Why Does the Water Switch Between Hot and Cold?
When plumbing is acting up, it can be hard to articulate when something is “off.”
Is the water screaming hot one minute, then freezing cold the next? Unfortunately, it’s a common plumbing problem. The good news is that there is no need to rip out all the pipes and start over. There are a lot of explanations for this phenomenon, including:
A tankless water heater
Most tankless water heaters require a minimum flow of water to turn “on.” Therefore, if a homeowner is using a hot/cold faucet (like in the shower or the kitchen), unless they have the water running very fast and hot, the tankless heater may not be getting the signal that it is time to heat up. An easy fix is to lower the setting on the water heater; try 110 degrees instead of 120. This adjustment can lower the threshold for signaling.
The anti-scald valve is corroded
Most modern showers are plumbed with something referred to as an “anti-scald” valve. These valves integrate an internal thermostat into the shower’s plumbing to ensure no one inadvertently scalds themselves trying to turn the water on or off. Unfortunately, the anti-scald valve might corrode over time, affecting its ability to function correctly. A faulty anti-scald valve could be the culprit for changing water temperatures, and it’s usually relatively simple for a professional plumber to switch it out.
There is a problem with the mixing valve
Also known as a thermostatic mixing valve (TMV), a mixing valve blends hot and cold water to create the desired temperature. They’re typically found in showers and kitchen faucets and wear out. Unfortunately, many mixing valves use wax thermostats, which themselves can be unreliable. The best option is to have a professional plumber check out the TMV to determine whether it’s time for a replacement.
The water has to travel a long way
The hot-cold-hot problem is usually worse on the second (or third) floor because of where the water heater is placed. The first burst of hot water may be residual, followed by cold water that’s pushed through the pipes, then finished by warm water that finally reaches its destination. The solution is simple: A recirculating hot water pump keeps water hot, so it’s always there when needed. A plumber can install a hot water recirculator that works in tandem with the current water heating system.
When plumbing is acting up, it can be hard to articulate when something is “off.” However, an experienced plumber can always get to the bottom of things so that the homeowner doesn’t have to live with water constantly fluctuating between cold and hot.
Much Better Plumbing is the premier residential and commercial plumbing service for homeowners and businesses in the Las Vegas area. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call us today at 702-996-5220.