Recirculating pump installation question

[naykitop]

I'm in LA County, California. I'd like to replace the recirculating pump on my water heater. I have a dedicated return line already in place. Do I need to have a valve on each side of the pump? Currently I do not, but a plumber I called in to do the job wants to charge me an extra $500 to install two valves and claims it's required to bring it to code.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Jadnashua]

The system does need a check valve to work properly, but I'm not aware of any need for actual shutoffs with its use...but, I'm not a plumber, or in LA, which may have its own unique requirements. It does make it much easier to service if you can isolate it verses having to drain the system. but I cannot see how it would cost that much to install them unless you have a poorly piped installation now.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[hj]

The only valve, other than the check valve, you should need/have is one between the pump and the heater so you can throttle the flow to avoid cavitation and erosion at the elbows in the system.

 

[Dj2]

Call or visit your bldg dept to verify, and if they say yes, call a different plumber.
A valve will make it easier to work on the pump, whenever necessary though.