1. Introduction
The Watts Heat H2O Hot Water Recirculation System is designed to provide instant hot water to your faucets and showers, eliminating the wait and reducing water waste. This system utilizes thermal bypass technology, employing a pump at the water heater and a thermostatically controlled sensor valve under the sink. This creates a pressure differential, allowing cool water to return to the water heater via the cold water supply line, ensuring hot water is always available at your fixtures.
This quiet and efficient system is engineered for easy DIY installation into existing plumbing, requiring no return line or additional electricity under the sink. Once installed, it operates with minimal maintenance. The integrated programmable timer allows for customized operation, further enhancing efficiency and savings.
Note: This system is not designed for tankless water heaters. For indoor use only.
2. Safety Information
Please read and understand all instructions and safety warnings before installing or operating this product. Failure to follow these instructions may result in property damage, personal injury, or death.
- Always turn off the main water supply and power to the water heater before beginning installation or maintenance.
- Ensure all connections are secure and leak-free to prevent water damage.
- This product operates on 120V. Ensure proper electrical connections and grounding.
- Do not attempt to modify the system or its components. Use only Watts Premier approved parts.
- Keep children and pets away from the installation area.
- This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all components are present before beginning installation:
- Hot Water Recirculation Pump with 10 ft cord
- Sensor Valve
- 2 Adapters with rubber washers
- Valve Mounting Screws
- Two 12-inch Supply Lines
4. Setup and Installation
The Watts Heat H2O system is designed for straightforward DIY installation. It connects to your existing plumbing without requiring a dedicated return line or additional electrical outlets under the sink.
4.1. System Overview
The system consists of two main parts: the circulation pump, which connects to your water heater, and the sensor valve, which installs under the sink at the fixture furthest from the water heater. The sensor valve detects when the water in the hot water line cools and signals the pump to circulate this cooler water back to the water heater through the cold water line, ensuring hot water is readily available.
4.2. Installation Steps
- Prepare the Area: Turn off the main water supply to your home and the power to your water heater. Drain a small amount of water from the hot water heater to relieve pressure.
- Install the Pump: Locate the hot water outlet on your water heater. Install the Watts Heat H2O pump directly onto this outlet. Ensure all connections are tight to prevent leaks. The pump is designed to be quiet and efficient.
- Install the Sensor Valve: Identify the faucet furthest from your water heater. Under this sink, connect the sensor valve between the hot and cold water supply lines using the provided adapters and supply lines. The sensor valve is thermostatically controlled and will open to allow cool water to return to the cold water line when the hot water temperature drops below 98°F.
- Connect Power: Plug the pump's 10 ft cord into a standard 120V electrical outlet.
- Restore Water and Power: Slowly turn the main water supply back on and check for leaks. Once confirmed, restore power to your water heater.
For detailed visual instructions, refer to the included installation guide or visit the Watts Premier support website.
5. Operating Instructions
The Watts Heat H2O Hot Water Recirculation System is designed for simple operation, primarily managed by its built-in programmable timer.
5.1. Programmable Timer
The pump features a 24-hour dial with quarter-hour division tabs and AM/PM indications. This allows you to customize the system's operation to align with your household's hot water usage patterns.
- Setting the Timer: Rotate the outer dial to set the current time. Push in the tabs corresponding to the times you want the pump to operate. Each tab represents 15 minutes.
- Continuous Operation: For continuous hot water availability, you can set the timer to run 24 hours a day.
- Peak Use Times: To maximize energy and water savings, program the pump to activate only during periods of high hot water demand (e.g., mornings and evenings).
5.2. Water and Energy Savings
By providing instant hot water, the system significantly reduces the amount of water wasted while waiting for the tap to heat up. This can lead to substantial savings, potentially up to 12,000-15,000 gallons of water per year and a reduction in your water bill.
6. Maintenance
The Watts Heat H2O Hot Water Recirculation System is designed to be maintenance-free once properly installed. Regular inspection of connections for leaks is recommended. No routine servicing or part replacement is typically required under normal operating conditions.
7. Troubleshooting
If you experience issues with your Watts Heat H2O system, consider the following common solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No instant hot water | Pump not running; Timer not set correctly; Sensor valve malfunction; Air in the system. | Check power connection to pump; Verify timer settings; Inspect sensor valve for obstructions; Bleed air from the hot water line by running the faucet. |
| Pump is noisy | Air in the pump; Loose mounting. | Ensure system is fully purged of air; Check pump mounting for secure attachment. |
| Water is lukewarm from cold tap | Normal operation due to recirculation; Sensor valve not closing completely. | This is a common characteristic of recirculation systems. If excessive, check sensor valve for debris or malfunction. |
| Leaks at connections | Loose fittings; Damaged washers. | Tighten connections; Replace rubber washers if damaged. |
If the problem persists after attempting these solutions, please contact Watts Premier customer support.
8. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Watts Premier |
| Model Number | Q419 |
| Part Number | 0955805 |
| Product Dimensions | 8.3"L x 7.8"W x 7.8"H |
| Item Weight | 6.6 pounds (3 Kilograms) |
| Material | Aluminum, Stainless Steel (Pump Head), Brass (Handle Material) |
| Power Source | Corded Plug |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Maximum Flow Rate | 3.4 Gallons Per Minute |
| Mounting Type | Wall Mount (for pump) |
| UPC | 098268557169 |
9. Warranty and Support
9.1. Product Warranty
The Watts Heat H2O Hot Water Recirculation System comes with a 3-Year Warranty, providing peace of mind regarding the product's quality and performance. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
9.2. Extended Protection Plans
Additional protection plans are available for purchase to extend coverage beyond the standard warranty period:
- 3-Year Protection Plan
- 4-Year Protection Plan
- Complete Protect: One plan covers all eligible past and future purchases.
For more details on extended protection, please refer to the product's purchase page or contact your retailer.
9.3. Customer Support
For technical assistance, warranty claims, or any questions regarding your Watts Heat H2O Hot Water Recirculation System, please contact Watts Premier Customer Support:
- Website: www.watts.com
- Phone: Refer to Watts Premier official website for current contact numbers.
When contacting support, please have your product model number (Q419) and part number (0955805) ready.
