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We had a re-circulating pump installed in our water heater (for instant hot) and now have hot water at the cold spigot of one sink in bathroom and hot water in the toilet. Also snapping of pipes when toilet fills completely. Plumber told me it's the nature of the beast...I don't buy it.
Thanks.
Let me assure you...it is not the nature of the beast!! If this guy won't fix it you be sure to call the local plumbing inspector and tell him what your plumber stated to you...bet he's not too impressed!! There is also the local better business bureau...don't let a jerk get away with treating you like this. You could even go as far as talking to the plumbing board and have him go before the board to discuss this with them...He won't like that if he's a legit. plumber. He is very wrong!!
I don't want to start guessing here...so please let us know the particular system that was installed at your house. Do you have a name for us on the recirc pump/system??[/b] Is the circulator located at the water heater or is the pump closer to the farthest point of use??
You should have 2 Check Valves in the water heater area: One on cold water line supplying w/h with cold water, and the other own on hot / return water pipe. Both should be installed with your new hot water circulation system.
It is more likely that your plumber didn't install Check Valve on cold water side in the location of return loop connection. That valve prevents recirculated water to enter cold water side. If you don't have one, you will get hot water on cold water side in nearest bathroom...
But, of course, I assume he didn't cross hot and cold water pipes somewhere in your house during pump installation.
Thanks for trying to pinpoint this for me. Name on recirc pump is Watts, bought at Home depot. It'sinstalled on top of water heater nearest point of use.
K.
Kdischner: Important: Make SURE the pump is running water in the right direction ! There should be an arrow somewhere on the body of the pump, pointing in the direction of the flow. Water should be pulling from the pump TOWARDS the water heater - not pushing into the system.
I have seen pump installed in opposite direction so many times that I feel obligated to mention this detail to you...
Milo...this type of recirc. system does not require a check valve to be installed as the unit is actually installed at the hot water outlet of the water heater. It actually comes with all parts needed (except extra sensor valves).
My guess is that unit is reversed as you suggested or could be that a SENSOR VALVE is defective or the plumber did in fact cross hot and cold water line...(although I can't really see how). Kdischner check out the link and check at troubleshooting...see if you can test EACH sensor unit you have as instructed at the troubleshooting section....let us know what you discover....ok??
Mark, this is what happens with this type of pumps:
Plumber installs it at the most distant sink. The special thermal-coupling, that opens and closes at 96 F as hot water is delivered, allows hot water to enter cold water side of the system. When hot water reaches 96F, it shuts off. Now, toilet is usually close to the sink, therefore, 1st in line of receiving warm water.
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