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December 31, 2007
Circulating Comment
Q: Hello, Ed. I'm a professional contractor and I just read your article about a hot-water to cold-water crossover problem in a kitchen sink after a remodeling job. (Note: This is where hot water can come out of both the hot and cold faucets.) I was reminded of similar situations I have encountered as a builder of new homes. I would like to submit my thought on this topic.
Although this may not be the standard crossover problem where a hot and cold water line may be incorrectly connected to each other, I have seen some of the new hot water re-circulating systems, which are designed to deliver instant hot water, cause a similar problem with some faucets. Often the farthest plumbing fixture from the water heater is the kitchen sink, and this is where a plumber may place the pump or crossover/return line of the hot- to the cold-water side for return to the water heater, completing the loop. When the hot water faucet is turned on, hot water is instantly available to this and other fixtures along the run.
But the sacrifice is that some warm water within this cold-water side return may be making its way back to the water heater and may be dispensed out the cold side until purged. There are different systems that do monitor the temperature of this return water and restrict its flow to minimize the amount of warm water transferred to the cold side. Sometimes,just explaining how things work to homeowners will help them know whether or not they have a problem. Jerry
A: Thanks, Jerry! The re-circulating systems you talk about are great water savers since water is not wasted while you wait for it to get hot. Like all system equipment, though, they need to be installed according to the manufacture's instructions to work properly.
Remember, a hot-water crossover problem can be an unsafe situation and should be checked out right away by a licensed plumber.
Ed Del Grande, the author of Ed Del Grande's House Call, was born and raised in a family-owned plumbing business. With more than 25 years of experience in every aspect of construction, he holds current Master licenses in pipefitting, fire protection and plumbing. If you have a question for Ed, send him an e-mail at eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.Posted by Ed Del Grande at December 31, 2007 1:50 AM
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