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Hot Water Coming Out of the Cold Tap on Your Sink?

Are you getting frustrated that hot water is coming out of the cold tap on your sink? This is a common problem for many homeowners in Atlanta. There are several reasons why this could be happening, including issues with your plumbing system, water heater, or the weather. In this article, we'll talk about seven possible explanations for why hot water is coming out of the cold tap in your Atlanta home and provide helpful tips to resolve them.

  1. Wrong Temperature Setting

The first thing to check when hot water is coming out of the cold tap is if you have set the faucet the wrong way. This frequently happens when your faucet has only one handle for water temperature control, and it was accidentally turned the wrong way or not enough by someone in your household, leading to hot water out of the cold tap. Check the dial, and adjust it accordingly to achieve the right temperature preference.

  2.  Cross-Connection in Your Plumbing System

One possible reason hot water is coming out of the cold tap is a cross-connection in your plumbing system. A cross-connection is when cold and hot water pipes mix due to faulty plumbing installation. This can cause hot water to flow back into the cold supply, making the water in the cold tap lukewarm or hot. One solution to this is to install backflow preventers and regularly inspect and upgrade your plumbing system.

  3.  Failed Check Valve

Another reason hot water could be coming out of the cold tap is when the check valve on your water heater is not working. The check valve is responsible for preventing hot water from entering the cold water pipes. If the valve is faulty or broken, then hot water can mix with the cold water, causing a problem. You may want to turn off the water supply and have a plumbing professional in Atlanta check and replace the device or adjust the temperature settings.

  4.  Broken Diverter Valve

This valve controls the water flow between the showerhead and faucet in your bathtub. If it's faulty, it may allow hot water to mix in with the cold water, making it warm or hot. Consider replacing it with a new one or have a professional plumber inspect and fix the valve.

  5.  Water Heater Issues

If there are issues with your water heater, then hot water could get mixed with cold water. Your water heater might be set too high, or the thermostat is malfunctioning, leading to hot water bleeding into the cold water line. If you see any leaks or defects, immediately call your trusted plumber to fix them or replace your water heater entirely.

  6.  Failed Thermostat

Another possible reason why hot water could be coming out of the cold tap is a failed thermostat. Thermostats are responsible for regulating the temperature of the water in the pipes. When the thermostat is damaged or dead, the hot water runs unchecked, leading to hot water coming out of the cold tap. Get the thermostat repaired or replaced if it's malfunctioning. 



  7.  Damaged Pipes



Lastly, damaged pipes can lead to hot water coming out of your cold tap. If the pipes are old and rusted, they could be allowing hot water to seep into the cold water line. Similarly, if the hot water tube is not well-insulated, it can also cause the hot water to mix with the cold water in the pipes. Get a plumbing professional in Atlanta to inspect and replace any damaged pipes. 

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Several reasons can cause hot water to come out of the cold tap, but with careful inspection and proper solutions, you can fix this problem without too much hassle. Remember to prioritize the safety and well-being of your family by calling professional plumbers to upgrade your plumbing system when in doubt. By resolving hot water issues in your home, you can save wasted water, energy consumption, and money on your utility bills. So if you find yourself with hot water coming out of the cold tap and need some help fixing it, call Superior Plumbing today! We'll have you back up and running in no time.

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