This assumes that Phase 2 homes are not utilizing a Blum hinge #110, which number is stamped on the inside beveled portion of the hinge (facing the viewer). Note that the stamp is virtually invisible in this photo.
Failure of Phase 1 Cabinet Door Hinges
A Potential Construction Defect and an Easy and Free Remedy
Every kitchen and bathroom cabinet door in a Phase 1 home utilized a 1/2” Blum hinge. As many homeowners are keenly already aware, some of those cabinet door hinges have been failing, while other hinges have posed no problem at all.
That failure is most likely due to the hinge’s use of a plastic part that rotates as the cabinet door opens and closes. That rotating motion over time may cause that piece of plastic to break off. Whether the failure of the hinge is due to improper installation practices as alleged by the manufacturer is immaterial to the homeowner since the hinge has a lifetime warranty backed by the manufacturer.
What about hinges in Phase 2 homes?
It’s my understanding that Pulte changed a number of suppliers in the construction of Phase 2 homes, including kitchen and bathroom cabinets. As a result, the problem identified here in Phase 1 cabinets does not apply to Phase 2 homes.
This assumes that Phase 2 homes are not utilizing a Blum hinge #110, which number is stamped on the inside beveled portion of the hinge (facing the viewer). Note that the stamp is virtually invisible in this photo.
How do I know if I have a Phase 1 or Phase 2 built home?
Phase 1 homes were constructed from 1999 to about mid-2003. If you are in doubt and know the model name of your home, Click here to learn whether your home was built in Phase 1 or Phase 2.
How do you know if you have a problem hinge?
You may not be aware of a defective hinge caused by a break in the plastic part except for a loud one-time popping noise when the part breaks, and, or your finding a small piece of plastic on the counter top or on the floor.
How does the defective hinge affect the operation of the cabinet door?
Once the plastic pin fastener breaks off, the hinge has lost its ability to hold the door in a closed position. As a result, the cabinet door may stand open a bit rather than close snugly against the cabinet. But do not despair. Since there are at least two hinges to each door, the presence of just one defective hinge will not be sufficient to disable the door’s ability to close.
How many hinges do you have in your home?
It is not unusual for some larger homes to have up to 150 hinges.
What should you do if you have a defective hinge?
If you have a defective hinge, contact the manufacturer. They will gladly send you a replacement hinge at no cost to you based on their lifetime warranty.
Should you attempt to replace ALL of your old hinges for new hinges?
That's not a good idea. First of all, the likelihood is that only a small number of hinges will exhibit this problem. Second, it makes no sense replacing a good hinge with a new hinge since the replacement hinge will be the same type hinge as the one you are replacing. Third, the manufacturer may pursuant to their warranty require you to send them the defective hinges to verify their faulty condition before they send you new hinges. Fourth, the manufacturer will send you replacement hinges based solely on your word (no proof required) if they believe the bona fides of your complaint. If they believe you are attempting to take advantage of their free replacement services, they can ask that you send them the defective hinges for proof of the defect.
What do you do when you receive the replacement hinges?
First, DO NOT remove the door from the cabinet. Second, remove only ONE hinge at a time, leaving the remaining hinge or hinges in place to hold the cabinet door. Then install the replacement hinge. If your cabinet door has two defective hinges (the door does not close properly), replace the one hinge first, and only after that hinge is securely in place, then remove the second hinge and install the second replacement hinge.
Who to call?
Call the manufacturer, Blum, at their customer service toll free number. That number is 1-800-438-6788.
What do you tell them?
Tell the Blum Customer Service representative you have a defective hinge, the number of hinges that are defective; and the part number, which is #110. They will ask for mailing information.
What will Blum do?
At no expense to you, Blum will send you the replacement hinge(s) you need.