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(More customer reviews)Read all the way to the end - where I talk about the problems with the valve, but first.....
Here is how the system works.
This is an automatic heat regulating water valve.
You connect it under your sink.
There are four connections.
1. To Hot water valve
2. To cold water valve
3. To hot water side of faucet
4. To Cold water side of faucet.
This valve connects your hot water to your cold water. Hot water flows into the cold water line and goes back to the water heater. When the water reaches about 95 degrees at the cold water side, the valve closes.
I don't mind having the cold water at 95 degrees all the time. It would be nice to have the hot water coming out of the tap at higher than 95 degree immediately, but that is a limitation of the valve. Once the water reaches 95 degrees the flow stops and the hot water side doesn't get any hotter until you turn the tap on. Your hot water will start out warm but not hot. It will reach it's highest temperature quicker because it is already part way there.
This is a great product for getting your shower warm quicker.
However, you will need to adjust the temperature of the shower as the hot water line continues to warm up and the cold water line cools off. Less hot and more cold to keep the temperature constant.
I knew all of this and I was fine with it.
My main interest was getting hot water to my dishwasher, and unfortunately, this only gets WARM water to the dishwasher. By the time the water gets HOT, the dishwasher is already full of warm water. As far as I know, dishwashers today will start the wash cycle before the water reaches a high enough temperature even if you have the dishwasher set to increase the temperature.
NOW - HERE IS THE BIG PROBLEM WITH THIS VALVE - They stop working. They get stuck in the open position. That means that Hot water flows continuously through the Hot AND Cold water pipes. My hot water is set to well above 150 degree. SO, with a failed valve, my cold water is coming out of the tap at over 150 degrees!!!!
This solves the dishwasher issue, but now instead of waiting for HOT water, I have to wait for COLD water.
This isn't an isolated problem. I have had 4 of these valves stick open each within just a few months. I am a journeyman pipefitter, and there is no way to repair these valves. They are molded together, and there are no rebuild kits.
Now, I am considering a solution for MY installation. The pump has a built in timer. I am thinking about having it come on only once nightly for the dishwasher. Of course I'll have to schedule dishwashing.
If Watts would come up with a better valve, one that can be rebuilt and have a temperature adjustment control, this would be a better solution.
As it is, these valves have a good chance of failing. It's probably due to minerals in the water. If you have soft water, this may not be a problem for you.
Finally - in my situation, I don't even NEED the valve, I only need a couple of tees and a pump with a timer, but since the valve has failed open, I'll just stick with that. Worst part is, I am selling this home and I'll need to either explain it to the new owners or remove the system when I sell.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Watt'S Sensor Valve Kit for Hot Water Recirculating Pump (0955801)
Sold as each. Use with recirculating pump SKU #4237186. Kit includes sensor (thermal by-pass) valve and (2) 12" supply lines with 3/8"C x 1/2" FIP fittings. Additional sensor valve for branched hot water systems. Manufacturer number: 0955801. Country of origin: United States. Distributed by Anderson Barrows.
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