🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1992Dec14.214841.4240@dbsun.uucp>, check@dbsun.uucp (checkett) writes:
>I have a question that bothers me every morning. I wake up and go to the john
>to have a shave and turn on the hot water full blast. Over the next 20-30
>seconds the water temperature goes from freezing to quite hot as desired. 
>The problem is that the flow rate of the water drops off as the temp goes up. 
>If I don't touch the faucet the flow nearly stops. What is happening? 
>I assume it has something to do with the expansion/contraction of the pipes 
>in response to the temp.

That's what's happening.  The washer in the valve is expanding.

>One more thing, the pipes start to scream as the water gets hotter but if
>I increase the flow by turning the knob the noise disappears.

When the gap between the washer and the valve seat is just large enough, the
whole system acts rather like the woodwind instrument known as a recorder.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carl J Lydick | INTERnet: CARL@SOL1.GPS.CALTECH.EDU | NSI/HEPnet: SOL1::CARL

Disclaimer:  Hey, I understand VAXen and VMS.  That's what I get paid for.  My
understanding of astronomy is purely at the amateur level (or below).  So
unless what I'm saying is directly related to VAX/VMS, don't hold me or my
organization responsible for it.  If it IS related to VAX/VMS, you can try to
hold me responsible for it, but my organization had nothing to do with it.