A hot water recirculating pump can be used to provide instant hot water to showers and faucets whenever it is required by the homeowners. Hot water systems help you prevent water drainage while you wait for it to get hot.
There are many ways to install hot water recirculation pumps. It can be a lot more complicated for an inexperienced person to opt for what installation method would be best and easiest for them to follow. There is no need to worry, as we will go step-by-step into the installation process for a new hot water circulation pump for your water heater. After completing the installation, you will be able to enjoy consistent hot water throughout your home during the hours you need it the most.
Unlike other systems, this one doesn’t require a dedicated hot water loop. It works by means of a hot water circulating pump installed above the water heater and a check valve installed near the sink and away from the water heater.
The check valve enables the water pump to circulate the water towards the water heater until it is hot enough and shuts off after ensuring the water is warm enough for domestic use.
In addition to the hot water kit, which includes a hot water recirculation pump and the check valve, you will need a pair of flexible supply tubes and a few common tools. Most of the instant hot water recirculation pumps are simple to install and can be fitted in a couple of hours.
You have to follow the below simple steps:
Step 1: Turn Off Water Heater, Breaker, And Gas Valve
Before beginning the installation of any new equipment in your home, it is important to turn off the components of your water heater and make certain that there is no power running to it. To do this, be sure to turn off the water heater itself, the breaker that feeds power to the water heater, and the gas valve (if applicable).
Step 2: Shut Off the Water to the Water Heater
First, you need to shut off the water running through the cold water pipes into the water heater. The valve is usually on top of the heater. Before moving ahead, make sure that the flow of hot water is completely at a halt. Open the hot water faucet anywhere in the house to make sure hot water is stopped. If the shut-off valve has not completely halted the hot water flow, you may need to cut off the main water supply of the house.
Step 3: Drain the Water Heater
Make sure the water heater has been drained completely before starting with the installation. Disconnect the flexible supply line on the hot side of the water heater. Make sure you have rags at your disposal to clean any residual water that comes out when the flexible water supply line is disconnected.
Note: You may not have flexible supply lines but rigidly fixed water pipes. In that case, the process becomes a little trickier, but it is possible with some added effort.
Step 4: Calibrate New Circulation Pump Prior to Installation
Set the timer of the pump according to when you need hot water the most in the house, or if it has heat sensors; it can work automatically too. It may be a good idea to set the timer before installing the pump because it could be challenging to access it once it is installed.
Setting the correct time for the circulation pump to operate is crucial to successfully maintain consistently hot water to all of the faucets, shower, and appliances when it is needed the most. You may want to discuss with your family when the hot water is needed the most, as this will help you determine the best times to set on the timing mechanism.
Step 5: Connect Pump to the Threaded Nipple of the Hot Water Heater
Install the circulation pump on the side of the water heater by screws or holders and make sure it is firmly attached. Before tightening it fully, make sure the timer is facing a direction that you will be able to easily access. Make sure to bind the threads of the water heater nipple. If there is a rubber gasket inside the female nut of pump fitting, you will not need to bind the threads. Still, do not over tighten connections as it may damage the pre-existing rubber gasket.
Step 6: Connect Hot Water Supply Line to the Recirculation Pump
Now, reconnect the hot water pipeline on top of the hot water recirculation pump and tighten it with care. You can also loop the flexible pipeline if necessary but make sure there are no kinks because kinks will restrict the flow of water through the pipeline.
Step 7: Locate the Sink Farthest from Circulation Pump
Now, you need to locate a sink that is farthest from the water heater to install the check valve there. Shut-off the water to the faucets by closing both supply valves controlling both cold and hot water supply tubes.
Step 8: Shut Off the Sink Water Valves and Remove Tubing
Disconnect the faucet supply tubes from shut-off valves under the sink. You must have a rag and a container to enclose the water that may drain when the supply lines are disconnected. Now connect the check valve to the faucet supply tubes.
Step 9: Connect Flex Lines to Sensor Valve
Screw the existing supply tubes coming down from the faucet on the top two outlets on the check valve. Fix the hot water line on the left side while the cold water line on the right side. Make sure you have correctly positioned the hot and cold water lines.
Step 10: Install Multiple Sensors and New Supply Lines
Run the new water supply lines from the check valve towards the hot and cold water shut-off valves. The hot water pipe will be on the left while the cold water line will be on the line. Make sure they are connected to the correct valves. If this isn’t the case, you will need to make some tweaks to the system.
Step 11: Secure Check Valve
Mount the check valve to the wall using the screws provided in the kit and make sure the new supply lines are tightly and properly connected.
Step 12: Turn Power, Gas, and Water Back On
Before turning on the water, make sure the power supply to the water heater, the breaker, and gas supply are all operating correctly. Then, turn on the water supply on both the faucet and the water heater. Run water on the farthest sink faucet to make sure all of the air is out of the pipelines. You may hear loud knocks while performing this task. This is normal as the pipes were filled with air and now it is being displaced due to the reintroduction of water. Carefully examine the entire system to make certain there are no leaks or potential problems with the pipes or the associated components. After you are completely satisfied with the operation of the system, clean up from your project and begin enjoying your brand new hot water circulation pump system!
Note: If you ever shut-off the main water supply of the house for any reason, make sure you have turned off the electric supply of the hot water recirculation pump and unplugged the connection to ensure it doesn’t burn out. The pump needs to have water circulating through it, to keep it running.
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