No Hot Water After Installing New Faucet [Why+ How To Fix]

We know how frustrating an experience is for you when you’ve just completed your bathroom renovation and installed a modern faucet to enjoy a steady stream of warm water. But you get disappointed to see cold water instead of that. Now you might be confused as to why there is no hot water after installing a new faucet.

However! The problem will occur due to any of the following reasons:

• Airlock in the faucet
• Clogged aerator screen
• Using blocked cartridge 
• Clogged plumbing system.
• Or partially closed water shut-off valve

Also, you may be dealing with frozen pipes or the faucet is not installed as the manufacturer recommends, leading to issues of having no hot water or low water pressure from the faucet.

Without getting panicked, let’s delve deeper to explore all the easiest processes to resolve the issue based on expert suggestions and real-life experiences.

Possible Reasons & Solutions For No Hot Water After Installing New Faucet [Quick Overview]

Before heading to the details, let’s make your further reading easier through this quick table highlighting all the reasons for this issue with the recommended solutions:

Probable Reasons	Recommended Fix
Airlock in the faucet	Bleed air from the faucet
Clogged faucet aerator	Remove the stuck particles from the aerator screen
Blocked or bad cartridge	Clean the cartridge or if needed replace it.
Clogged plumbing pipes	Describe and flush your water heater.
Frozen pipe	Thaw the pipe using a hair dryer or space heater to unfreeze it.
Partially closed water supply valve	Open the valve all the way
Malfunctioning water heater	Contact a professional to ensure that the faucet installation is as per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Faulty faucet installation	Contact a professional to ensure that the faucet installation is as per the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Why Is There Low Water Pressure / No Hot Water After Installing New Faucet [Easy Solutions]

Keep on reading to get a comprehensive guide for you, exploring all the reasons for this issue with step-by-step DIY instructions to resolve them.  

1. Trapped Air In The Faucet

If you have recently replaced your faucet and shortly afterward are in trouble getting hot water as you need, be sure there is trapped air in your faucet. The problem mostly occurs in the hot water pipes. 

Basically, when the water flow from the supply valve is not enough to force out air blockage from the pipes, it creates blockages in the fixtures thereby obstructing the normal flow of hot water. 

Another major factor that can cause an airlock in the pipes is repeated heating of the water when the evaporated water can’t escape. 

The term is commonly known as airlock. Even it is one of the root reasons for the lack of adequate water flow from your hot water tap. As with low water pressure, you may hear knocking sounds in pipes due to this airlock issue. 

How To Fix:

Here are a few effective methods you can apply to fix airlock issues in your plumbing fixtures;

Step 1: For instance, you will need a small hose. Connect one end of the tap to the problematic hot water tap and attach the other end to the cold water side. Make sure it is attached securely and there is no space between them.

Step 2: Now turn on the hot water tap and then the cold water. Run water for about a minute.

Step 3: After that time, turn off the cold water and then the hot water faucet. This will bleed air from your plumbing pipes. If still, you suspect airlock, repeat the process about two to three times to get the task done effectively.

2. Clogged Faucet Aerator

While installing the new faucet, the best possibility is that any large particle has stuck in the aerator screen, creating an obstruction to passing through the hot water fluently. 

Even small debris or sediment can clog the aerator over time, which causes low water pressure through the faucet system. This is a common occurrence in homes with hard water. 

Usually, you will locate the aerator at the end of the faucet spout, consisting of a screen that covers the water outlet. Besides controlling the water flow, the aerator also mixes air with the water rushing out of the faucet which reduces the chances of splash.

However, now let’s explore how you will inspect and clean out the faucet aerator by following easy DIY methods:

How To Fix:

 First up you have to disassemble the aerator from the connection. For instance, grab the aerator with your hand and gently thread it counterclockwise to disconnect it from the end of the faucet spout. If required, use pliers.

Use a toothpick or paperclip and disassemble the aerator.

Inspect the aerator screen for debris or mineral deposits. If there is any, just pry it out with a screwdriver. When done, run the faucet and flush out the loose debris.

Once cleaning is done, reassemble the aerator parts back to their original order. Now check for hot water and hope your problem is resolved now.

3. Blocked Or Bad Faucet Cartridge

In case of no hot water from the newly installed faucet, the best chances are the problem lies inside the cartridge. Either the cartridge is blocked by sediment build-up or damaged at all. 

The cartridge is the essential part of the faucet system that is designed to regulate the water flow and control the temperature between the hot and cold water. Over time, the cartridge collects dust and debris, creating blockages in its holes and eventually restricting the normal water flow. 

