hot water comes from cold side

[velladonna]

hi there, I have recently moved into this 5 yr old one bedroom town house style condo in Canada and hot water comes out from the cold tap for about 45 seconds before it turns to cold water. It happens on all taps/shower. I read about recirculating pump problems causing something like this.. but I don't see the pump by the tank. Pics of the tank is attached. Two pipe on the top are very hot and the line coming down to the side is cold. i even shut off the hot water valve under the sink first and then open the cold tap but still the same result. Please help. thx

 

[johnjh2o]

I would say that there is a problem with the tempering valve on the hot water line. This valve mixes cold water with the hot before it reaches the faucets. There is a check valve built into the mixing valve to prevent the problem you are experiencing. I would say it has failed. Replacing the mixing valve should solve the problem.

 

[phishfood]

Why do you beat me to all of the easy ones, John?

I agree with John, the tempering valve above the water heater is almost certainly the culprit.

 

[johnjh2o]

Why do you beat me to all of the easy ones, John?

I agree with John, the tempering valve above the water heater is almost certainly the culprit.

I wolf down by dinner faster then you.

 

[velladonna]

thx guys.. ok so i looked up what the tempering valve is... the blue cap thing on top of the tank right? the top pipe/hose going into the valve should be completely cold if the valve is properly working then right? but now it's really hot and the other pipe running into the water tank should be cold too right? i get hot water from cold tap because hot water is flowing into the part of the cold line thru the failed valve...

Ok so how can i fix it?? no adjusting the valve or anything?? just replace? I have no plumbing experience before.. thx

 

[johnjh2o]

Replace the tempering valve.