Patent attributes
A recirculation valve for use with a tankless water heater in a system that includes hot and cold water fixtures and a cold water supply. The recirculation valve includes a valve body having an inlet connection, a pair of outlet connections and an internal chamber; a thermostatic element that is disposed in a first portion of the internal chamber of the valve body and includes an actuation body that is responsive to water temperature; wherein the valve body further has a port opening that is disposed between the thermostatic element and a second portion of the internal chamber; wherein the thermostatic element further includes a piston constructed and arranged to operatively extend from said actuation body when the actuation body is heated, and a plunger that is carried by and is moveably responsive to the actuation body; and whereby, when the actuation body is heated, the valve transitions from an open position to a closed position by the piston moving the actuation body and plunger so that the plunger moves to seal against the port opening of the valve body.
