Hot water is not just a luxury, but essential to our daily lives. Whether it’s for our morning shower or washing dishes, hot water is a necessity. However, the question of which side the hot water is on can be a bit confusing. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore this topic to provide you with all the information you need.
Understanding Your Home Plumbing
Before we dive into which side the hot water is on, we must first understand how our plumbing system works. Your plumbing system mainly comprises three parts; water supply, drainage system, and your home fixtures, such as faucets, toilets, and showers. The water supply provides both hot and cold water while the drainage system carries wastewater away from your property. The fixtures, that is faucets, toilets, and showers, control the flow of water.
How Does a Water Heater Work?
A water heater plays a crucial role in your home hot water supply. It can be an electric, gas, or solar-powered device that heats water to provide warm water for your home. To get hot water, your water heater uses a thermostat to regulate the temperature in the tank. As water flows into the tank through the cold water inlet, the burner or electric element heats up the water. The hot water then rises to the top of the tank, ready for use.
Where Is the Water Heater Located?
The location of the water heater in your home depends on its type. If you have a traditional water heater, it’s typically found in the basement, garage, or utility room. On the other hand, tankless water heaters can be installed in a variety of places such as a closet, basement, or even on the wall. The position of the water heater in your home may determine which side of the faucet hot water comes from.
Which Side is the Hot Water on in a Faucet?
Now let’s dive into the big question, which side is the hot water on in a faucet. Typically, the hot water is on the left side of the faucet. However, this may not always be the case. Below are a few factors that may determine which side the hot water comes from.
Faucet Design
The design of the faucet can determine which side the hot water comes from. Some older faucets may have the hot water on the right side, while newer faucets have it on the left side. Some modern faucet designs have a single handle that either rotates in one direction to provide hot or cold water or moves back and forth to adjust the temperature.
Plumbing Installation
The plumbing installation in your home can also play a crucial role in which side the hot water comes from. If your water heater is on the right side of your home, there is a higher chance the hot water will come from the right side of the faucet. Alternatively, if the water heater is on the left side of your home, the hot water will likely come from the left side of the faucet.
What to Do If You Have No Hot Water?
There’s nothing worse than stepping into your shower and realizing that there’s no hot water. Here are a few things you can do if you’re not getting any hot water.
Check the Water Heater
The first thing to do is to check your water heater. Make sure it’s turned on and working correctly. You can also check the tank to see if the water is warm. If the water is warm, it may not be hot enough to reach your faucet, and you may need to adjust the thermostat.
Check for Leaks
If you’re not getting any hot water and your water heater seems to be working fine, check for leaks. Leaks can cause your hot water to be diverted, leaving you with no supply.
Call a Plumber
If you’ve tried the above solutions and still don’t have hot water, it’s time to call a plumber. A professional plumber will be able to diagnose the issue and provide you with a solution.
Conclusion
Knowing which side the hot water comes from is essential, particularly when it’s not working. The location of your water heater and the design of your faucet are two main factors that determine which side the hot water comes from. If you’re still having issues with your hot water supply, calling in a professional plumber is always a wise idea.
FAQs
- Where is the hot water typically located in a faucet?
Typically, the hot water is on the left side of the faucet. - Can the hot water be on the right side of the faucet?
Yes. Depending on the faucet’s design and your home’s plumbing installation, the hot water can be on the right side of the faucet. - What can I do if I don’t have any hot water?
Start by checking your water heater, followed by inspecting for leaks. If you can’t identify the issue, contact a professional plumber.
References
- https://www.americanstandard-us.com/
- https://www.waterheaterhub.com/
- https://www.bobvila.com/