My Cold Water is Never Cold

I installed a Hot Water Recirculation system in my home. Now my cold water is never cold. What can I do to fix it?

It sounds like you installed a pump and thermostatic pressure differential valve on your hot water pipes. These are often sold as an economical alternative to a real hot water recirculation system. 

A Hot Water Recirculation system ensures hot water is instantly available at any hot water fixture in your home. A good system eliminates the wait for heated water to travel from your water heater to the faucet, saving you time and water. It keeps your hot water hot, and, just as important, it keeps your cold water cold.

Unfortunately many companies sell the pump and metering flow system with the promise that you won't need to install additional piping. A pump at the hot water tank pressurizes the hot water lines, creating a pressure differential between the hot and cold water systems. A metering flow device located at the sink farthest from the tank allows cooling water in the hot water lines to flow into the lower pressure cold water line. This does keep the hot water lines full of hot water, but it also leaks warm water into the cold water lines.

The major drawback of these systems is that your cold water lines are never quite cold. It's also possible you'll be flushing with warm water, and your ice maker will have the added burden of freezing warm water, increasing your electricity bill. 

The fix is simple: Install a correctly designed recirculation system. You'll need to install a hot water return line. This return line runs from the faucet furthest from the hot water tank back to the tank. Next, you remove the pressure differential valve at the furthest sink, and replace it with a tee connected to the hot water return line.  The return line is connected to the cold water line just before it goes into the tank. The recirculation pump is installed in the return line. Valving is installed in the cold water line that prevents water in the return line from entering the cold water lines. This keeps your hot water lines separate from your cold water lines. Your hot water will be instantly ready, and your cold water will be cold.

If you're not comfortable installing the return lines, we can help. We'll design and install a new recirculation system that will actually work. You'll be covered by our 1 year parts and workmanship guarantee, and our No-holes Policy. We'll be in and out before you know it. Most importantly, your hot water will be hot, and your cold water will be cold.

To find out more, call us at 360-435-5929.