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If your one-handle kitchen faucet is too hot, there are a few adjustments you can make to fix the issue. First, locate the temperature adjustment valve, which is usually located at the base of the faucet. Use a wrench to loosen the locking nut and then turn the valve counterclockwise to decrease the temperature. Test the water temperature and repeat the process if needed. Additionally, you can adjust the hot water heater temperature to a lower setting if the faucet temperature is still too hot. Remember to always exercise caution when working with hot water and consult the manufacturer’s instructions if necessary.
A one-handle faucet is designed to make it easier to find the perfect water temperature. Instead of having to adjust both hot and cold handles, you can simply adjust the one handle until you reach the desired temperature. One-handle faucets can also have a scald guard feature, which is controlled by an adjustable knob. This prevents the water from becoming dangerously hot. However, if the scald guard is set too high or is not working correctly, the one-handle kitchen faucet can end up producing water that is too hot.
How to Determine Hot Water on a Single Handle Faucet
The first step in adjusting a faucet is to figure out which side controls the hot water. Usually, with a double knob faucet, the right knob controls the hot water, while the left knob controls the cold water. The same rule applies to a one-handle faucet. Moving the handle to the right will increase the temperature, while moving it to the left will decrease the temperature. If your faucet has been installed in the opposite way, keep this in mind when adjusting the temperature to avoid making the water hotter than desired.
Causes of Excessively Hot Water in a Faucet
There are two main reasons why a single handle faucet may produce water that is hotter than needed. The first reason is an incorrect water mixture, where more hot water is coming out of the faucet than cold water, regardless of how much you turn the handle towards the cold side. The other reason is a scald guard that is set at too high a temperature. The scald guard is usually a plastic disk that prevents the faucet from being turned too far in one direction. If it is set too high or is worn out, the faucet can produce water that is dangerously hot.
Adjusting a Faucet That’s Too Hot
To adjust the water mixture, you need to remove the single handle first. This can be done by loosening the screw that holds it in place. Underneath the handle, you will find two screws – usually, the left screw controls hot water and the right screw controls cold water. To lower the water temperature, you either need to tighten the hot water screw or loosen the cold water screw. After adjusting, replace the handle and test the new water temperature using a thermometer (not your hand).
To adjust the scald guard, you also need to remove the faucet handle. This can be done by loosening the screw with an Allen wrench and pulling the handle off. The adjustment control dial, which is the scald guard, is visible on the handle. It looks like a plastic disc with a notch that fits onto the handle. Turn the dial towards the cooler side of the faucet (usually to the left). Replace the handle and tighten the screw. Now, you can test the water temperature at its highest setting by turning the faucet to the hottest position and checking the water temperature. If it is still too hot, you can make further adjustments as needed.
