There is no water coming from the tap. Why hot water flows from a cold tap, what to do about it. No check valves
Using ordinary tap water, the consumer may be in for a surprise: instead of cold water he gets hot. Whether this is a reason for joy or not, it is up to each tenant to decide.
If a cold faucet flows hot water- this indicates a malfunction of the water supply system. For some consumers, this situation can be very upsetting, as boiling water flows from a cold tap, which will need to be cooled for further use.
Replace Sink Faucet - Checklist
For the convenience of exchanging a crane, it is important to know which kitchen appliance installed in the sink. If you want to change the faucet at the sink, you need to find out if the fitting is installed low pressure or high pressure fitting. When hot water is heated with central heating, a high pressure fitting is usually used. If, on the other hand, hot water is heated by a water boiler, a low pressure fitting must be used.
General Faucet Replacement Procedure
Whether high pressure fittings or low pressure fittings are installed, certain work steps are required when replacing both mixing batteries. Disconnect the faucet between the faucet and the sink; Remove the entire ring nut or machine screw. Remove the kitchen appliance from the sink. Remove old seals and clean threaded connections.
Installing a high pressure fitting in a sink
- Find out which connection is hot water.
- Then feel which connector heats up.
- Tap water; either turn main door into the basement or corner valves in the wall.
- Drain the water from the faucet.
- Loosen the screw connections and collect the remaining water with a bucket.
In any case, even if it does not cause inconvenience, it is desirable to know why this is happening?
Hot water can flow from a cold faucet:
- with water pressure drops in the system;
- in case of improper installation of the pipeline within the apartment - without installation check valves;
- in case of defects or wear of mixer elements;
- improper connection or use of water heating equipment, water meters and other plumbing or household equipment.
The most common cause of hot water instead of cold water is the squeezing effect. hot water cold due to the fact that the pressure of hot water (6 atm.) In the water supply system of the house is greater than the pressure of cold water (4 atm.), And there is no check valve. AT high-rise buildings cold water and hot water supply systems supply water to apartments in different ways. Cold water flows from bottom to top, while hot water flows from top to bottom. To pump hot water into the sunbed above the last upper floor, from where it is distributed to the apartments, it has a higher pressure than cold water.
Low pressure setting difference
The only mistake you can make is exchanging hot and cold water. See the instructions for use to find out which connection is for cold and which is for hot water. Open the hinges on the faucet and open the main or corner valves. Check all connections for leaks.
- The battery is often marked.
- Insert the faucet into the sink and tighten with the fixing screw on the sink.
- Check the location of the seals; if necessary, lubricate the glands and seals.
- Install and tighten the screw connections with the correct connections.
Fundamental Solution
In order to prevent this phenomenon from happening, in each apartment in the house at the inlet from the cold water riser, a check valve must be installed, preferably at the hot outlet. A non-return valve is a device that prevents the flow of water into reverse side by pipeline. That is, water cannot, on its own or under pressure, go into the pipeline from which it came.
Install only compatible faucets
Working steps such as replacement faucet from the sink, seals and screw connections, as well as commissioning, are the same for both systems. Take a look at the user manual. . If you want to do this job yourself, it's important to know what type of fitting and compatible water faucet is important so you don't go wrong.
About a hundred years ago, people would give an arm and a leg to heat their homes. Imagine that you need to sunbathe the forest and coal every day to keep your house warm. The basic idea of heating is very simple: the boiler is in practical place, for example, in the kitchen or bathroom, and is used as a tool for heating water. He gets it directly from water pipes, and after heating, it is moved by an electric pump to bring its heat to radiators in all rooms of the house.
Instead of installing 2 valves, you can install new types of water meters on hot and cold water pipes that are equipped with these devices.
What devices are to blame for squeezing
Any plumbing fixture can cause squeezing if a non-return valve is not used, as almost every home uses Dishwasher, boiler, washing machine.
Its simple and effective operation makes winter days bearable. The boiler is the most important part of the central heating system. It's like a big fire that has a continuous supply natural gas transmitted to him, and a pipe coming out of gas pipe on the street. When you want to heat your home, just turn on the boiler with the electric switch. The valve opens and the gas enters the sealed combustion chamber in the boiler, and electrical system ignition gives him the option to turn it on.
The gas jets are subjected to heat exchange connected to a cold water pipe giving heat to the liquid. The plumbing is a small part of a large and continuous pipeline that runs throughout the house. It passes through every hot water radiator in its path and then returns to the boiler again. As the water flows through the radiators, it gives up some of its heat and heats up the rooms as they travel. An electric pump inside the boiler moves the water flowing around the piping and the radiator circuit.
