Watts Recirculating Pump Install: Shockingly Simple!

Installing a Watts Recirculating Pump: Shockingly Simple!

Installing a Watts recirculating pump might sound intimidating, but with the right preparation and guidance, it’s a project most homeowners can tackle. This guide breaks down the process of installing watts recirculating pump to make it clear, simple, and safe.

Understanding the Benefits and Types of Watts Recirculating Pumps

Before you begin, it’s crucial to understand why you’re installing a recirculating pump and which type is best for your needs. Recirculating pumps solve the problem of waiting for hot water at your faucets and showers. They work by constantly circulating hot water through your pipes, ensuring hot water is readily available.

Benefits of a Recirculating Pump

• Instant Hot Water: Eliminates the wait, saving you time and water.
• Water Conservation: Reduces the amount of water wasted while waiting for hot water to arrive.
• Cost Savings: Less water waste translates to lower water bills.
• Convenience: Provides a more comfortable and efficient living experience.

Types of Watts Recirculating Pumps

Watts offers various recirculating pump models. The best choice depends on your plumbing system and hot water usage habits. Common types include:

• Comfort Series: Ideal for smaller homes and shorter pipe runs.
• Premier Series: Designed for larger homes and longer pipe runs.
• On-Demand Pumps: Activated by a button or sensor, delivering hot water only when needed.

When selecting a pump, consider the distance between your water heater and the furthest fixture requiring hot water. Refer to the Watts product specifications for recommended pipe lengths and flow rates.

Pre-Installation Checklist: Gathering Your Tools and Materials

Proper preparation is key to a successful installation. Before you begin installing watts recirculating pump, gather all the necessary tools and materials.

Essential Tools

• Adjustable wrenches (various sizes)
• Pipe cutter
• Screwdrivers (Phillips head and flathead)
• Pliers
• Teflon tape (plumber’s tape)
• Measuring tape
• Bucket and towels (for catching water)
• Safety glasses

Necessary Materials

• Watts recirculating pump kit (including pump, bypass valve (if required), and mounting hardware)
• Flexible supply lines (if needed, depending on your existing plumbing)
• Pipe fittings (couplings, elbows, tees) as needed
• Shut-off valves (optional, but recommended for future maintenance)

It’s helpful to create a physical checklist, marking off each item as you gather it. This ensures you won’t have to interrupt the installation process to search for missing parts.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

This guide assumes a basic installation on a tank-style water heater. Installation procedures may vary slightly depending on your specific pump model and plumbing configuration. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions included with your Watts recirculating pump.

1. Safety First: Turn Off Power and Water

• Turn off the power to your water heater at the circuit breaker. This is crucial to prevent electrical shock.
• Turn off the cold water supply to your water heater. This is usually a valve located on the cold water inlet pipe.

2. Drain Some Water from the Water Heater

• Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater.
• Run the hose to a floor drain or outside.
• Open the drain valve and allow several gallons of water to drain. This will relieve pressure in the system and prevent a large mess during the installation.

3. Identify the Cold Water Inlet and Hot Water Outlet

• The cold water inlet is typically located on the top of the water heater and is marked with "Cold" or "Inlet."
• The hot water outlet is also typically located on the top of the water heater and is marked with "Hot" or "Outlet."

4. Installing the Pump

The exact method will vary slightly depending on the pump model, but generally follows these steps:

• Remove existing flexible line/pipe: Disconnect the existing flexible line or pipe from the hot water outlet on the water heater. Use a wrench to loosen the connection and be prepared for some residual water to spill.
• Install the pump: Attach the recirculating pump to the hot water outlet of the water heater. Use Teflon tape on the threads to ensure a watertight seal. Tighten the connection securely with a wrench.
• Connect the return line (if applicable): Some models require a return line to be connected to the cold water inlet or a nearby cold water line. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper connection. This may involve using pipe fittings to create a suitable connection point.

5. Install the Bypass Valve (If Required)

Some Watts recirculating pump kits include a bypass valve designed to be installed under the sink furthest from the water heater. The bypass valve allows cold water to mix with hot water, creating circulation.

• Locate the furthest sink: Identify the sink that takes the longest to receive hot water.
• Install the bypass valve: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the bypass valve under the sink. This typically involves cutting the hot and cold water supply lines and inserting the valve.

6. Restore Water and Power

• Open the cold water supply valve to refill the water heater.
• Check for leaks at all connections. Tighten any connections that are leaking.
• Turn the power back on to the water heater at the circuit breaker.

7. Test the System

• Run hot water at various fixtures in your home.
• Monitor the temperature to ensure the recirculating pump is working correctly and delivering hot water quickly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful installation, issues can arise. Here are some common problems and how to address them.

No Hot Water

• Check the power supply: Ensure the pump is receiving power.
• Verify the pump is running: Listen for the pump to be operating.
• Inspect the bypass valve: Make sure the bypass valve is properly adjusted (if applicable).

Leaks

• Tighten connections: The most common cause of leaks is loose connections. Use a wrench to tighten any leaking connections.
• Replace Teflon tape: If tightening the connection doesn’t stop the leak, remove the fitting, apply fresh Teflon tape, and re-tighten.

Pump is Noisy

• Air in the system: Air can cause the pump to make noise. Bleed the air from the system by opening a hot water faucet until the noise stops.
• Pump malfunction: If the noise persists, the pump may be faulty and require replacement.

Plumbing Diagrams and Schematics

Refer to the official Watts website and included documentation for specific plumbing diagrams and schematics related to your chosen model of recirculating pump. These visual aids can be invaluable during the installing watts recirculating pump process. The diagrams will show the correct placement of components and proper flow directions.

So, you’ve tackled installing watts recirculating pump – awesome! Hopefully, that wasn’t as daunting as you initially thought. Now you can enjoy instant hot water, save some water, and pat yourself on the back for a job well done!