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February 27, 2006
Hot Water circulation problems?
Hi, I live in a 20-unit self-managed coop. We replaced our water heater 2 months ago - we got the same AO Smith model/size as we had before - and ever since then it has taken FOREVER for hot water to get to apartments (at least 3 minutes until it runs hot, whereas before it took far under a minute). Once the hot water arrives it is plenty hot - scalding even. This is happening in all apartments on all floors. Is there something our plumber could have overlooked during the installation or setup that is causing this distribution delay? What temperature should we be setting the unit at? Any advice much appreciated!
Comments
Any chance you have a recirculation pump which has been inadvertantly cut out of the system with the replacement?
Posted by: Anonymous at February 27, 2006 5:34 PM
Checking for the recirculation pump is definitely the first thing you should do. If it is in place, check that it's running if you can.
The most common reason for lack of flow through a recirculation line is improper piping.
Check to see that the outlet of the pump is connected to the cold water on the heater.
To further complicate matters, you may have a mixing valve to temper the water in your multi-family building. Mixing valves and recirc lines spell trouble unless piped EXACTLY as the valve manufacturer specifies in their literature.
Hope this helps.
- Master Plvmber
Posted by: Master Plvmber at February 27, 2006 7:03 PM
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