Why Is My Faucet Leaking Hot Water?

If you’ve noticed hot water dripping from your faucet, you may be wondering why this is happening. Is it a simple fix or is it a sign of a larger issue? We’ll explore some of the reasons why your faucet may be leaking hot water and what you can do to resolve the issue.

Faulty Faucet Cartridge

One of the most common causes of a faucet leaking hot water is a faulty faucet cartridge. This is the mechanism inside the faucet that controls the flow of hot and cold water. Over time, the cartridge can become worn or damaged, causing hot water to continuously leak from the faucet.

To fix this issue, you will need to replace the faulty cartridge. This can be done by turning off the water supply to your faucet, disassembling the handle and removing the old cartridge. You can then replace it with a new one and reassemble the faucet. If you are unsure how to do this, it is best to consult a professional plumber.

Leaking Hot Water Pipe

Another potential cause of a faucet leaking hot water is a leaking hot water pipe. If your faucet is connected to a hot water pipe that has a small crack or hole, hot water can escape and drip from the faucet.

To determine if this is the issue, you can check the pipes under your sink for any signs of leakage. If you do find a leak, it is important to fix it as soon as possible to avoid further damage and wasted water. It’s best to call a professional plumber to properly repair any leaks in your hot water pipes.

High Water Pressure

If your hot water faucet has a sudden increase in water pressure, it can cause the seals inside the faucet to fail and result in a leak. This is often seen in older faucets or in areas with high water pressure.

To prevent this issue, you can install a pressure regulator on your hot water line to regulate the flow and pressure of hot water. This will not only help prevent leaks but also prolong the lifespan of your faucet.

Worn Out Seals

The seals inside your faucet can become worn out over time, especially in hot water faucets where they are constantly exposed to high temperatures. This can result in hot water leaking from the faucet.

To fix this problem, you will need to replace the worn out seals. This can be done by disassembling the faucet and replacing the old seals with new ones. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, it is best to hire a plumber to ensure the job is done correctly.

Conclusion

A leaking hot water faucet can be a nuisance and result in wasted energy and water. It’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and reduce your utility bills. Faulty faucet cartridges, leaking hot water pipes, high water pressure, and worn out seals can all contribute to a faucet leaking hot water. By identifying the cause and taking the necessary steps to fix it, you can have a leak-free faucet and peace of mind.

If you’re interested in learning more about plumbing and other home-related topics, be sure to check out WhyIsExplained’s plumbing section. And if you have a specific question about your leaking hot water faucet or any other plumbing issue, you can find answers and expert advice by browsing through our plumbing related questions on our website. Remember, the sooner you address a plumbing problem, the easier and more cost-effective it is to fix. So don’t wait, get your faucet leaking hot water fixed today!