[nytimes770]

Recently I started to hear loud noise from water heater area. I confirmed it to be coming from this object connecting the two pipes. This is attached to generic timer. The timer is a general one that sells for less then ten bucks,not one for water heaters specifically.

It's so loud I unplugged it but it appears that is causing water heater to not trigger on although pilot light is on. I get flames to light up by increasing temperature to max.

What are my options? What is the name of this object and how hard is it to replace? I've also included photo of generic timer.

Alternatively, how do I get water heater to function as if that is not attached?

 

[Nealtw]

It looks like a recirculating pump, hot water should still be there but you will have to wait for it to reach the faucet.

 

[Nealtw]

https://www.hvacquick.com/products/...Laing-SM-Series-Hot-Water-Recirculation-Pumps

 

[chandler48]

It looks to be a thermally activated recirculating pump. It has been placed on a timer probably because it shouldn't have been placed on the water heater, but, rather on the furthest sink, where cold water would call for hot until it was satisfied. Just a WAG

 

[nytimes770]

Thank you everyone. That makes sense.

This is fairly new construction. I'm the second owner. I was pleased by how instant the hot water was at all the faucets. I'm willing to live without it. Too bad the part went defective only after a few years.

 

[joed]

I agree. Probably a recirculating pump. Timer is there most likely because you don't need instant hot in the middle of the night and possibly during the day when at work.