Most often used by consumers single lever mixer. Refers to the cartridge type. The main working part has 3 holes for supplying cold, hot water and drain mixed water. Mixing of water is carried out by overlapping the holes for cold and hot water by the required amount with the mutual movement of two ceramic plates, adjustable by a handle. The tightness of the system is ensured by careful fitting and tight connection of these plates. As the mixer wears, the plates may rise in relation to each other, forming a gap, in which case, a squeezing effect may occur.
Incorrect plumbing connection
What is the function of thermostats? Basic system, like this one, is fully controlled by hand, you have to hold it and turn it off when the desired temperature is reached. Most people do not yet have heating systems with electronic programmers connected to them, which automatically turn on the boiler at a certain time of the day. Boiler manufacturers and technicians recommend installing this type of thermostat due to the savings they can ultimately offer. Alternative way boiler control is to have a thermostat on the wall of your living room.
The same situation is also possible when using a standard mixer, which has 2 taps and a shower, if the tap-shower switch is set to an intermediate neutral position when the taps are open. In this case, if a non-return valve is not used, then water will circulate in the system due to the pressure difference in the hot and cold water supply pipes leading to the mixer. Hot water will mix with cold water. This phenomenon is accompanied by the noise of flowing water, which is an additional overflow diagnostic.
A thermostat is like a thermometer with electrical switch: if the temperature is too low, the thermostat turns on and the boiler turns on. When the temperature rises above the temperature, the thermostat turns off the circuit. Thus, the thermostat turns the boiler on when the room is too cold and turns it off again when it is warm enough.
How do radiators work? Many people get confused with hot water radiators and assume that they are programmed at different temperatures. With a simple heating system, each radiator has a basic screw valve on the bottom. If the screw is turned off, the valve closes and hot water flows directly through the bottom pipe, bypassing upper part radiator together. Turn the screw and you have a heatsink receiving heat by allowing water to flow through it. In this case, the radiator heats the house.
Another appliance that can be the cause of the squeezing phenomenon is the bidet ( hygienic shower) with mixer and additional button on the shower head that closes the water, without shutting off both taps. If after hygiene procedures do not close the mixer valves, but only release the button, then the water in the bidet will not be supplied, but there will be a mixture of hot water in the cold water system, which can flow out when the cold water valve is open, including in the neighbor's apartment. By constantly closing the bidet faucet valve, you can avoid the situation when the cold water faucet is either cold or hot water.
With intermediate valve opening states, what can change is less or more hot water through it, so it will give off different amounts of heat. But the system cannot set the desired temperature in the house, which is achieved using a thermostat.
Causes of water supply disruption
How do thermostatic radiator valves help? Radiator-equipped thermostatic valves give you more control over the temperature in the rooms of your home and help reduce the energy your boiler uses, saving you money. Instead of all the radiators in your house working equally hard trying to reach the same temperature, you can, for example, make your living room and kitchen warmer than your bedrooms during the day.
The boiler may be the source of the problem. In the absence of a check valve, hot water from the boiler will flow into the cold water riser, due to a decrease in pressure when one of the neighbors uses cold water, or if they forget to close the taps at the inlet or outlet of the boiler when the tap on the hot water riser is open . If the boiler is constantly connected to the network, then in the event of an overflow, there will be hot water from the boiler in the cold water pipes, and, as a result, electricity costs may increase significantly.
How do radiator valves work? When the heating is turned on in the boiler, the radiators with valves quickly reach maximum temperature. Then, depending on how high you set the temperature of the radiator valves, they start to turn off so that the boiler runs less frequently. This reduces the flow of hot water circulating through the radiators and cools them down. If the room cools too much, the valves open again, increasing the load on the radiators.
Where does the hot water mix - find out
The radiator valves have two important moments. First, it's a good idea to have them in a room where the main thermostat is on the wall, as the two systems will work to oppose each other, as the technicians who often come into the house to repair the boiler, if the wall thermostat turns off the boiler, the valve thermostat radiator will try to turn the ignition back on and vice versa. Note that if you have adjoining rooms with thermostats at different temperatures, keep your doors closed.
Where is the source of the problem
If the installation of water pipes in your apartment is done correctly with the installation of check valves, then the appearance of hot water from a hungry tap is unlikely, and if this is observed, then one of the neighbors in the porch has a problem.
It is imperative for the apartment owner to determine in which apartment the problem is located, since it is the owner of the property who is responsible for squeezing in the absence of a non-return valve.