It is even a common phenomenon if you have hard water with high mineral content. As with always being in contact with the hard water, it is quite obvious the sediment accumulates in the elements.

 Then, it will turn into a severe condition if it’s too long since you have inspected and cleaned the cartridge.

In the worst case, you will find the cartridge becomes corroded or defective at all.

How To Fix:

As for the first step, we will inspect and clean the cartridge. For instance here are the simple steps to follow:

Start by turning off the water supply to your faucet. You will find water control under the sink for easy access. Once you have shut off the water supply, disassemble the faucet. Either it will be screwed with a screw or Allen head. 

Carefully unscrew them to remove the faucet parts and access the cartridge. Once you have located the cartridge, inspect it for visible debris, scale buildup, or damage. 

For instance, use a standard pliers or cartridge puller to pull the cartridge out of its housing. Be gentle to avoid damaging it.   

Now start cleaning as follows:

• Use a soft-bristled brush and or a toothbrush to remove the visible debris. 
• If the cartridge is heavily clogged with mineral deposits or scales, you need to clean it with the vinegar solution.
• Fill a container with the proper mixture of vinegar and water and submerge the element in the solution,
• Allow the cartridge to soak for at least 30 minutes to dissolve the scale buildup easily. 

Once cleaning is done, slide the cleaned cartridge back to its housing. Reattach the faucet handle, secure it with the screws, and make sure it is properly aligned. 

But in case you suspect a bad cartridge, you will need to replace it with a new one. To do so precisely you can check out this effective guide to know all about the shower faucet cartridge replacement.

4. Clogged Plumbing System

The clogged plumbing system is another root culprit to blame if you are struggling to get hot water or adequate water flow from your faucet. If there is an obstruction in the water lines, it is obvious the normal water flow will get obstructed even if it is all okay in your newly installed faucet system. 

Mineral deposits, sediments, dust, or any large particle are the primary cause of a blocked plumbing line, making it difficult to get a steady stream of hot water from your faucet.

How To Fix:

If you suspect that a clogged plumbing line is causing your hot water issues, here are the simple steps to follow to deal with the issue:

Step 1: First up, you need to determine which fixtures are experiencing the clog. Once you have located it, turn off the main shut-off valve for your water supply. 

Step 2: Use an adjustable wrench and disconnect the clogged water line from the fixture. If needed, use a pipe wrench to disconnect the line.

Step 3: Now inspect the pipe and check for visible debris or scale buildup. Use a flexible brush or wire and try to remove the clog manually.

Step 4: If the pipeline is plugged up with mineral deposits or scale, consider soaking the affected section of the water line in a vinegar solution for a few hours, it will effectively dissolve the scale build-up.

Step 5: After that time, rinse it thoroughly to remove the loose debris. After cleaning, check for leaks in the pipe as it may also prevent any water from reaching the faucet. 

Step 6: If you detect leaks, tighten the loosened parts or contact a professional plumber to get this job done effectively.

5. Frozen Pipes

As with the clogged plumbing lines, the higher possibility is you are dealing with a frozen pipe that makes it challenging for you to get hot water from the faucet. It is even a common phenomenon for people living in cold climates who don’t winterize the pie properly.

Once the external temperature drops below freezing (32°F or 0°C), the water inside pipes can freeze and prevent the water from reaching out to your faucet fluently. When this happens, there is the chance of expanding the water which adds extra pressure on the pipeline.

At times, this excessive pressure can cause a leak or crack on a length of pipe. If the pressure becomes too great, it can cause the pipe to burst as well.

Don’t panic! Here we have the best solution for you to deal with the issue

How To Fix:

Follow the below DIY methods to unfreeze the frozen pipe:

Before doing anything, first, shut off the water supply from the main shut-off valves. Now locate the pipe that is frozen. Take a hairdryer and start applying heat to the affected pipes. This is the easiest and safest way to thaw a pipe. 

Besides this, you can place the small, powerful heater under the kitchen or vanity base cabinet. 

Make sure the heater is directed to the frozen section of the pipe. Run the hater for a few minutes and you will easily unfreeze the pipe.

Preventing Tips:

When the temperature drops outside, consider running the faucet. This steady flow of water will keep the pipe above freezing temperatures and prevent them from freezing. Plus, you can wrap the pipe with heat tape or insulate the pipe with foam insulation wrap to prevent it from freezing if the surrounding air is cold enough. ​

6. Partially Closed Water Supply Valve

As with applying all the above troubleshooting steps, have you checked the main shut-off valve of your house? The best possibility is after installing the new faucet, you forgot to turn on the water supply again for why you are not getting hot water as it should. 

