20 Most Recent Laing Thermotech Autocirc Undersink Instant Hot Water Circulating System Questions & Answers

If you have the same Autocirc product I have, then it cannot be taken apart. The timer seems to be connected and sealed together with the pump. If yours is different, answer back with the wires that you can see and we'll see if the timer can be by-passed.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-recirculation-system.html

With the ordinary Grunfos-type pump that is not on a timer, you can add a switch and have the pump work on demand as you describe.

And they make a product that does the specific job you describe. It's called a Demand Pump. Link above shows two different types at page bottom.

I have not tested either Demand Pump shown. They operate on-demand ... when you activate the pump, the pump quickly brings water over from the hot water heater.

So the Demand Pump has a higher volume pump than the Autocirc or Grunfos.

I question a two things about the Demand Pump. 1) How will the increased pump pressure affect local pipes, especially supply tubes under a sink. 2) How HOT does the pump get? If pump gets hot, and it is located under bathroom sink next to paper goods, then that is a hazard. Some regional building codes don't allow ceiling light bulbs in closets because the bulbs get hot and start fires when people pack their closets full.

Following link has general troubleshooting: http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/Troubleshoot-recirculation.pdf If I had to guess... debris is blocking the rotor. Disassemble connections and see if you can flush pump. Gene Water Heater Timers Save Money If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Crossover valve went bad There is no replacement part http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-recirculation-system.html Gene If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

If the built-in check valve is bad, then circulation pump will not perform the job http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-recirculation-system.html Unlike other brands, there is not a replacement crossover valve for laing Gene If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-recirculation-system.html#laing Gene If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-recirculation-system.html http://waterheatertimer.org/Crossover.html Gene h If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Hello Mr Johnson.I will help. I am timer expert at fixya. Fixya answers question. We are not home depot or warranty carrier for grunfos.Here are some ideas:1) Buy another pump at home depot and return defect in new package2) Talk to manager at Home Depot.3) Check if outlet has power. Plug recirc pump into different outlet.4) Check if override lever is set to OFF, because pump will not run when lever is in OFF position: Here is photo I took showing positions for lever:http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-recirculation-system.html#lever5) These devices are prone to surge event. Nearby lightning strike can burn out any electrical device by energizing wires. The surge can follow any path seemingly random trying to find path down to ground.Add a comment and say what happens.Gene Haynes If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Question posted under autocirc recirculating system.
Unknown if system has been taken apart and cleaned with white vinegar, or if faucets are single-handled.
Open following links to help isolate possible problems.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-recirculation-system.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/Crossover.html

Question not 100% clear.

1) The pump is not working? Does the pump make a noise? if pump is not working full-time, it can cause delay in arrival.
If pump motor is suspect, and outlet has power, then check override switch located on timer. Set override to Timer, move some of the trippers outward, then manually rotate timer dial until pump turns ON.
http://waterheatertimer.org/images/IMG_9325-grundfos-timer-800.jpg
If no noise is detected, or noise stops and starts, or seems strained, or if pump is hot, then pump motor may have burned out.

2) If pump is working, and makes noise like a humming sound, and pump motor is not hot, but hot water is not circulating, then unplug pump so it will not overheat and burn up.
Disassemble the pump and cross-over piece. Clean piping with white vinegar or CLR. Do not soak in CLR or it will damage seals. Rinse parts thoroughly. Reassemble and see if problem is resolved.
If pump is vibrating, then suspects include sediment and/or air inside line, and this can be resolved by cleaning as described. Also install air vent to increase life of pump.

3) Other causes for hot water delay at faucet are crossover.
Crossover can be caused by bad single-handled faucet cartridge, and/or by clogged-or-failed check valve on cross-over piece on grundfos.
This type of problem lets cold water enter hot line, and causes delay in arrival of hot water. Clean-or-replace the grundfos cross-over piece, and replace bad faucet cartridge.
Open following link for testing instructions:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Crossover.html

Resources:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-recirculation-system.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/Troubleshoot-recirculation.pdf

Add a comment for more help.

Take a moment and rate answer for accuracy:
And take advantage of fixya expert assistance live.
For a price, expert works with you while you work on water heater or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

Question not 100% clear.

1) The pump is not working? Does the pump make a noise? if pump is not working full-time, it can cause delay in arrival.
If pump motor is suspect, and outlet has power, then check override switch located on timer. Set override to Timer, move some of the trippers outward, then manually rotate timer dial until pump turns ON.
http://waterheatertimer.org/images/IMG_9325-grundfos-timer-800.jpg
If no noise is detected, or noise stops and starts, or seems strained, or if pump is hot, then pump motor may have burned out.

2) If pump is working, and makes noise like a humming sound, and pump motor is not hot, but hot water is not circulating, then unplug pump so it will not overheat and burn up.
Disassemble the pump and cross-over piece. Clean piping with white vinegar or CLR. Do not soak in CLR or it will damage seals. Rinse parts thoroughly. Reassemble and see if problem is resolved.
If pump is vibrating, then suspects include sediment and/or air inside line, and this can be resolved by cleaning as described. Also install air vent to increase life of pump.