If you have a classroom with a valve connected to a room with a valve in a warmer environment, the hot room radiator will work overtime to warm the adjacent room. How do boilers contribute hot water? Most gas boilers have a dual function, also working as water heaters. Some of those like hot water boilers, heat the water stored in the tank; others, for example, combined boilers, instantly heat water on demand.
What needs to be done
How do combination boilers work? Opening a faucet opens a valve that allows water to flow to the faucet and not to the radiator system. Water is supplied through a network of pipes leading to the boiler. When the boiler detects that it has opened a faucet, its ignition fires and heats the water. If this is a boiler central heating, you usually have to suspend heating operation on radiators when handling hot water, as it cannot provide enough heat to do both jobs at the same time.
What needs to be done
Check the cold water meter. It must not rotate in the opposite direction. If, nevertheless, it is spinning, then it is necessary to close the tap on the riser, if the movement has stopped, then you definitely have a problem and you need to find a mixer or device that squeezes hot water.
This is why you can hear some boilers when you open or close taps. What are condensing boilers? gas boilers work in combustion: they burn carbonaceous fuel with ambient oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water vapor and energy. The gases make it through some kind of chimney at the top or side, called an exhaust pipe. The problem with this design is that you can lose a lot of heat in the exhaust. And that heat loss means energy loss, which costs you extra money on your gas bills.
- If there are no water meters, turn off the tap on the hot water riser, open cold water in the mixer and wait until the hot water stops flowing. Then close the mixer, open the hot water tap on the riser and determine by hand whether the cold water outlet is heating up. If the problem is in your apartment, then the outlet will heat up, and if the neighbors have it, then it will remain cold.
- To determine in which neighboring apartments the cause of the leak, turn off the hot water on the riser. Then, on the mixer, open the cold water tap, when hot water stops flowing, go to the riser and determine with your hand whether the riser is heated in the upper or lower part of the tap, which will show you the source of the malfunction on the upper or lower floors.
If the problem is in your apartment, and you do not leave the faucet valves in the intermediate position for a long time and constantly close the bidet valves, and hot water continues to flow from the cold tap, then the faucet malfunction is the cause. Most often this is an old, corroded gasket whose service life (7 years) has expired or a bad faucet gland. The mixer itself may be faulty. Replacing faulty parts yourself or with the help of a plumber will fix the problem.
In an alternative type of system, known as a condensing boiler, the combustion gases pass through a heat exchanger that heats the cold water returning from the radiators, helping to partially heat it up and reducing the work to be done. Condensing boilers with this, they can become more efficient. However, they can be a little more difficult to install and more expensive to purchase.
Can the boiler work with other fuels than gas? You should think of heating systems as a two-part system: a boiler and radiators, and you can see that it is relatively easy to switch from one type of boiler to another. For example, you can get rid of your gas boiler and replace it with an electric or diesel engine if you decide you prefer that idea. Replacing radiators is a tricky operation, both for all the water you have to evacuate and for removing heavy radiators by removing their fixtures and mounts from the wall.
Video why hot water flows from a cold tap
Possible consequences
The appearance of a cold water tap at a different temperature can cause such troubles:
- destruction of flexible hoses for supplying cold water;
- the mixer is defective;
- clogging of the pipeline;
- due to the lack of a check valve on the boiler, there is an increased consumption of electricity.
In conclusion, it should be noted that an emergency situation with water supply due to the overflow of hot water into the cold water supply system is mainly negative consequences for the apartment owner. cardinal decision This is the installation of check valves or water meters of a new generation.
Residents of city apartments often face minor problems with plumbing equipment. And calling the masters to eliminate them is not always cost-effective. Sometimes it's easier to find the cause on the Internet and try to fix it on your own. If hot water suddenly flows from a cold tap, most likely the residents are to blame. This phenomenon can have several causes and solutions. Some of them will require time, and in some cases you will have to invest more money. Consider what can be done if going hot cold tap water.
main reason
If hot water flows from a cold faucet, there may be several reasons. By itself, hot water cannot get into the cold water pipe. Pipes with heated and cold water have different pressures, in the DHW channel it is greater. But due to incorrect connection or operation of appliances, hot water under more high pressure displaces the cold from the pipe.
Unfortunately, this phenomenon affects not one apartment, but all floors with a common riser. If such a problem arose, it is not a fact that the reason is in your apartment. We have to think together with the neighbors why from a cold tap it's warm water. You can check this as follows: at the entrance to the house, close the cold water shut-off valve, then open the cold water tap in all apartments. If nothing flows, then everything is in order. Where water has flowed, you need to look for a malfunction.