Also, another noticeable effect you will see reduced water pressure throughout your home. Simply when the water supply valve isn’t open all the way, it restricts the flow of water entering your plumbing system, resulting in weak flows from faucets and showers.

How To Fix:

Head over to the main water supply valve of your house. Generally, it is located near where the water line enters your home. Once you have located it, turn the valve lever counterclockwise to open it. 

If necessary, use an adjustable wrench to open the valve fully open position. 

After fully opening the valve, don’t forget to check for leaks around the valve. If you suspect water leaks, be sure you are dealing with a faulty water valve. For instance, you will need to replace the defective valve with the help of a professional plumber.

7. Malfunctioning Water Heater

If you are still in trouble getting hot water after installing the new faucet, the best possibility is the problem lies in the water heater of your house. The issue is more likely related to scale or sediment buildup in the water heater elements. 

As for always being in contact with hard water, it is common for the naturally occurring minerals from the water to pass through the heater. 

After long use without maintenance, these minerals settle down and reduce the efficiency of heating the water. 

Besides this, you may have bad heating elements or the hot water tank itself may be faulty.  In a simple case, a lack of proper fuel supply can also cause this issue. 

For example, if you have a gas-powered water heater, it requires adequate natural gas or propane supply to start the heating operation. Conversely, the electrically operated water heater requires a fluent electric supply to turn it on.

How To Fix:

As for the first step, examine your water heater to verify whether it is getting adequate fuel supply to continue the heating process. If required, check for proper natural gas supply or refill the propane tank. 

Now head over to the remote control of the heater and check the temperature setting, turn up the temperature if it is set too low.

Plus, check for water flow to your water. If the water pressure is too low it bypasses the heater’s minimum flow rate and the heating process won’t start. Thus, regarding the incorrect water flow, head to the water pressure regulator of your house and adjust it to the recommended level.

If still there is no hot water, be sure the heating elements in the heat exchanger are plugged up with the scale deposit. As a solution, you will need to descale and flush your water heater to remove the sediment deposits.

8. Faulty Faucet Installation

If all the above troubleshooting steps fail to resolve the issue and if still the faucet does not generate hot water, be sure the problem lies in the faucet itself. The faucet may not be installed correctly, leading to problems with hot water delivery from it.

Besides, the problem may occur if the hot and cold water supply lines are not properly connected to the faucet. A loose connection between the faucet and the hot water supply line can also result in a situation where the faucet is not receiving hot water as it should. 

If that is not the case, the higher possibility is you have installed a faucet with a lower flow rate. If so, it is obvious it will not deliver enough hot water for your needs.

How To Fix:

If you are experiencing no hot water or low water pressure from a recently installed faucet, it is essential to ensure the correct installation of the element. For instance, you will need to check the connections, inspect the faucet component, and verify that the hot water supply line is properly connected to the faucet’s hot water inlet.

In case you are uncertain how to do so, we recommend contacting a professional plumber to identify any installation errors and take the necessary steps to resolve the issue.

How Do You Speed Up The Time It Takes For Your Faucet To Get Hot Water? 

Here we have some pro suggestions for you to get hot water flow at a faster rate from your faucet:

Tip 1: You can install a hot water recirculation pump in your plumbing system. It works by recirculating unused water from the system back into the water heater. This will reduce the wait time and ensure more hot water in your faucet.

Tip 2: If you are using fixtures with low flow rates, consider replacing them with higher flow rate ones. 

Tip 3: In case you are living in an area in a cold climate, it is better to insulate the hot water pipes in your home. It will help to maintain the temperature of the water while traveling to the faucet and reduce the chances of heat loss.

Tip 4: You can upgrade your existing water heater with a higher-capacity one. It is crucial if your household hot water demand is exceeding the capacity of the water heater and leading to lukewarm water from the fixtures.

Tip 5: Besides you can install a point-of-use water heater, near the faucet where you want faster hot water.

Tip 6: As with maintaining the temperature, consider regular maintenance of your water heater. For instance, periodically flush your water heater to remove the sediment build-up and improve the efficiency of hot water delivery.

FAQs:

In Closing

After thoroughly reading our comprehensive guide, hope now you are all clear about why there is no hot water after installing new faucet. All the reasons will be the same and applicable if you are dealing with your new faucet’s low water pressure issues. Follow all the pro troubleshooting steps and resolve the issue by yourself.

In the end, if you properly maintain your home’s plumbing you can easily prevent many potential issues for the most part and ensure the continued smooth operation of your fixtures. For better guidance, you can consult a professional plumber who will better assess your plumbing system and help you identify complex issues before it gets too late!