Re: Hot water in cold water pipe

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Plumbing
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 16 Sep 2000
Time: 08:41:53 PM

Comments

There are several factors that could cause hot water in cold water lines. Verify which of these scenarios apply to your situation:

1) Cold water pipes running through the attic can become warm during the day (possibly as hot as 100-120 degrees on a very hot day). This, coupled with inadequate pipe insulation could cause this symptom.

2) Broken or missing "dip tube" in water heater. The dip tube forces cold water to the bottom of the water heater and allows the hot water to rise to the top. Depending on the type of water heater, there could also be an internal coil failure.

3) Inverted, broken, or missing check valve on the cold water input to the water heater. The check valve prevents backflow of hot water into the cold water supply.

4) Problem with recirculating pump or installation.

5) Failure of a mixing valve in a kitchen or bathroom, which could allow hot water to leak into the cold water supply. By successively turning off the shutoff valves supplying each faucet, you may be able to narrow it to the culprit.

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