User Guide

In some buildings, an example recirculation system is shown below:
Multiple hot and cold water risers are supplied from common hot and cold water mains. The
number and type of xtures served by each set of risers will often be dierent. A recirculation
riser accompanies each set of hot and cold risers. A single circulator provides recirculation ow
through the entire system.
This type of piping network is similar to a 2-pipe direct return distribution system for hydronic
heating. Because of dierences in the lengths or sizes of both the main piping and riser piping,
the recirculation ow through each set of risers is likely to be dierent. This can lead to dierent
temperature drops between the beginning of a given hot water riser and the end of its associated
return riser. This may cause the hot water temperature arriving at a distant xture to be insucient
for the intended usage.
This situation can be corrected by “balancing” the recirculation ow between the various sets
of risers. The goal of such balancing is to establish recirculation ow rates that create equal
temperature drop between the start of each hot water riser and the end of its associated return
(recirculation) riser.
Balancing is enabled with the QuickSetter+ ™ 132X38AFC, balancing valve with flow meter, tempe-
rature gauge and check valve, near the end of each return riser. These valves are 0.25% max. lead
brass, certied to 2014 lead plumbing law by IAPMO, rated for contact with potable water.
The QuickSetter+ ™ 132X38AFC includes a check valve so when installed as shown near the end of
each recirculation riser to prevent reverse ow. Also, when the risers are vertical, as shown, the
recirculation pipe should tee into the hot water riser below the nal xture take o. This allows any
air bubbles that may be present in the hot water riser to leave each time hot water is drawn at the
highest xture.
Application: Balanced recirculating systems