One condo renter said nearly every tap in their unit reached 130 to 135 degrees when the faucet was only halfway between hot and cold, creating a dangerous situation for occupants and guests who don't know about the issue.
After the renter posted the problem on Reddit, commenters warned that the faulty plumbing could create a serious scalding risk.
Here's what to know
According to the Reddit thread, a plumber and building management said a mixing valve was the cause, but the replacement part had reportedly been unavailable for more than two months because of the tariff situation.
The renter said the issue affected every tap except the showers, with water becoming extremely hot even when the handle was only slightly turned toward hot.
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Multiple commenters agreed with the plumber's diagnosis.
One commenter wrote, "They are correct. Mixing valve issue. Mains are probaby running quite hot to supply water to all the units, and it gets mixed going into your suite. If the mixing valve is failing or not set correctly than you would be getting hotter water than intended."
When the renter was still uncertain about why only his unit was affected, saying, "Thanks! Any idea if mixing valves are usually unique to each condo unit?" The commenter said they weren't sure, but added that if management said it affected only one unit, "that is a fair guess."
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More background
Because the problem showed up at taps throughout the unit while the showers were not affected, commenters ruled out a single-fixture problem.
However, commenters weren't fully aligned on the exact cause. One said, "Definitely a mixing valve issue," while another suggested a bad faucet cartridge could also be involved, arguing that "you shouldnt be hitting almost max hot before you even make it halfway to the hot side, and ot shouldnt stay hot when you go back to cold."
In condos and apartment buildings with shared hot water systems, residents often cannot simply replace parts themselves. The valve belongs to the building, which can leave them waiting on management even when temperatures are unsafe.
What can be done?
In the thread, commenters urged the renter to keep pressing for a fix.
One commenter called the condition "dangerous as hell" and said the renter should push for an ASAP fix, adding that ongoing dangerous living conditions could even raise the possibility of legal action.
In condos or buildings with shared systems, the practical next step is often to work through management, maintenance staff, or building leadership rather than treat the problem like a simple faucet quirk. Exploring resources about HOAs may help start that conversation.
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After the renter said the needed part had been unavailable for over two months, one commenter responded: "140°+ water can scald very easily."
Where can I learn more?
These stories cover other renters' complaints about how fast building maintenance problems can turn into real safety hazards.
• A renter's video of a botched water heater fix triggered outrage over dangerous work.
• A still-spinning meter showed a hidden leak behind one renter's massive water bills.
• A Minnesota renter asked why an HOA refused heating repairs during dangerous winter cold.
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