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Author:
badams67 (CA)
I installed a Watts hot water recirc system about 8 years ago that uses the cold line from the farthest fixture as the return line. It's worked really great for all this time, then about 2 or 3 months ago we noticed the hot water was not circulating as well. It took several seconds to get hot water. This kept getting worse over time, so I thought the pump was wearing out. I verified the timer was set ok, and verified the pump was running. I thought maybe the check valve might be the problem, so I pulled it out, and blew through it, but it had not restrictions. I finally bought new Watts system at Home Depot, identical to the old one. I put on the new pump and new check valve, and to my surprise the hot water is not circulating at all, but the pump is running. I had recently drained my 18 year old water heater, and re-filled it. There doesn't appear to be any restrictions, the water flows well at every fixture on hot and cold, with no air problems. There are 3 sinks, a shower, and washing machine on this line. I am out of ideas.
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Author:
Pipe runner (AZ)
quote: "that uses the cold line from the farthest fixture as the return line"
Is this truly the case? I've been involved in the initial installation of residential
and commercial recirc sytems...every time we tee off the HOT line near the farthest fixture
and bring that line back to the WH on the cold side.
Can you upload a few pics of your WH and recirc system?
(@ Paul48 Thanks will do. Never a shortage of new things to learn)
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
Paul48 (CT)
There are several systems that use the cold line as a return. They usually have a special fitting that ties the hot and cold at the furthest fixture. Check out the Grundfos Comfort System, as an example.
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
You are not familiar with this type of system, that is your problem with understanding it.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
The crossover valve at the end of the system, did you replace that as well? If water isn't advancing, it is because it either isn't being pushed, or has no place to go.
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