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Water troubleshooting

No Hot Water at One Faucet

If hot water works elsewhere, safely narrow a single-faucet problem to the supply valve, cartridge, or local restriction.

Safety-reviewed informational guidance Updated 2026-08-12

What this usually means

When cold water works at the faucet and other fixtures still have hot water, the water heater is probably not the cause. The issue is more likely in the faucet's hot-side supply valve, cartridge, or mixing path.

Likely causes

1

Hot supply valve partly closedAn accessible valve below the sink may not be fully open. Do not force a stuck or corroded valve.

2

Faucet cartridge restrictionA sudden change or a handle that feels different supports an internal cartridge issue.

3

Outlet or mixing restrictionGradual flow loss can come from mineral debris in an accessible aerator or mixer.

4

Home-wide hot-water issueIf other fixtures also lack hot water, switch to a water-heater diagnostic path.

Safe checks you can make

  • Confirm cold water works normally at this faucet.
  • Check whether other faucets have hot water.
  • Observe whether the problem began suddenly or gradually.
  • Look at the accessible hot supply valve without forcing or disconnecting it.

When to call a professional

Call a plumber if a valve leaks, is seized, access is difficult, or the faucet requires disassembly beyond your comfort level.

Common questions

Why would only one faucet lose hot water?

A local valve, cartridge, or mixing restriction can affect one faucet even while the water heater supplies the rest of the home normally.

Does this mean the water heater is failing?

Not usually when other faucets still deliver hot water.