Sink faucets have two knobs (or a directional knob) with one marked hot, the other cold. With that in mind, have you ever had hot water come out of the faucet when the cold knob was turned on? Why does hot water come out of the cold faucet?
With the help of Five Star Plumbing, we will take a look at a few of the reasons hot water is coming out of the cold faucet. If you are experiencing this quite often then it could be part of a problem that needs to be addressed. Let’s take a look at a few possible culprits below.
Why Does Hot Water Come Out of the Cold Faucet? 3 Potential Reasons
- Both pipes are too close
When hot-water and cold-water pipes run parallel to each other as they lead to the faucet, they can affect the overall temperature of the water running in the opposite pipes. This can occur as well when a water heater is too close to the cold-water pipes. Consider having these pipes insulated as a way to protect their internal water temperature.
- Ventilation Ducts
During the colder time of year, ventilation ducts can be warm to the touch due to the warm air that is circulating through them. If the cold-water pipes are touching the ventilation ducts, the water within can begin to warm up. This can become a concern as the winter season gets colder and the heating system is used more frequently.
- Faulty Thermostats
If the thermostat associated with the immersion heater is faulty or potentially broken, prepare for a lot of hot water! The water that is heated will actually become overheated and will eventually boil over into the cold-water tap. So, all of the stored water that is ready for use will come out warm due to this mixture of temperatures.
These are just three of the many reasons hot water could be coming out of the cold side of the faucet. The best way to correct this issue is to contact your local plumber so they can identify which of these scenarios or potentially another is causing this problem, and then fix it for you. You’ll be able to rest easy knowing that your cold water will be cold, and you won’t accidentally burn your hand the next time you turn the cold-water on.
Need Help From An Experienced Plumber?
Looking for service on your cold-water tap? Contact Five Star Plumbing today. If you’re looking for local plumbers, you’re in the right place. Five Star Plumbing Services is owned and operated by Master Plumber Chris Larichiuta. Chris and his team can handle any plumbing repair or installation.