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I'm trying to get my hot water tank operational after winter. It's heating, but the pump will not run when I turn on the hot tap. If I open the bypass valve, the pump will start. I then get a limited amount of hot water, maybe a cupful. I haven't had an issue other years, so I'm asking for someone's expertise. Thanks!

sounds like you don't have a valve in the right position open or closed!!

There should be 3 valves by your tank. One shuts off water going into the tank. One shuts off water coming out of the tank. They stop antifreeze form getting into the tank when winterizing. The third is the bypass valve. One or both of the other valves is probably still closed. Close the bypass & open both other ones.

LarryRobins said "There should be 3 valves by your tank. One shuts off water going into the tank. One shuts off water coming out of the tank. They stop antifreeze form getting into the tank when winterizing. The third is the bypass valve. One or both of the other valves is probably still closed. Close the bypass & open both other ones. "

I have done all the above....is it possible a valve could be broke inside the pipe?

When you first turn the bypass valve and the pump starts running it has to pump a lot of water first to fill the hot tank before you will build any amount of pressure at the facet.

DarMar said "When you first turn the bypass valve and the pump starts running it has to pump a lot of water first to fill the hot tank before you will build any amount of pressure at the facet. "

The tank has been filled, too. We even drained, and started all over again. Just has me baffled.

Have you tried to run water through it when it's off (cold)? Sometimes air gets trapped inside and when it's on, the hot water won''t pass through. Run the water through with both the gas and electric off. Second thought is if the water isn't running through, you got a blockage somewhere at or before the "second valve" on the output of the hot water heater. Scales or sediment inside the heater could be the result. Break out a screwdriver, turn off the water at the both the bypass & input valves and disconnect that second valve on the "exit" side. Place a pail or large towel down and run the water through it (turn on the input valve). Nothing going through? ...The heater is blocked. Water going through and making a mess? ...It's the valve that needs replacement.  
 
If it's the heater, you might get lucky and only require a "good flushing" to remove the sediment or scales. Likely, it's scaled so bad the heater may need parts, repairs or replacement of the entire unit. Try running it with the hot water output end disconnected first and see what the results are.  
 
Just my opinion, I could be wrong.  
 
Edited by snowman5, 2017-06-01 13:47:26

snowman5 said "Have you tried to run water through it when it's off (cold)? Sometimes air gets trapped inside and when it's on, the hot water won't pass through. Run the water through with both the gas and electric off. Second thought is if the water isn't running through, you got a blockage somewhere at or before the "second valve" on the output of the hot water heater. Scales or sediment inside the heater could be the result. Break out a screwdriver, turn off the water at the both the bypass & input valves and disconnect that second valve on the "exit" side. Place a pail or large towel down and run the water through it (turn on the input valve). Nothing going through? ...The heater is blocked. Water going through and making a mess? ...It's the valve that needs replacement.     If it's the heater, you might get lucky and only require a "good flushing" to remove the sediment or scales. Likely, it's scaled so bad the heater may need parts, repairs or replacement of the entire unit. Try running it with the hot water output end disconnected first and see what are the results are.     Just my opinion, I could be wrong. "

We will give this a whirl. Appreciate your info!

To eliminate a potential pump pressure switch hook to a faucet.  
 
This will ensure both greater volume and pressure. If there is a blockage extra pressure should flush it out.  
 
Sounds like you have tried the right things.

Thanks snowman5, we had a valve issue!  
Thanks again!

Glad it was a cheap and easy fix.