Water Not Coming Out Of Hot Tap?
Here’s What Might Be Going On With Your Hot Tap
If you’ve turned on the tap expecting hot water and got nothing but silence, or a disappointing dribble, while the cold tap works just fine, you’re not alone. A hot water tap not working when the cold is, is a surprisingly common issue.
It can have a number of causes, ranging from minor to more serious, and getting to the bottom of it quickly will save you frustration and potentially costly repairs.
Let’s explore the most common issues that could cause no water from the hot tap, and what you can do next.
1. Check other taps first
Before diving into the details, check other taps in your home. Is the issue affecting just one hot tap or the whole property?
- If only one tap is affected, the fault may lie with the tap itself
- If all hot taps aren’t working, the problem is likely connected to your hot water supply or water heater
This small step can help narrow down where the issue lies.
2. Could it be frozen pipes?
During colder months, frozen pipes are a leading culprit. If the pipe feeding your hot water system has frozen, it could block the flow entirely.
Look for signs of freezing in exposed pipework, especially in lofts, garages, or outdoor areas. If pipes are frozen, it’s vital to act quickly to avoid bursts. Gently warming the pipe with a hairdryer or calling a heating engineer is recommended.
3. Is your water heater working?
If water is not coming out of the hot tap, your water heater might be to blame.
- For gas systems, check if the pilot light is on
- For electric systems, check for tripped switches or blown fuses
If the system isn’t heating the water, you’ll notice the tap runs cold, not dry. But if no water flows at all, it might be a mechanical fault with the heater itself or an issue further back in the pipework.
4. Sediment build-up
Over time, sediment build-up inside your hot water system can clog outlets and reduce flow. This is especially common in older systems or those that haven’t had regular maintenance.
If your system is struggling to push heated water through the pipes, you may get low flow or none at all from your hot taps.
5. Faulty thermostats or valves
In some systems, a faulty thermostat or mixing valve can prevent hot water from reaching the tap. If the boiler isn’t igniting the burner or responding to a call for heat, or if the valve controlling hot water delivery is stuck, you could be left without hot water.
This might also explain fluctuating water temperature or inconsistent performance from tap to tap.
6. Water pressure problems
Low or uneven water pressure can also affect hot taps. If the pressure on the hot side is too low, you might experience little or no flow. This could be due to a build-up of air, an internal blockage, or an issue with a pressure-balancing valve.
You should also check whether the issue is isolated to certain rooms (like upstairs bathrooms) or the whole house.
7. A potential leak
If you’ve ruled out visible blockages and your boiler or water heater seems fine, you might be losing water due to a leak. A hidden leak in the hot water pipework can prevent pressure from building properly, cutting off flow to your taps.
This can often go unnoticed until water stops running. A professional inspection can help identify leaks in hard-to-access pipework.
When to call a professional
If basic checks haven’t solved the problem, or if you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, it’s time to call in the experts. KD Jones Heating Engineers are highly experienced in resolving hot water issues, from minor repairs to full system diagnostics.
We work with all types of boilers, hot water tanks, and heating systems, providing clear answers and fast, reliable service across Surrey.
Why choose KD Jones?
- Family-run business with over 19 years of experience
- Fully qualified and Gas Safe registered engineers
- Experts in diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance
- Rapid response and honest, local service
If your hot water tap is not working but the cold is, don’t wait for things to get worse. Let our team take a look and get your home back to normal.
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Hot Water Tap FAQs
Why is there no water from my hot tap, but the cold works fine?
This usually points to a fault in your hot water supply or heating system. It could be the boiler, pipework, or even a valve issue.
Could it just be a broken tap?
Yes, if only one tap is affected. If multiple taps have the same issue, it’s unlikely to be a localised fault.
Is it dangerous if my hot water suddenly stops?
Not usually, but it could indicate a larger issue developing, especially if it’s related to pressure, a leak, or system failure.
Can I fix it myself?
You can check visible pipes, reset the boiler, and inspect other taps. But for anything more, it’s best to call a heating engineer.
What if my hot tap works again after a few hours?
This might be due to an intermittent boiler fault, frozen pipes thawing, or a thermostat issue. Still worth getting checked.
Do you cover homes outside Redhill?
Yes. KD Jones serves clients across Surrey and surrounding areas.