Hot water recirculation - valve problem

[Pktaske]

I want to remove the flush spigot on my new hot water heater to connect my recirculation pump return line. However, it's plastic and I'm afraid to really force it with a wrench. I've pushed a bit and its not giving way. I've removed some insulation and it looks like threads in there (i'd be surprised if it wasn;t)Thanks...

 

[Leejosepho]

I had no trouble removing mine so I could connect a recirculation line. But if it might seem easier to connect to the cold line in at the top, that will work just as well.

Either way, be sure to use a gravity-flap check valve in the proper position so water cannot go out into the recirc line.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[hj]

It is screwed in, but sometimes you have to "chop" it out if it breaks when you try to remove it.

 

[Pktaske]

I actually have it running into the cold water line right now and it does not circulate well. My old water heater (replaced 6 months ago) did fine in the current configuration but not this one. Someone suggested running down thru the bottom inlet so thats what I'm going to try.

 

[hj]

If it does not circulate to the top, it will not circulate at the bottom either, unless there is a problem in the piping connections, such as NO check valve before the connection to the cold pipe inlet.

 

[Leejosepho]

I actually have it running into the cold water line right now and it does not circulate well.

Are you using a pump or just depending upon convection?

Edit: Oops. Never mind. I just read your first post again.

 

[MrRedyTemp]

Is the pump sized correctly for the system? A short description of system with pipe lengths / sizes and any head requirements would.

Have you tried calling the manufacturer?

 

[hj]

quote; A short description of system with pipe lengths / sizes and any head requirements would.

Pipe sizes are irrelevent in a pumped recirculation system, and since it is a "balanced" system, the only "head requirement" would relate to friction loss, which is also almost irrelevent in a home system.

 

[Winslow]

When you connected the tank did you bleed the recirculating line adaquately? Sometimes you get an air lock at the pump and the water will not circulate.

 

[Pktaske]

I just wanted to updaet everyone. I sweated a return line through the bottom of the tank (ie-the flush valve hole). Water now heats up in seconds. Must have been an issue with going back thru the cold water line for whatever reason.