2501TS hot water tank

[Babybehemoth]

Hi all! I get hot water coming out of my cold water tap whenever I use both the electric and/or gas switches and it doesn’t happen just because the water hose is being heated up by the sun. Is there a way to fix this? There are just two valves in the compartment under the sink. Thanks!

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Babybehemoth

Hi all! I get hot water coming out of my cold water tap whenever I use both the electric and/or gas switches and it doesn’t happen just because the water hose is being heated up by the sun. Is there a way to fix this? There are just two valves in the compartment under the sink. Thanks!

Do you also get hot water cold taps of the lavatory sink and the shower, and from the toilet flush? Let the water run for a while at each to be sure?

If you do not get it at the other taps, I would guess that you have a one-handle faucet that's either misbehaving, or you are using it wrong. Can you post a picture of the faucet, please?

[phalexander]

Has it ever worked properly? Is the water really hot or just lukewarm? Possible that the middle (mixing) valve of the bypass system was not closed during an unwinterizing procedure?

[kenandterry]

Originally Posted by Babybehemoth

Hi all! I get hot water coming out of my cold water tap whenever I use both the electric and/or gas switches and it doesn’t happen just because the water hose is being heated up by the sun. Is there a way to fix this? There are just two valves in the compartment under the sink. Thanks!

So, exactly when was the last time your taps were working properly, and what exactly have you done between then and now?

To recap…..you’re getting hot water from your cold water tap?
Same problem at all taps?
You mention two valves in the compartment under the sink. What and when did you alter their positions?

[MGD1961]

Just spitballing here but I’ve seen it happen by the law of path of least resistance. Is your outside shower knobs on but the shower head is turned off?

[karykatz]

does cold water come out of the faucet in the Hot position?

is it possible the lines are backwards?

[Rhumblefish]

Originally Posted by Babybehemoth

Hi all! I get hot water coming out of my cold water tap whenever I use both the electric and/or gas switches and it doesn’t happen just because the water hose is being heated up by the sun. Is there a way to fix this? There are just two valves in the compartment under the sink. Thanks!

Something in your system is acting as an impromptu mixing valve and forming a loop, allowing hot water into the cold supply. Larry's on to something, too, with the faucet type - does this happen everywhere in your rig (lav, kitchen, outdoor lines)?

Often, this condition is a result of a showerhead handle cutoff being CLOSED and the water knobs being OPENED. It permits the hot and cold water lines to interact, with hot water usually being noticed when water is called for anywhere (else) in the system.

Go through each shower outlet and make sure that the (H) and (C) KNOBS are both turned off, and the handle cutoff is OPENED (such that water under pressure will leak out the showerhead). Make sure to check your outdoor shower (if so equipped).

Test system.

If it's functioning properly now, you can go back and turn the handle cutoff back to CLOSED.

If it's not functioning properly, do a quick valve check everywhere - it doesn't take long. Really important to make sure both valves on the back of the HWH are set to USE mode (with a two valve "U" system - which I believe the OP has - this will be both handles (on either end of the U) turned TOWARD the Hot Water Heater)(with a three valve "H" system - which I do not believe the OP has - this would be both outer valves turned IN LINE with the water lines, and the center valve (on the crossbar of the H) turned to be CLOSED/90°*AGAINST/perpendicular to the water line).