Troubleshooting Guide for InSinkErator Hot Water Dispensers: A Step-by-Step Solution

If you’re having trouble with your instant hot water dispenser, don’t worry! This guide will help you troubleshoot and solve common problems.

Problem 1: Water Not Hot Enough or No Hot Water

Causes:

  • No power
  • Thermostat needs adjusting

Solutions:

  • Check if the electrical plug is fully inserted in the outlet and test the outlet for power. If the plug is connected and there’s power to the outlet, replace the tank.
  • Turn the thermostat up one notch, draw 2 cups of water, and wait 10 minutes. Test the temperature of the water at the faucet. If it’s still not hot, replace the tank.

Problem 2: Water Flow Has Slowed or Stopped (Minimum of 30 PSI Required)

Causes:

  • Water supply valve not fully opened or plugged
  • Bent or kinked tubing below the sink
  • Clogged faucet aerator
  • Obstruction in tank inlet or faucet assembly

Solutions:

  • Open the water supply valve fully and open and fully close the saddle valve. If the unit is installed with filtration, check if the filter cartridge is properly inserted or needs replacement.
  • Remove the aerator and check the water flow from the faucet (for HC models check both hot and cold sides). Inspect and straighten any bent or kinked tubes below the sink.
  • Unscrew the aerator in a counterclockwise direction, inspect it, and flush until it’s clean.
  • Disconnect the inlet fitting (blue tube) from the tank, position the tube over a bucket to capture water, and turn on the water with the faucet. A weak flow indicates an obstruction or restriction in the faucet, so replace it. A strong flow indicates a tank inlet-fitting blockage, so replace the tank.

Problem 3: Water Under Sink

Causes:

  • Other plumbing connections
  • Loose connections on the tank
  • Loose drain screw
  • Leaking faucet
  • Leaking tank

Solutions:

  • Check all other plumbing under the sink including the faucet assembly.
  • Check the water supply lines, filter, adapter, and tank connections. Tighten connections and/or replace parts as needed.
  • Tighten the drain screw (if equipped). If it’s still leaking, replace the tank.
  • Check the faucet connection below the sink and tighten. If it’s still leaking, replace the faucet.
  • Replace the tank.

Problem 4: Water Dripping from Faucet Assembly Spout or Vent

Causes:

  • Low water pressure
  • Tubing too long
  • Faucet vent path blocked
  • Faucet valve leaking (hot models only)
  • Faucet valve leaking (hot/cool models)

Solutions:

  • Check the water pressure (minimum of 30 PSI required). If used with reverse osmosis (RO) systems, bypassing the system may be necessary.
  • The maximum distance between the tank and faucet should not exceed 16 inches.
  • Disconnect the vent tube from the tank, blow air through the vent tube, and ensure there’s no obstruction. If the vent tube is obstructed, replace the faucet.
  • Disconnect the inlet fitting (blue tube) from the tank, position the blue tube over a bucket to capture water, quickly turn the hot water on and off with the faucet

Problem 5: Irregular flow of water while dispensing

Causes:

  • Clogged faucet aerator
  • Thermostat set too high or malfunctioning
  • Air in system

Solutions:

  • Unscrew the aerator (counterclockwise), inspect it for damage, if there is no damage flush it out until clean.
  • Adjust thermostat to a lower setting, draw 2 cups of water, wait 10 minutes then check to see if water flow is regular. If not corrected, then replace the tank.
  • Air in system, this means that the aspirator ball inside the tank is stuck, and the tank will need to be replaced.

Problem 6: Water spits out of faucet without dispensing water

Causes:

  • Spitting and steaming is normal during initial startup or after a large water draw
  • Thermostat set too high or malfunctioning

Solutions:

  • Adjust thermostat to a lower setting, draw 2 cups of water, wait 10 minutes then check to see if water flow is regular. If not corrected, then replace the tank.

Conclusion

If you were not able to find a solution to your problem, you may need to reach out to an InSinkErator Authorized Service Center to schedule a serviceman to come repair your hot water dispenser assembly.

For further assistance feel free to reach out to us 8-5PM CT Mon-Fri call 800-654-3545 or email [email protected]