Recirculating lines and pipe insulation

[kevlon]

Hello all,

Can anyone tel me how they insulate a hot water recirc line for potable water?

does just the return line need to be insulated, or should you insulate the 3/4 hot water feed line from the water heater through all the branches ?

Also, what do you think is best for controlling the pump? ie; a temperature activation as opposed to a timer?

Thanks in advance, and any and all replys are appreciated!

Kevin

[craig judd]

Just in case you are still in-need of this info......

A)Usually,when running a hot return line back to the heater its best to insulate the entire loop.Just plan on covering all your hot side main with exceptions of where the lines "tee" off to the fixtures,(which is usually only a couple of feet. B)Just use a simple house type of timer.The ones that control your lights while on vacation work very well provided you get one that can accomodate at least 2 settings per day.