A: Start with one valve at the farthest high-use fixture. Two valves can cause extra crossover and warmer \u201ccold\u201d water.<\/strong><\/p>\n NaviCirc is a \u201ccrossover\u201d style valve.<\/p>\n It connects hot and cold under one sink.<\/p>\n It uses the cold line as a return path.<\/p>\n This can cut the wait for hot water.<\/p>\n It can also warm the cold line for a short time.<\/p>\n The valve shuts down as it warms up.<\/p>\n That helps limit heat bleed into the cold line.<\/p>\n It depends on your exact Navien model.<\/p>\n Some Navien \u201cA\u201d models have a built-in pump.<\/p>\n Those models can run recirculation without an extra pump.<\/p>\n Other models may need an external recirculation pump.<\/p>\n This is common on units without an internal pump.<\/p>\n It is also common on non-Navien heaters.<\/p>\n Pick a pump made for domestic hot water.<\/p>\n Use bronze or stainless steel materials for potable water.<\/p>\n Avoid cast-iron pumps on drinking water lines.<\/p>\n Size the pump for your loop and fittings.<\/p>\n The NaviCirc valve is a low-flow device.<\/p>\n It is meant to pass about 0.5 to 1.0 GPM.<\/p>\n Use the NaviCirc manual specs as your baseline.<\/p>\n It calls for a pump with about 15 to 23 feet of max head.<\/p>\n That helps the valve work as intended.<\/p>\n Here are two example pump families to compare.<\/p>\n Match the pump to your pipe size and layout.<\/p>\n Also, match your power and control method.<\/p>\n Many owners prefer on-demand control.<\/p>\n This can save energy and reduce cold-line warming.<\/p>\n NaviCirc works best at the farthest fixture.<\/p>\n That usually gives the best whole-home coverage.<\/p>\n But your farthest fixture may be low use.<\/p>\n So pick the farthest fixture you use often.<\/p>\n In many homes, that is the master bath sink.<\/p>\n This keeps your daily wait time low.<\/p>\n It also keeps the guest side simpler.<\/p>\n If the guest bath is rarely used, one valve is enough.<\/p>\n If you need faster hot water in two zones, consider demand control.<\/p>\n Demand systems run only when you ask for hot water.<\/p>\n Pipe length matters more than house length.<\/p>\n Turns, tees, and valves add friction loss.<\/p>\n Navien also lists equivalent length limits in the manual.<\/p>\n That is one reason to keep the loop simple.<\/p>\n First, confirm if your Navien has a built-in pump.<\/p>\n If it does, you may not need an external pump.<\/p>\n If you do need a pump, use bronze or stainless.<\/p>\n Then place one valve at the farthest high-use fixture.<\/p>\n Use demand control if you want tighter control.<\/p>\n I’m Chris Mayer, writing for Plumbing 101<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"What the NaviCirc valve really does<\/h2>\n
![\"NaviCirc](\"https:\/\/plumbing101.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/NaviCirc-Setup-Do-You-Need-an-Extra-Pump-300x200.png\")
Do you really need an external pump?<\/h2>\n
How to choose an external recirculation pump<\/h2>\n
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Where to install the valve in a long ranch home<\/h2>\n
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One more sizing detail to remember<\/h2>\n
Bottom line<\/h2>\n