recirc for domestic hot water

Couderay

Can someone elaborate the best way to install a recirc line for my hot water. I have not installed the pump or the piping yet but do have a future on the piping to the hot water tank. The future is tee'd into the cold water supply after a expansion tank on supply piping (cold inlet to tank). If a aquastat is needed how does one hook it up and for what purpose is it needed. The boiler is a munchkin with a 60 gallon superstore. I'm planning to tie the other end to my much used last on the system kitchen sink. Thank you Joe

Doug_7

See Grundfos Comfort System

See grundfos Comfort System at: http://www.grundfos.com/Web/HomeUs.nsf/Webopslag/PAVA-53MKRN

Pump has timer and aquastat, which saves energy. Sizing is important as too high a line velocity will eat copper pipe.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Good old gravity is certainly the simplest, costs nothing to run, requires zero maintenance, will NEVER erode a pipe or fitting and works nicely for many systems.

See: Put Newtons Law To Use for Hot Water by Dave Yates

clammy

have to agree

I would have to agree with you on that but last time i suggested it i got a little beat up .I have in the past and present had excellent luck with gravity re circ and it saves the price of a aquastat and either a stainless or bronze pump and having to change them when they go .I will always try a gravity first andf if all else fails go for the pump peace and good luck clammy

Couderay

recirc for domestic hot water

What is the purpose of the hole in the check valve as stated in the article and do you recommend a swing or spring check and is 3/4" or 1/2" better, return line that is. Run will be around 50'. I have the pump already but will definatlely try the gravity first Thanks for the comment

Dave Yates (PAH)

Thanks Mike

Appreciate the plug!

The hole serves two purposes: it acts as the flow regulator to slow down the process and save energy; and it also acts as a capillary breaker - the water itself can hold a gravity swing-check closed by acting as self-sticking glue. When a user draws water, the flow reverses and pins the check to its seat. The tiny hole allows for immediate pressure equalization and free-swinging on the check gate.

My master bath shower is the last fixture on the line, yet you can't move quickly enough to get in ahead of the hot water. Virtually immediate!

We've installed hundreds of gravity recirc systems. That said, there's obviously times where a mechanical force is required.

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Mike T., Swampeast MO

You're welcome Dave--that article is one of my favorites!

My gravity recirculation loop works well enough to power a large towel warmer and it's even branched in near the end of the loop that terminates at the master shower.

As with any recirculation system you should insulate the entire loop nicely.

adambuild

IMHO

If gravity for some reason doesn't cut it, use a circ with stat at the last fixture so it stops pumping at the fixture and doesn't have to wait til it gets all the way back to the indirect.

Dave_61

Has anyone tried the

Autocirc system from Laing? It pumps water from the hot water inlet on the last fixture through the cold water line and back to the indirect...We have one and it works great. Though I do notice an increase in sediment in the aerator on that sink. (we have a Triangle Tube Phase III indirect)
But are there any things to look out for....potential problems? Her is the link:

www.autocirc.com