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Author:
MrsFixIt (FL)
I live in a very old Southern home. We haven't had any plumbing work done to the upstairs in several years, but about a month ago the toilet, sink and shower started producing only hot water. So hot in fact, that one of my boarders nearly scalded herself. I need to know what causes this, and if I can fix it for myself.
The house is 160 years old. My family (parents) turned it into a boarding house, and I am the one taking care of it now as they have retired. So to save money in this terrible market I try to do as much of the work myself as I can.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
MrsFixIt
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Author:
jimmy-o (CA)
Very difficult to answer without seeing the property. For example, one possibility: if you have a pumped recirculation system, then there can be crossover caused by a few different problems.
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Author:
MrsFixIt (FL)
Ok. So this is going to be a tough one. *sigh*
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Author:
packy
scalding hot water at the toilet???
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Author:
MrsFixIt (FL)
Yes. Scalding hot in all the upstairs faucets. Downstairs is normal.
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
Wheelchair
It IS possible that over the last 160 years, someone before you tried their best at plumbing and your guests are experiencing the results. Time for the "hand detective" and begin to indentify all of the pipes, as well as what is in them. Somewhere you have a cross connection and the hot water is backing up into the cold water supply. Look at any single handle mixers like faucets and showers. How about the hot water heater.
If all else fails, hire a licensed plumber. No matter what it costs.... its still cheaper then a scald lawsuit.
Best Wishes
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Author:
packy
toilet??????
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Author:
HelpMePlumb (FL)
How many water heaters do you have?
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Author:
rvplumbing (CA)
it sounds like a cross connection, question were you there when everything was ok,if so how long ago did this start and has any work been done before this happen,,,
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Author:
Paul48 (CT)
Not your typical cross-connection...one the also shuts off the cold.
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Author:
MrsFixIt (FL)
Whew, lots of questions to answer! LOL!
It's been going on for about a month now. We haven't done anything to any of the plumbing since it started, and not for several years (I'd say about 4-5) before.
The only thing that comes to mind is that our water treatment plant was recently shut down and a new one opened. Since then the water has shut off a few times, and water pressure rises and falls on a monthly basis. (I guess they are working out the kinks). My garden hose incessantly has air spurts. I don't know if it's a water company thing, though.
Anyhow. That bathroom was completely remodeled a few years ago - that was the last work done on it. The access used to be in the hallway upstairs. But since all the fixtures were rearranged I have no idea where it is now. 
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Author:
hj
Yes, because you cannot give us ANY information that could help with a diagnosis.
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Author:
hj
That can only happen with a plugged or partially plugged cold line AND an interconnection between the hot and cold piping, which would not normally occur in a house this old, unless the baths were remodeled and had single handle faucets.
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Author:
hj
One thing to be concerned with until you discover the cause, is that hot water, not even scalding water, CAN break the toilet, and/or the tank, which will cause a flood in the lower level.
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Author:
packy
hj, i'm still trying to get an answer to my question. is scalding water going to the toilets?
i'm guessing it isn't. since, as you pointed out, scalding water will likely crack the porcelain.
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