How does a hot water return pump work?

The hot water return pipe is brought to the water heater through a pump installed at the water heater drain. The pump is time and aquastat controlled, so I would think during the on periods it would provide backflow protection.

Why does my hot water pump move backwards?

This is fine if the water moves in the direction you want, but counter-productive if thermal cycling causes the water to move backwards (you want the hottest water near the fixtures, and cooler water in the return lines).

How does a hot water recirculating system work?

Basically, hot water rises, so if one side is hotter than the other, the hot water will move to the highest pipes in your house. This is how passive or thermal recirculating systems work.

What kind of check valve does a recirculating pump use?

The internal check valve makes sure that water only flows in the proper direction (from the pump towards to HW heater). Note that many recirculating system pumps have internal check valves. My system uses a Grudfos “UP 10-16 BU/ATLC”, which has an internal valve.

Can a plumber install a hot water recirculating pump?

Some homeowners turn their pump off in the summer to solve the problem. You can have a plumber install a recirculating pump. The best hot water recirculating pump is installed on the water heater, returning unused hot water back to the water heater.

When to turn off the hot water recirculating pump?

The Comfort System brings hot water quickly to regions that take a long time to get hot water. The problem with this option is, due to hot and cold water sharing the same pipe, the water from the cold faucet may be lukewarm or may take time to get cold. Some homeowners turn their pump off in the summer to solve the problem.

The hot water return pipe is brought to the water heater through a pump installed at the water heater drain. The pump is time and aquastat controlled, so I would think during the on periods it would provide backflow protection.

This is fine if the water moves in the direction you want, but counter-productive if thermal cycling causes the water to move backwards (you want the hottest water near the fixtures, and cooler water in the return lines).