Instant hot water tap (kitchen) issues

[road_rascal]

We have an InSinkErator Steamin' Hot (SH-10) water tap in our kitchen sink that I installed about 6 years ago (replaced another brand that quit heating). A couple days ago my wife said it wasn't working properly: hit the button for hot water and it seems like there's air in the lines (sputtering, surging, etc). There are no leaks in the water lines and I don't see anything obvious with the unit itself. Searching the interwebs told me to unplug the unit, let it cool down for 24 hours and run water until it stops sputtering. That didn't work. It still spits out hot water though after I plugged it back in. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[walterjay]

It sounds like the water is boiling hot. Try taking a temp of the water just as it comes out and see what you have.

 

[nomas]

I had that same issue . Two different units did the same thing . I eliminated it after a remodel and don't miss it .

 

[Rand]

probably full of scale. you can try disconnecting it then pouring a 50/50 white vinegar solution in the inlet and let set for 30min to descale.
then flush it.

The idea is: When they get full of scale/mineral buildup you get hotspots that boil.

 

[road_rascal]

Well, I descaled it with vinegar for about 90 minutes and it didn't help (tons of crud came out of it though). There's a very slight leak somewhere in the tank which is probably causing the sputtering- since the tank isn't under water pressure when it's not being used the leak (only a couple drips when it is being used) I guess I didn't notice it at first. A few youtube videos confirmed this. Ordered a new one since the wife likes the hot water. If I don't replace it I'll be in hot water...

 

[ripcord]

I've installed (and uninstalled) a couple of these units over years. They both lasted a few years and conked out. One stopped heating and the second started leaking. I didn't replace the second one.