sounds like an air lock in hot pipework as if tank empty cold water would stop also,if you have a monoblock mixer tap in kitchen place plestic bag over end and wrap round tight turn hot tap side on first then cold as well as getting a bit wet with a bit of luck you will also force the cold mains water up through your hot pipework dispelling air lock,only do for about 30 seconds as could back fill tank and if overflow not connected correctly or loose could cause leak likewise if you see water coming out of overflow this is the result of above actions and do not worry just turn on cold tap on bath to lower level or hopefully hot if now operational
tony..tsp heating, July 2007