3) Other causes for hot water delay at faucet are crossover.
Crossover can be caused by bad single-handled faucet cartridge, and/or by clogged-or-failed check valve on cross-over piece on grundfos.
This type of problem lets cold water enter hot line, and causes delay in arrival of hot water. Clean-or-replace the grundfos cross-over piece, and replace bad faucet cartridge.
Open following link for testing instructions:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Crossover.html

Resources:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-recirculation-system.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/Troubleshoot-recirculation.pdf

Add a comment for more help.

Take a moment and rate answer for accuracy:
And take advantage of fixya expert assistance live.
For a price, expert works with you while you work on water heater or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

Open water heater drain valve or TP valve to see if unit is producing hot water.
Protect yourself from scalding water.

If water heater is not working, then call service technician, or re-post question on fixya with type of water heater, description of water heater and brand, and what you have done so far to repair problem.

If water heater is working, then you probably have crossover problem at recirculation system check-valve or at single-handle faucet. Or both.
Remove check valve and clean with white vinegar; replace defective single-handle faucet cartridge.
Open following links for resources
http://waterheatertimer.org/Crossover.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-recirculation-system.html

Clean out check valve with CLR calcium-lime-rust and see if functionality is restored.
Problem can also be caused by air bubble inside the line, caught at the check valve. Dissemble and reassemble parts. Install air vent.
Another option is to install direct return line with in-line check valve and air vent.
Parts can also be ordered.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-recirculation-system.html

If pump does not turn on when set to ON, then it sounds like pump has gone bad or timer has gone bad.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-recirculation-system.html

If pump runs but hot water does not show up, then you might have crossover problem:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Crossover.html

Recirculation systems cannot be exposed to hard water, or pump parts clog.

Upvote the help.
And take advantage of fixya expert assistance live.
For a price, expert works with you while you work on water heater or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

It's true, nobody has 100% perfect answer for broken stuff.
Open following link for some autocirc resources:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-recirculation-system.html

If I understand correctly, you removed supply line that connects autocirc pump to the hot water shut off valve.
Buy standard sink supply line at local box store or plumbing supply.
If memory serves, the supply line is 1/2" IP thread that connects to pump and 3/8" Compression fitting that connects to shut off.
You might try using thick-bodied white teflon joint compound to help seal the connection.
I use rectoseal on threaded connections and tubular drain connections to ensure forever seal:
http://waterheatertimer.org/images/rectoseal-006-400.jpg

If brass part of pump is cracked, then autocir may be bad.
I have no idea how to permanently fix a broken brass water fitting, and would suggest replacement at that point.

Upvote the help.
And take advantage of fixya expert assistance live.
For a price, expert works with you while you work on plumbing or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

Move the slide switch to ON.
Open following link for recirculation system resources.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-recirculation-system.html

The recirculation can work on either the timer or the thermostat using slide switch located next to the timer dial.
First of all, look to see if dial is rotating as time passes.
Next look at position of slide switch. If switch is moved to 'timer,' then the timer controls the on-off function for pump.
Move the pins located on timer dial to control on-off times.
If the switch is moved to ON, then the thermostat controls the pump, and turns on until temperature in pipe reaches 94 or 100 degrees F approximately. I forget exact cutoff temp.

Upvote the help.
And take advantage of fixya expert assistance live.
For a price, expert works with you while you work on water heater or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

You have a clog in the water line?
Or a faulty check valve or mixing valve?

Add a comment and say how you fixed the problem, or add more information about size of pipes.
It seems like the cold water is getting into the hot water line somehow. There is no other explanation, as much as I can see from 800+ miles away.
If you have crossover on a single-handled faucet where the cartridge is bad, that can cause this problem.
Slab house can have plumbing in attic. It can be a chore to drop poly pipe down into walls, but it can be done with angle drill. Assuming walls are 8 foot high and pipes can be easily dropped to sink level where the sheetrock is removed and new pipes tied into sinks and tubs.
This kind of DIY project would take a couple weeks working a few hours each night when temps cool off, depending on size of house and number of affected faucets.
I live in Houston on a slab and ran my pipes in the attic when I built the house. Of course I worry about broken pipes collapsing the ceiling and filling the house with water, which happened to lots of homes one year when temps dropped to 4 below. I was in the painting business at that time, which was a boon to business for a few weeks.

Upvote the help.
And take advantage of fixya expert assistance live.
For a price, expert works with you while you work on water heater or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

Open following link for Re-circulation information and resources, including diagram of installation and operation:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-recirculation-system.html

Upvote the help.
And take advantage of fixya expert assistance live.
For a price, expert works with you while you work on autocirc or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

Open following link for Re-circulation information and resources:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-recirculation-system.html

If the unit is getting hot, it may have already slowed and is now spiraling to it end.
Try bleeding air out of water lines, and clean autocirc with CLR calcium lime and rust remover.
Recirculation systems have a built in check valve so cold water side of faucet will work correctly. If this check valve is stuck open or closed, it can affect a lot of things in the plumbing system.
For example, stuck check valve can cause tankless water heater not to operate. It can also cause autocirc pump to overheat.
Lines, or elbows clogged with sediment can also cause same problems with recirculation system. If your system has direct return line to water heater that connects into the water heater drain port, then clog in line can cause overheated pump. Check water flow, check water lines, and clean out autocirc.

Upvote the help.
And take advantage of fixya expert assistance live.
For a price, expert works with you while you work on autocirc or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.