If, during the check, none of the residents water is coming, then the reason lies in the pipeline. You need to ask the neighbors which of them has recently installed the plumbing. If this was done incorrectly, with an increase in pressure in the pipes, squeezing occurs and hot water displaces cold water.
Incorrect operation of the bidet
A bidet is a hygienic shower. To pour water, you need to open the mixer and press the button. After graduation water procedures press the button and close the valve. But many simply turn off the button, leaving the mixer open. At the same time, hot water is mixed with cold water and flows from the taps in this form. Neighbors can turn on cold water, then the pressure in the system drops. Therefore, hot water will displace cold water.
Due to the pressure difference, hot water flows through cold pipes. To avoid this, remember to close the bidet mixer.
Incorrect boiler connection
Due to poor-quality installation of the water heater, such a problem can also occur. If you have recently installed a boiler, then you do not need to think for a long time why the malfunction occurred. Just check the installation is correct - if there is no check valve, heated water will enter the riser with cold water. Due to pressure drops, the water heater itself may break. Usually a check valve is placed under the water tank after the shutoff valves.
It is very important to use the boiler correctly. Before use, it is necessary to close the DHW valve and unscrew the inlet and outlet taps. If the valve remains open, then the heated water will go into the cold water pipes.
To avoid squeezing in the pipes, after using the boiler, repeat the steps in reverse order. Close the inlet and outlet valves and open the shut-off valve.
Incorrect mixer installation
Often apartment dwellers are on their own. If this is done by an inexperienced person, he may install the tap incorrectly. The whole secret is to carefully tighten the mounting washer. That is why the installation may fail, and instead of cold water, hot water will flow.
If you are sure that the mixer is installed correctly, it is quite possible that it has deteriorated during operation. Most often this happens with old cranes installed back in the Soviet era. Over time, the following breakdowns occur:
- The gasket rots.
- The mixer cartridge is leaking.
- The seal wears out.
Also, the cause may be a factory defect in the mixer. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon, so it is better to choose high-quality fittings for which the manufacturer provides a guarantee.
Gasket wear
This problem occurs in most situations where hot water flows instead of cold. Rubber gaskets they can serve in mixers for 10 years, but according to the rules, it is worth changing them every 2-3 years.
An indicator that it is time to change the gasket is the buzz of an open faucet. Over time, the rubber shrinks and the water begins to vibrate from strong pressure. This is where the annoying sound comes from.
You can change the gasket yourself.
- Shut off the water.
- Remove the mixer, disassemble it and remove the gasket.
- Install the new rubber in place.
- Assemble the faucet, install it and turn on the water.
If the unpleasant sounds have disappeared, and cold water comes out of the cold tap, then you did everything right.
Mixer wear
If replacing the gasket did not help, the mixer will have to be disassembled again. You need to check if the gasket was installed correctly. When you are convinced of the correctness of your actions, but hot water is still coming from a cold tap, you need to change the mixer completely. In modern faucets, other parts that cannot be repaired may wear out.
Must choose quality device so that it does not break immediately after installation. It is better to give preference to reliable manufacturers.
Oil seal wear
If everything is in order with the tap closed, and no water flows anywhere, and when the cold valve is open, hot water comes out, then you need to change the stuffing box. It could wear out from long-term use.
Fixing this is easy enough. Here's what to do:
- The gland nut is unscrewed with an adjustable wrench.
- Tow, lubricated with oil or grease, you need to wrap the valve stem with a thin layer.
- After that, the nut is screwed back. You need to do this carefully so that the water continues to flow from the tap as usual.
Another option to resolve the issue is to change the gland or valve entirely.
Faucet factory defect
If you have done all the described procedures, but instead of cold water, hot water still flows, then you should not exclude a factory defect of the mixer.
Usually the defect lies in a bad seal, which is inaccurately sized, or in cracks and low-quality parts of the mixer. A new crane with defects can be exchanged in the store for another one.
Effects
If the cause of this phenomenon is the incorrect installation of plumbing, then the tenants are to blame. Hence, Management Company is not responsible for damage caused by this problem.
Boiling water from a cold water tap is unpleasant, but there are other consequences. For example, some appliances are not designed for exposure to hot water. These include:
- Toilet bowl.
- Cold water pipes.
- Toilet flush mechanism.
If these items become unusable due to your fault, then the responsibility lies solely with you.
