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Question about Laing Thermotech Autocirc Undersink Instant Hot Water Circulating System

1 Answer

I have the AutoCirc fixed thermostat model, and I installed it last fall as part of my bathroom remodel. It worked great for a couple months, but now it does not seem to be functioning at all. I have changed the timer settings, unplugged and re-plugged it, tested the power at the socket, and turned the switch to constant On, and nothing seems to work. Is there something internally in the pump that can be cleaned/fixed/replaced easily or checked?

Posted by mrnix on

1 Answer

Anonymous

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.

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Posted on May 27, 2011

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No hot water from kitchen tap

The hot side of the faucet is most likely plugged with something that came up thru the water system. The average thankless waterheater requires at least 1/2 to 3/4 gpm flow rate for the unit to sense flow and turn on. If there is not enough flow it will not fire and heat the water. Not sure about this particular unit but a few require at least one full gallon per minute flow. So chances are that if you fix the faucet, you fix the hot water issue at the same time
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Getting really hot water to the kitchen but only tepid hot water into the bathroom and ensuite. Do not need to put on the cold tap at all in the bathrooms but you can't hold your hand under the tap in...

If some taps have really hot and others luke warm, then you might have defective mixing valve, check valve, or crossover on single handled faucet.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Crossover.html

Crossover can also cause stacking event. Stacking could be part of puzzle.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Stacking.html

Once crossover or check valve or mixing valve problem is solved, if you have really hot water to some taps, then turn down thermostat to avoid scalding.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-adjust-temperature-on-water-heater.html

Add a comment for more help.
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For some reason, after 5 years, a small leak has developed where the hot water exits the autocirc2 tank when you turn the hot water on. I removed the fixture where the plastic tubing hooks on and the only...

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.

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Recirculation pump goes on even when not timed by timer i.e, it's one during times not set by the timer. My thermostat on my hot water heater is set to "warm" not "hot". So the pump...

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

On a new Autocirc, you can choose between 'Timed' operation or 'Thermostatic' operation using the slide switch located below timer dial.
For Thermostat operation, slide switch to ON.
For Timed operation slide switch to Timer.

This solution assumes system is functional, and the check valve and internal wiring are working. Autocirc is a quality product.

Add a comment with outcome so others with same problem will benefit.

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I have installed a new adjustable thermostat unit (E1-BCANRT1W). Temp is set at 91 deg and I am using the timer. Two time periods are set and the switch is set to timer (not ON). The unit comes on at...

Double check your slide switch.
For timer: set switch to TIMER
For thermostat: set switch to ON
If slide switch does not operate, then Autocirc may be defective

Laing (800) 554-6853
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/Laing-E1-E3-E10-install-instructions.pdf
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/Auto-circ-manual.pdf
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-recirculation-system.html

1) Household AC wiring will not affect the timer.
You can check your outlet using cheap circuit analyzer from home center.
The clock rotates one direction and the pins push small lever down which turns motor on-off.
When the OFF pins pass, the small lever snaps back and the motor turns ON.

I cannot immediately find operation manual for the E-1 model.
Typical ACT303 auto circ manual says following:

2) If timer controlled operation is desired, set timer and move slide switch to TIMER:
Manual says: tabs/pins are outward for ON times.
Another sentence says UPWARD, so I don't know which way the pins are set for sure.
So if you want timer ON for 2 hours, you would set 4 consecutive pins outward or upward.
ON for 6 hours, set 12 consecutive pins outward or upward.
If the timer turns ON in reverse of instructions, then set the pins that way.
Autocirc does not make the timer, they buy timer modules from clock-makers like Grasslin, Intermatic, etc.

3) To operate Autocir thermostatically without the timer, slide switch to ON position.
The clock dial will continue rotating
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I have a Lang Autocirc with timer for 11 years. The past few months water not getting hot I timed how long hot water takes in faucet before \unit by 6' and faucet just after unit and times the same over 2...

Autocirc can be uninstalled and the pipe cleaned out with CLR (calcium lime and rust), otherwise there are no repair parts.
Once the motor begins to slow, it overheats and burns out.
11 years is a good run, so you must have good water or are careful about your water softener.

http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-recirculation-system.html
Using the timer and running Autocirc 1 hour a day costs between $11 and $17 per year to operate.
2 hours a day is $22-34 per year.
This includes pump operation and additional time that water heater operates.

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Where can I get the wiring diagram for the Laing Autocirc? I want to wire in a momentary switch so that when I am ready to get in the shower I hit the switch and the pump runs until the water is warm and...

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.
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I have a laing cirulating pump thats is worhing but now making noise so i took it apart see nothing but it was hot when running so is there any thing i can do to fix before it burns out

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.

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For a price, expert works with you while you work on autocirc or any do-it-yourself project.
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NEED DIAGRAM ON INSTALLING UNDER SINK INSTANT HOT WATER CIRCULATING SYSTEM?

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

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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.
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