Bradford White Heat Trap and Recirculation Pumps

[BrennanPersonal]

I have a Laing recirculation pump at the end of my hot water line under a sink. The pump has failed. New Laings are north of 700.00 so that's out. Recirculation pumps at the top of water heater seem a good bet, but I am warned they won't work with a heat trap. So my questions are:
1. Is this correct?
2. Is there a remedy?
3. Can I remove the heat trap from my 2019 Bradford White 50 Gallon Tall water heater.

Thanks for any answer or recommendation.
Mike Brennan

 

[WorthFlorida]

Heat traps will block water flow if the recirculated water is in the reverse direction. However, that is usually not the case with a HW recirculated.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[LLigetfa]

As mentioned, traps should only stop reverse flow and that should not happen. A popular way to plumb in passive (convection) recirc loops is to use the the drain port for the return. Even then, a check valve is used on the return.

 

[Jadnashua]

A tempering valve may produce more issues. At least one of them has an inlet for recirculation that I've seen. Since you're not using hot water when recirculating, there's no flow from the cold side to replenish the tank, and the tempering valve is trying to cool the water you're pushing out into the hot line, but can't unless you have that port.

But, as was said, pushing hot water out the hot line shouldn't be hindered by the hot water heat trap. Pushing the return line into the WH via the cold line is the normal flow direction, too. If the cold heat trap isn't working well, you might get some flow out both the hot and cold lines if you use the drain line as your inlet for recirc.

 

[BrennanPersonal]

I enjoyed reading the conversation between you experts. I think I understand what you are saying: Go ahead and install the pump.
Correct?