Hot & Cold Water Crossovers & Why They Occur

A cross over occurs when hot water crosses, usually through a defective fixture, into cold water piping or vice versa. A typical end-user’s complaint would state that there is a sudden change in temperature from hot to cold or vice versa after setting the temperature just right.

When pressure in the hot and cold lines differ as is often the case, water will want to pass from the high pressure to the low. These hot and cold lines are normally separate. However, at mixing points - such as a a single lever faucet - water can channel from one source to the other causing a cross over.

In a multifamily setting, a crossover in one unit can affect or trigger issues in other apartments or condos as well. If you need assistance diagnosing a cross over or a remedy for addressing the issue, please reach out to service@prostarmechanical.com or call 714-999-1177 to set up an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you.