Bannerman
Well-Known Member
Luis,
The only reason for connecting the Cold Water supply and Recirculation Return together is when the home is not equipped with a dedicated return line so to utilize the home's cold water distribution lines as the recirculation return path back to the WH. To do this I anticipate you are using a NaviCirc or similar cross-over valve located at the farthest distance from the WH.
While the plumber was correct in installing a check-valve, the check valve was installed at an incorrect location. The correct location is the path between the recirculation return line and the supply line, farther right from where the CV is currently located. See page 12 of the NaviCirc Installation Manual for check valve placement.
https://www.navieninc.com/downloads?accessory=navicirc&type=accessories
As the Recirculation Return port is supplying the inlet to the pump which is then pumping towards the Cold Supply port, recirculation flow will be currently backwards in a short loop from the cold supply line to the recirculation line while the pump is operating and while no hot water is being drawn. A check valve located in the cold supply line after the return line will prevent that reverse flow so all of the pump's output will correctly flow through the home's plumbing as intended.
The only reason for connecting the Cold Water supply and Recirculation Return together is when the home is not equipped with a dedicated return line so to utilize the home's cold water distribution lines as the recirculation return path back to the WH. To do this I anticipate you are using a NaviCirc or similar cross-over valve located at the farthest distance from the WH.
While the plumber was correct in installing a check-valve, the check valve was installed at an incorrect location. The correct location is the path between the recirculation return line and the supply line, farther right from where the CV is currently located. See page 12 of the NaviCirc Installation Manual for check valve placement.
https://www.navieninc.com/downloads?accessory=navicirc&type=accessories
As the Recirculation Return port is supplying the inlet to the pump which is then pumping towards the Cold Supply port, recirculation flow will be currently backwards in a short loop from the cold supply line to the recirculation line while the pump is operating and while no hot water is being drawn. A check valve located in the cold supply line after the return line will prevent that reverse flow so all of the pump's output will correctly flow through the home's plumbing as intended.
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