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    mrclean's Avatar
    mrclean Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Feb 18, 2007, 07:05 AM
    In hot water
    Has anyone ever had the cold feed to a 40 gal. hot water heater that feels hot to touch for about 5 ft. above the top of heater? This heater stay unused all day. Thanks
    Rocky Motto's Avatar
    Rocky Motto Posts: 10, Reputation: 2
    New Member
    		  
    #2

    Feb 18, 2007, 07:12 AM
    I have never experienced it, but if it is idle all day the cold water pipe is just acting as a heat sink and pulling the heat out of the water heater. They make an item that should be plumbed into that line that does not let the heat travel back up that pipe. I am sorry I can't remember the exact name, but any plumber or plumbing supply would know what it is. I assume the cold input is copper. It doesn't matter it can happen with poly also, but copper as you know is a great conductor. It is a waste of enegey to use it the way it is.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #3

    Feb 18, 2007, 10:07 AM
    Rocky nailed it. This is called convection and can be found in most water heaters, especially if they have set for a period without a draw being made. We have had a problem with heat trap nipples in a high mineral area clogging up. I agree there's some engery loss but how much is debatable.
    Regards, Tom
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