[thehvacguy]

Hi, our apartment building is having hot water issues. Some apartments including mine have 50 degree water coming out of the hot side. I replaced the recirculating pump and the return temp is still 50. My question is do you think that the pipes being pex in a crawlspace under the apartments cool to 50 with the pump going or should I look for a bad mixing valve somewhere? It's probably about 0-5 degrees outside but I know the pump is working. It's the same temperature in the crawlspace as it is outside. Any suggestions?

 

[joecaption]

Drain some water out of the bottom if the tank to see it's it's hot.

 

[TheEplumber]

It's 5 degrees in the crawl and you still have running water?

 

[Lightfoot]

It's 5 degrees in the crawl and you still have running water?

my thought too E

that has to be a record for LA

 

[jeffnc]

Some apartments including mine have 50 degree water coming out of the hot side. I replaced the recirculating pump and the return temp is still 50. My question is do you think that the pipes being pex in a crawlspace under the apartments cool to 50 with the pump going or should I look for a bad mixing valve somewhere?

Not sure exactly what your problem is or even exactly what your question is, but if your question is if PEX is causing your low water temperature, the answer is definitely not.

 

[joecaption]

Might want to check if the water heater is even working.

 

[DannyT]

i assume that this is a circulator for domestic hot water. i would check the check valve on the recirculating line. if it is stuck open when you open a faucet it will pull water from the bottom of the tank depending on pressure drops on the lines. we always used a spring check on recirculating lines.

 

[thehvacguy]

i assume that this is a circulator for domestic hot water. i would check the check valve on the recirculating line. if it is stuck open when you open a faucet it will pull water from the bottom of the tank depending on pressure drops on the lines. we always used a spring check on recirculating lines.

How do you check a check valve??