How do I connect a circulator pump to a water heater?

Joe Gemmill
by Joe Gemmill

My new water heater has no side tap for a circulator pump. The house is 70+ feet long and the master bath takes several minutes of wasting water to get HOT. I would use a check valve either on the COLD INPUT at the top or put a TEE at the BOTTOM DRAIN COCK. The plumbing forums are all over the map on this one. The pump will be on a timer, with INSULATED 1/2 PEX A (Pro) running back to the master bath, for the circulator loop.

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