. This helps determine if the issue is isolated to the kitchen.

Also examine the kitchen faucet closely while turning on the hot water. If the handle moves freely and seems to be functioning, yet only cold water comes out, it points to a problem with the supply lines or shutoff valves rather than the faucet itself.

Fixing Kitchen Sink Hot Water Flow Problems Yourself

Many kitchen sink hot water problems can be fixed with simple DIY repairs:

• Clean faucet aerator or showerhead - Removing sediment buildup can restore hot water flow.
• Flush supply lines and faucet - A vinegar flush removes mineral deposits from pipes.
• Replace faulty shutoff valves - Old, worn out valves should be replaced to control hot water flow.
• Adjust water heater temperature and pressure - This can improve hot water supply throughout the house.
• Replace broken supply lines - Install new PEX or copper lines if existing ones are damaged.
• Unclog faucet cartridge - Remove debris stuck in the cartridge to restore hot water.

Cleaning or replacing the faucet aerator is an easy first step. Unscrew the aerator, remove any sediment buildup with a brush or rinse under water, then reattach the aerator. This simple fix gets hot water running again in many cases.

For more thorough cleaning, detach the supply lines from under the sink and open the faucet to drain out any collected sediment. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and pour through the supply lines to break up mineral deposits. Flush with plain water after.

If the shutoff valves are faulty, replacing them with new 1/4 turn or ball valves restores your ability to control hot water flow. Turn the water supply off, detach the old valves, install new ones, then turn supply back on to test.

When to Call a Plumber for Kitchen Sink Hot Water

While DIY is ideal for minor repairs, certain issues require a professional plumber's expertise:

• Leaking or burst supply lines
• No hot water anywhere in house
• Inaccessible or complex shutoff valves
• Inability to remove stuck faucet parts
• Water heater repairs needed
• Persistent clogged faucet cartridge

Burst or leaking supply lines under the kitchen sink should always be addressed by a plumber, as improper repairs can lead to water damage or flooding. Additionally, if you have no hot water anywhere in your home, this indicates a larger issue requiring professional attention.

Old galvanized steel shutoff valves begin to fuse over time, resisting any turning. Attempting to force these can damage them further. Let a pro handle stuck shutoff valves to avoid complications.

For faucet parts calcified in place or water heater repairs like sediment flush, thermostat issues, or heating element replacement, a licensed plumber has the know-how to fix the problem safely and correctly.

Preventing Kitchen Sink Hot Water Flow Problems

Simple maintenance can help minimize kitchen sink hot water issues:

• Regularly flush water lines - Prevents dangerous sediment accumulation.
• Change faulty washers and gaskets - Fixes leaks and pressure issues that affect hot water.
• Use water softening system - Reduces scale buildup from hard water.
• Set water heater temperature correctly - Ensures optimal hot water supply.
• Insulate hot water pipes - Reduces heat loss and keeps hot water hot.
• Clean faucet aerators and showerheads - Removes mineral deposits before they block flow.

Allowing sediment to accumulate leads to restricted water flow and pressure fluctuations that can hamper hot water supply. Every 3-4 months, detach the supply lines and flush them out.

In hard water areas, scale accumulates rapidly. A water softener minimizes buildup by removing excess minerals. Installation may be required for optimal prevention.

Insulating hot water pipes maintains water temperature as it travels to the sink faucet. Foam pipe sleeves or wraps reduce heat loss and keep the water hotter for improved flow.

To get hot water flowing from the kitchen sink once again:

• Clean debris from faucet aerator and showerhead
• Use vinegar or chemical flush on clogged sink
• Replace cartridge, washers, gaskets if needed
• Turn up water heater thermostat
• Check for leaks and loose supply line connections

Removing and cleaning the showerhead along with the faucet aerator eliminates two potential clog points. Use a toothbrush or tweezers to clear any stuck debris or mineral deposits.