Isn’t it annoying to realize that you’re getting hot water everywhere except the bathroom sink?
This is a prevalent issue that homeowners face and the good news is that it’s usually a straightforward fix – and you may not even have to contact a plumber.
Just like any other issue, a faulty bathroom sink also needs detailed troubleshooting before you can find the most optimal solution.
In this guide, we will look at the potential problems and the solutions to each.
Why is there no hot water in the bathroom sink but everywhere else?
There are a couple of potential reasons why you’re getting hot water everywhere else in your house, except for the bathroom sink.
Once you’ve successfully detected the problem, you will be able to solve it and prevent it in the future.
Anti-scald device set too high
An anti-scald device is installed in many homes to prevent scalding from hot water.
The device is usually set at 120°F (49°C) but can be higher.
If your home has an anti-scald device and you find no water from your bathroom sink, it may be because the device is set too high.
To fix this, you will need to adjust the device to a lower setting and test whether the hot water is available in your bathroom sink.
Clogged plumbing
Clogged plumbing is another reason why you may not be getting hot water in your bathroom sink.
Hair, soap scum and toothpaste can all build up in your pipes over time and cause a blockage.
If your home has an older plumbing system, the pipes may be too small to accommodate the increased water flow needed for a hot water sink.
This is especially true in homes with multiple bathrooms, where each sink may require its own dedicated hot water line.
In this case, you’ll need to consult a professional plumber to see if your home’s plumbing system can be upgraded.
Low hot water pressure
Many households struggle with low water pressure.
Many factors can lead to low hot water pressure, such as a leak in the main water line.
Low water pressure may sometimes be due to an issue with your home’s plumbing.
There are several things you can do to troubleshoot common water pressure issues.
First, check all of your home’s faucets to see if the problem is isolated to one area or if it is affecting your entire home.
If the problem only occurs in one place, there may be an issue with that specific faucet or fixture.
If it is happening throughout your home, there may be an issue with your home’s main water line.
If you suspect the low water pressure is due to an issue with your home’s plumbing, you should first check all of your home’s shut-off valves.
These valves are located where your main water line enters your home and at each fixture.
Airlock
Another issue blocking hot water in your bathroom sink is an airlock, when a pocket of air gets trapped in the pipes, preventing water from flowing freely.
Moreover, sediment can also build up over time and block your pipes.
Frozen pipes
Frozen pipes could also be why you get no hot water from your bathroom sink.
If the pipes that supply your bathroom sink are frozen, it can prevent hot water from flowing correctly.
Frozen pipes can cause more issues than just a lack of hot water.
If the pipes that supply your bathroom sink are frozen, it can also prevent cold water from flowing correctly, as well or even cause the pipes to break.
This could cause your bathroom sink to overflow, leading to water damage in your home.
How to fix no hot water in the bathroom sink
Most bathroom sink issues are relatively simple tasks you can do independently.
However, there are also more complex problems that will undoubtedly require professional assistance.
That being said, here’s how you can address the hot water issue in your bathroom in the most efficient way.
1. Adjust the anti-scald device
If you suspect your anti-scald device is set too high, you can use a simple test to check the temperature.
Fill a glass with cold water and place your hand under the tap.
If the water is too hot to keep your hand under the tap comfortably, then the temperature is likely set too high and should be adjusted.
To adjust the anti-scald device, you must turn the knob or lever to a lower setting.
To avoid scalding yourself, test the water temperature before you use it.
Keep in mind that the water may take a few minutes to cool down to the new, lower setting.
If you’re not comfortable adjusting the anti-scald device on your own, you can always call a plumber to do it for you.
They’ll be able to quickly and easily change the device, so it’s set at a safe temperature.
2. Unclog the plumbing
If hot water in your bathroom sink is blocked due to clogged plumbing, this is usually an issue you can solve on your own.
Remove the drain cover and check to see if there is any visible blockage.
If you notice a clog, you can use a plunger or a plumber’s snake to try and clear the blockage.
Sometimes, you may need to disassemble the pipes under the sink to clear the blockage.
If the blockage is not visible, there are a few things you can try.
First, try running very hot water down the drain for several minutes.
This will often melt any grease or soap that may be causing the blockage.
You can also try a mixture of baking soda and vinegar if this does not work.
First, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain and then a cup of vinegar.
Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before flushing with hot water.
This should help to break up any clogs that may be causing the problem.
3. Check the water pressure
Many factors can influence water pressure in bathroom sinks.
A clogged aerator is one of the most common reasons for low water pressure.
If the aerator is clogged, it can restrict the amount of water that flows through the faucet.
Discovering the core issue regarding low water pressure can be a rather time-consuming task, so consider having a professional inspect the system in your home.
4. Get rid of the airlock
To get rid of an airlock in your bathroom sink, fill a bowl with boiling water and pour it down the drain.
Doing this weekly will help clear your drains and prevent clogs.
If you have a slow drain, try pouring a kettle of boiling water down once a week.
Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the boiling water for really slow drains.
5. Check if the pipes are frozen
To thaw the bathroom sink pipes and prevent hot water flow issues, as well as damage to pipes, you need to:
- Locate the shut-off valve for the bathroom sink and turn it off.
- Use a hairdryer or heat gun to thaw out the frozen pipes.
- Once the pipes are thawed, turn on the shut-off valve and check for leaks.
Paul Wilson is a highly skilled plumber with over ten years of experience in the industry. He holds an IDPH license and takes pride in his ability to tackle many plumbing issues and successfully complete even the most challenging projects.
