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Troubleshooting guide: how to restore hot water to your water dispenser

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • Use a pipe cleaner or a small brush to clean the inside of the water lines.
  • If the water lines are not clogged but the hot water is still not flowing properly, there may be a problem with the water pressure.
  • Unplug the water dispenser, remove the back panel, disconnect the wires from the thermostat, and replace the old thermostat with a new one.

A cold water dispenser can be a major inconvenience, especially when you crave a warm beverage. If your water dispenser has stopped dispensing hot water, don’t despair. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the possible causes and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix a water dispenser not hot.

Common Causes of Water Dispenser Not Hot

  • Faulty heating element: The heating element is responsible for heating the water. A malfunctioning heating element can result in cold water.
  • Broken thermostat: The thermostat controls the temperature of the water. A broken thermostat may prevent the water from reaching the desired temperature.
  • Clogged water lines: Clogged water lines can restrict the flow of hot water to the dispenser.
  • Air lock: An air lock can occur when air gets trapped in the water lines, preventing the hot water from flowing properly.
  • Electrical problems: A faulty power supply or loose electrical connections can also cause the water dispenser not to heat water.

How to Fix Water Dispenser Not Hot

1. Check the Power Supply

  • Ensure that the water dispenser is plugged into a working power outlet.
  • Check the power cord for any damage or loose connections.

2. Inspect the Heating Element

  • Unplug the water dispenser.
  • Remove the back panel of the dispenser to access the heating element.
  • Visually inspect the heating element for any damage or corrosion.
  • Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the heating element. If the heating element is not continuous, it needs to be replaced.

3. Replace the Thermostat

  • Unplug the water dispenser.
  • Remove the back panel of the dispenser to access the thermostat.
  • Disconnect the wires from the thermostat.
  • Replace the old thermostat with a new one.
  • Reconnect the wires to the new thermostat.

4. Clean Clogged Water Lines

  • Unplug the water dispenser.
  • Disconnect the water lines from the dispenser.
  • Use a pipe cleaner or a small brush to clean the inside of the water lines.
  • Reconnect the water lines to the dispenser.

5. Remove Air Lock

  • Unplug the water dispenser.
  • Turn off the water supply to the dispenser.
  • Open the hot water faucet on the dispenser to release any trapped air.
  • Turn on the water supply and check if the hot water is flowing properly.

6. Check Electrical Connections

  • Unplug the water dispenser.
  • Remove the back panel of the dispenser to access the electrical connections.
  • Tighten any loose connections.
  • Replace any damaged wires.

7. Reset the Water Dispenser

  • Unplug the water dispenser.
  • Wait for a few minutes.
  • Plug the water dispenser back in.
  • This may reset the dispenser and resolve the issue.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If the heating element is not damaged but not heating the water, it may need to be descaled. Use a descaling solution to remove any mineral deposits that may have accumulated on the heating element.
  • If the thermostat is replaced but the water is still not hot enough, the temperature setting may need to be adjusted. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for how to adjust the temperature setting.
  • If the water lines are not clogged but the hot water is still not flowing properly, there may be a problem with the water pressure. Check the water pressure at the source and adjust it if necessary.

Wrap-Up

Fixing a water dispenser not hot can be a straightforward task if you follow the steps outlined in this guide. By identifying the cause of the problem and implementing the appropriate solution, you can restore the warmth of your water dispenser and enjoy hot beverages once again.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Why is my water dispenser not dispensing hot water?
A: There are several possible causes, including a faulty heating element, broken thermostat, clogged water lines, air lock, or electrical problems.

Q: How do I know if the heating element is damaged?
A: Visually inspect the heating element for any damage or corrosion. You can also use a multimeter to test the continuity of the heating element.

Q: How do I replace the thermostat?
A: Unplug the water dispenser, remove the back panel, disconnect the wires from the thermostat, and replace the old thermostat with a new one.

Q: How do I clean clogged water lines?
A: Disconnect the water lines from the dispenser and use a pipe cleaner or a small brush to clean the inside of the water lines.

Q: How do I remove an air lock?
A: Unplug the water dispenser, turn off the water supply, open the hot water faucet on the dispenser to release any trapped air, and then turn on the water supply.

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Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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