How to Fix a Cold Water Faucet

If you have a cold water faucet in your kitchen or bathroom, it can be confusing to sometimes get hot water out of the tap. This issue can be caused by a variety of things, so it’s best to consult a plumber before you try to repair the problem on your own.

What is a Faucet?

A faucet is a device that allows you to turn the flow of water on and off. You can also use a faucet to adjust the temperature of the water in your sink or bathtub.

The basic faucet consists of three parts: the spout, body, and handle(s). The spout is usually made from brass. Spouts may be straight, gooseneck, or shepherd’s crook.

There are many variations of the spout, including the popular articulating spout. Articulating spouts let you direct the water to where it’s needed, and they’re often more attractive than standard straight spouts.

The body of the faucet is where the hot and cold water are mixed before they reach the spout. The body can be in the shape of a single-hole design, with one or two valves, or it can be in the form of a bridge. The bridge design involves a pipe joining the two valves, which blends the water before it reaches the spout.

How do Faucets Control Water Temperature?

Depending on what kind of faucet you have, there are different valve-like devices that control the temperature of water before it comes out of the faucet. These include mixer taps, single handle mixers, temperature control valves and thermostatic mixing valves.

Older faucets often have adjustment screws to limit maximum and minimum temperatures, but you may need a professional handyman to change these, says Paul Abrams of Roto-Rooter.

To access the temperature control dial, you first remove your faucet handle. Typically, you’ll need an Allen wrench to loosen the screw.

Once the handle is off, you should see a plastic disk with a notch that catches on the handle, which is the temperature limiter. Turn the temperature dial towards the cooler side (usually to the left) to reduce water temperature. If the temperature is still too hot, adjust again. It may be necessary to repeat this procedure multiple times until the desired temperature is achieved.

Faucet Temperature Settings

Most faucets have one or more individual knobs that control varying degrees of hot and cold water. Some have two, while others have a single master knob that controls it all. The best way to test out the temperature settings is to set up a timer and let the water flow for a few seconds. Then measure the temperature by holding a glass of water at different points along the way.

If you need help figuring out your temperature settings, or are in the market for a new one, contact Terry’s Plumbing for an estimate! We’re always on hand to help you out. The best part is that we’re here to answer any questions you may have, and we are a licensed and insured plumber. Be sure to check out our Plumbing FAQs for more information on all things related to your home’s plumbing. We look forward to hearing from you! hey, you can also have your faucets tested by giving us a call at 609-312-6677.

Faucet Repair

When you notice a leak from your cold water faucet, it’s time to consider fixing the problem. A dripping faucet isn’t only annoying, it can be costly and can cause mold growth.

While most faucet repairs can be done by the homeowner, it’s always best to call a trained plumber if you aren’t sure what the issue is or how to fix it. There are a few common reasons why a faucet can drip, and they include:

O-rings

A dripping cold water faucet is usually caused by worn O-rings under the spout. Replacing these rings is relatively easy, but you’ll need to remove the spout and handle from the faucet in order to access them.

Ball-type Faucets

A leaking ball-type faucet may have a damaged spring, seat or rubber gasket. To replace these parts, remove the handle, bonnet nut and stem. Use adjustable wrenches to loosen the stem, and locate and replace the spring. Alternatively, buy a faucet-repair kit for this type of faucet and follow the directions in it.

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