What is the brand name on that pump? "Watts"? It probably also has a timer on it. Ask the builder where he put the instruction manual.

Pinoke

Thanks for replying.

The brand name of the pump is "Grundfos". The model number is UP10-16B5/ATLC.

It does seem to have a timer of some sort on it. Maybe it's not set correctly. I can't find the instruction manual but will track it down through the manufacturer.

I didn't realize recirculating systems were this interactive. I thought it was either "installed and working" or not.

Thanks again.

Upon further inspection, it looks like three hot water lines come out of (or recirculate back into?) the hot water heater.

The Grundfos pump is on only one of those three lines. That might explain why only some of the areas of the house seem to have instant hot water.

I guess I need to get my builder back to take a look and explain. Thanks.

Start with the link below. It looks like you got what you wanted. Depending on the installation and intended use, it is adjustable for high efficiency.

Pinoke

Here is a link that might be useful: Grunfos Re-circ

One other question.

None of the hot water lines from the heater are insulated. In reviewing the Grundfos website, they suggest that all hot water lines be insulated in a recirculating system.

Is that commonly done? If so, would I have a good basis for arguing that my builder should have insulated all of those lines as part of a "good and workmanlike" job? Or is that a luxury that most builders/plumbers wouldn't do unless specifically mentioned in the contract?

Thanks.

In most places, the plumbing code requires that all hot water lines in a recirculating hot water system be insulated. Some short sections of pipe (no more than a foot or two) in the immediate area of your water heater and circulating pump may not be covered with insulation, but the remainder of the pipe should be insulated. This is something the plumbing inspector would have looked for.

Perhaps the best thing to do would be to ask your builder to explain the system to you, explain how it works, and provide assurances on the insulation, etc.

I have a Grundfos hot water circulation system in my house. It's on all the time, except from about midnight to 6:00 AM (I'm retired and home during the day and usually asleep after midnight). It works very well. I usually have hot water coming out of the taps or shower within 2-5 seconds of turning on the valve.

Incidently, if a circulation system is properly designed, it only needs to move a very small volume of water (much less than flows when a tap is turned on) to maintain hot temperatures throughout the system. The flow rate should be low enough that you shouldn't be able to hear water moving through the pipes.

James

crotch, er crouch, if you understood how a recirculating line works and how they are piped then you would probably understand why its practically impossible to have a recirc system tied into each and every faucet. They are usually piped to the faucet the farthest from the heater. As for what a manufacturer suggests,, thats all it is,, just a suggestion. It does not affect the overall operation.

The easiest and least expensive way to have a hot water recirculation system is to install a Hot Water Lobster Instant Hot Water Valve which sells for $179.95.

SAVE WATER! The Hot Water Lobster Instant Hot Water Valve provides faster hot water which also
saves, water, time and money. How Long does it take for hot water to get to your faucet or shower? A
lot of precious water is wasted down the drain while waiting for hot water. Even worse is the cost to
heat the cold replacement water, which enters your house at ground temperature.

HOW IT WORKS! When the water in your hot water pipe and the Hot Water Lobster control valve cools
below the user adjustable temperature (45-150 degrees F), the thermal materials within the Hot
Water Lobster control valve contract, and silently open the valve. Thermal convection within your hot
water tank naturally circulates the cooled water through your existing cold water pipes and back to
the hot water tank for reheating. Your existing hot water tank now uses less energy reheating warm
water instead of cold ground temperature water. When fresh hot water enters your hot water pipe and
the Hot Water Lobster control valve, the valve automatically closes. This maintains hot water at the
control valve without wasting water or energy. Turn on your faucet or shower and you get instant hot
water. When you mount the Hot Water Lobster instant hot water control valve in the fixture furthest
from your hot water tank (as shown in the installation diagram) all other fixtures in your house will also
have faster hot water.

NO ELECTRICITY NECESSARY! The Hot Water Lobster is all mechanical and designed to provide an
electricity free solution to maintain hot water at the tap. This makes installation a snap (in less than
10 minutes). Other hot water solutions require the use of electricity and pumps that make installation
difficult and the pumps are often noisy.

MORE HOT WATER! Adds as much as 10% more capacity to your current hot water system (by
keeping the water in your hot water pipes hot!).

KEEP PIPES FROM FREEZING! The Hot Water Lobster instant hot water valve automatically allows
water in your pipes to circulate when the control valve cools below the set temperature-even when
your electricity goes out.

REDUCES CONDENSATION! The Hot Water Lobster instant hot water valve reduces condensation on
pipes and toilets.

MAINTENANCE FREE! The Hot Water Lobster has a solid brass valve body with an adjustable thermal
controlled mechanical stainless steel valve stem enclosed in a mounting box.

EASY INSTALLATION! The Hot Water Lobster comes complete with mounting box, 4 sets of 12'
flexible water lines and brass fitting. All pre-assembled and tested for an easy 10 minutes installation

Here is a link that might be useful: Recirculating Valve

valapricey,

I hope you paid for this unauthorized ad ( or was it authorized).
Your system is overpriced at $179.95 and is not new. A simple natural convection system that anyone can install for a fraction of the price you quote.Isn't your "breakthrough" valve similar to a Thermostatic control valve which have been around for eons?

Pinoke has returned form the graveyard!

The robsta (overpriced) valve will only work if the return is plumbed in a manner that supports convection recirculation. If not a pump is needed!

I'm extremely impressed with The Hot Water Lobster! I am a plumber for Sears and Lowe's and I specialize in hot water heaters. I've had a Hot Water Lobster for 2 years now and recommend it over any other system! I've had a recirculation system in my home for 8 years. For the first 6 years I went through 2 pumps! They were costly, noisy, and did not last nearly as long as I hoped. I did some research and found The Hot Water Lobster which is pump free and creates no noise. In my opinion it's a steal at $179.95!

This wonderful unit saves water, energy, and time! All you have to do is install the Hot Water Lobster under the sink farthest form your water heater and you'll have instant hot water throughout your entire home. It saves a lot of water that's normally wasted down the drain while waiting for hot water.

The company I am contracted by now offers the Hot Water Lobster to all of our customers! We have installed nearly 100 of these units with only positive results! It has a 10-year warranty, and is very easy to install. It takes me 5 to 10 minutes.

You can't beat this product! Check out the testimonials at their site:

www.hotwaterlobster.com

Here is a link that might be useful: www.hotwaterlobster.com

Will this system work if my hot water heater is in the attic? I have a two story house about 3,700 sq. ft. I have two 50 gallon water heater tanks in the attic. I takes about 4 min. to get hot water to the kitchen because it is so far away from the water heaters. The kitchen is on the opposite side of the house and of course on the first floor. There is also about a 4 min. wait to get hot water in an upstairs bathroom that is right above the kitchen. There are 3 other bathrooms and a laundry room on the other side of the house that get hot water in about 30 - 40 sec. I need to know if this system will have enough pressure to work because I have very long pipe runs.