Hello, I have a problem with hot water coming out of the cold water lines. The problem is twofold. I have a recirculation pump that recirculates hot water back to the tank for instant hot water at all taps. About 6 months ago the pressure relief valve started leaking around a gallon of water over 2 days. I have my water heater on a timer that starts at 3am off at 6am on again at 11am off at 1230pm and on again at 330pm and off at 730pm. I replaced the pressure relief valve and the problem continued. Lately the pressure relief valve stopped leaking however that's when the problem started with the hot water in the cold side. Not warm water HOT. Any ideas as to what is causing this problem? I should say we are 600 feet from the water meter and on a hill and have always had low water pressure. The house is 10 years old and no problems prior. Thanks

Install a check valve on the cold water inlet to the heater to prevent hot water from entering the cold water side and installing a expansion tank will stop the leakage out of the T & P valve. Good luck and thank you for rating my answer. Tom

In addition to Tom's advice: Leaking Temperature and Pressure Relieve valve is an indication of on of two things:

1. Pressure too high ( over 150 psi )
Or
2. Temperature in water heater too high ( depending on valve, but usually close to 200 degrees F )

Pressure is not your concern so it must by high temperature. Turn down your heater to around 125 degrees F. Replace the leaking T/P valve.

Do you have a sprinkler system or a backflow preventer installed on your water service? Back to you, Tom

Install a check valve on the cold water inlet to the heater to prevent hot water from entering the cold water side and installing a expansion tank will stop the leakage out of the T & P valve. Good luck and thank you for rating my answer. Tom

Hello and thanks, I noticed that when the pressure releif valve stopped leaking that is when the cold water side started getting hot water in it. Seems the check valve is bad and allowing the high pressure to be forced back into the cold side vs the pressure relief. The cold side into the water heater is hot to touch. Can check valve be serviced? Also how can I get higher water pressure? I adjusted the pressure valve on the main water house inlet to max and is still low. Do I need to install a pressure tank with compressor? I think the pressure is only 20-30psi. Bad for washing cars and kitchen sink. The bathtub fills quickly but all other water pressure is low.