Automatic Domestic Hot Water Balancing
Unlike a conventional domestic hot water balancing valve that relies on a manually adjusted flow setting, CircuitSolver® uses temperature-based control. This automatic balancing valve responds directly to water temperature and adjusts recirculation flow as system conditions change.
This eliminates manual balancing while keeping each branch or riser at its specified temperature.
This is a temperature solution to a temperature problem.
Learn more about Domestic Hot Water BalancingCircuitSolver® Advantages
- Hot Water Availability – Keeps hot water in the branch or riser to reduce wait times.
- Smaller Recirculation Pumps – Lower return-line flow can eliminate the need to oversize recirculation pumps while reducing unnecessary circulation and associated heat loss.
- Reduced Piping Erosion – Lower return-line velocity helps minimize erosion of piping, valves, and fittings.
- Water Conservation – Reduces water sent down the drain while users wait for hot water.
- Corrosion-Resistant Construction – Stainless-steel valve body and internal components provide corrosion resistance.
- High-Thrust Thermal Actuator – Helps keep the valve orifice free of debris.
- Installation Flexibility – Multiple valve, assembly, connection, and monitoring configurations support different system requirements.
Proven Thermostatic Control
ThermOmegaTech® invented CircuitSolver®, the market’s first thermostatic balancing valve for domestic hot water systems. CircuitSolver® has been installed for more than 14 years, backed by over 40 years of ThermOmegaTech® experience designing and manufacturing thermostatic valves and actuators.
See CircuitSolver® in Action
Review case studies showing how CircuitSolver® has reduced balancing time, improved hot water availability, and addressed recirculation challenges in retrofits and new installations.
View Case StudiesTypical Applications
CircuitSolver® is used in new construction and retrofit domestic hot water recirculation systems in hospitals, healthcare facilities, hotels, schools and universities, multifamily and high-rise buildings, and other commercial facilities.
View CircuitSolver InstallationsSpec It. Install It. Forget It.
Select the CircuitSolver® configuration and set point for your domestic hot water system.
Technical Details
CircuitSolver® Resources
Product Literature
Specification & Installation
Design Files
Additional Resources
Certifications & Compliance – H2
- NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 & 372 Certified
- Buy America Act / BABAA compliance
- Compliant with Section 1417(d) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
- Supports efforts toward LEED Certification
Technical Specifications
| Description | Specification* |
|---|---|
| Valve Sizes | 1/2″ through 2″ NPT |
| Fixed Set Points | 100°F to 140°F in 5°F increments |
| Maximum Working Pressure | 200 PSIG (14 BAR) |
| Maximum Working Temperature | 250°F (121°C) |
| Valve Construction | 300-series stainless steel |
| Union Seal | Buna-N O-ring |
| Check Valve | Glass-Filled Noryl |
| Isolation Ball Valves | Lead-free brass |
| PT Isolation Ball Valves | Lead-free, full-port brass |
| Y Strainer | #20 mesh; lead-free brass |
| Drain Valve | Webstone® full-port, lead-free forged brass |
| Connection Options | Viega® ProPress® and Uponor ProPEX® |
| Thermometer Range | 50°F to 300°F (10°C to 149°C) |
*Configuration and option availability varies by valve size and assembly.
How CircuitSolver® Works
CircuitSolver® is installed at the end of each hot water branch or riser, downstream of the last fixture and before the return. The valve contains a Thermoloid® wax thermal actuator that responds to water temperature and automatically modulates flow to maintain the specified set point at the end of the line.
At system startup, CircuitSolver® is fully open to establish recirculation flow. As the water in the branch or riser approaches the valve’s set point, the valve begins to close. CircuitSolver® remains in its closed* position, directing recirculation flow toward branches or risers that still require hot water. If the water temperature falls below the set point, the valve reopens to increase circulation. Once the set point is restored, the valve modulates back toward its closed* position.
Because each valve responds independently to conditions in its branch or riser, recirculation flow is directed where it is needed as hot water demand changes throughout the system.
*CircuitSolver® never fully closes. A small bypass flow is maintained to the return to prevent the recirculation pump from dead-heading.
CircuitSolver® Flow Performance
CircuitSolver® modulates flow as water temperature approaches the valve set point. The chart below shows performance across operating positions, from high Cv in the open position to controlled minimum flow near the set point.
CircuitSolver® Configurations
Valve Configurations
| Configuration | Includes | Installation Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| CircuitSolver® (CS) | Standalone thermostatic hot water return balancing valve | Provides flexibility for installations where surrounding system components are specified separately. |
| CircuitSolver® Union (CSU) | Integrated union with O-ring and optional check valve | Reduces field-installed components and potential leak points. |
| CircuitSolver® Union Assembly (CSUA) | Union with O-ring, optional check valve, and isolation ball valves | Factory-assembled package reduces field-installed components and labor. |
| CircuitSolver® Union Assembly with PT Ports (CSUA-PT) | Union with O-ring, optional check valve, and isolation ball valves with pressure and temperature test ports | Provides access for pressure and temperature measurements during system testing and troubleshooting. |
| CircuitSolver® Union Assembly with Webstone® Drain Valve (CSUA-WDV) | Union with O-ring, optional check valve, one isolation ball valve and one Webstone® drain valve | Simplifies system draining, flushing, and maintenance without disassembly. |
| CircuitSolver® Union Assembly with Strainer (CSUAS) | Union with O-ring, optional check valve, isolation ball valves, and integrated #20-mesh strainer | Adds particulate protection while reducing field-installed components. |
Connection & Monitoring Options
Viega® ProPress® Connections
Available on any CircuitSolver® configuration for integration into ProPress piping systems. Viega® Smart Connect Technology helps identify unpressed connections, supporting faster installation and system startup.
Uponor ProPEX® Connections
Available on any CircuitSolver® configuration for installations using ProPEX® expansion-type PEX piping. ProPEX connections reduce the number of piping connections and eliminate the need for torches, glues, gauges, solder, or calibration during installation.
Thermometer Assembly
Provides an easy-to-read dial for in-line temperature verification. The assembly can be integrated with any CircuitSolver® configuration or purchased separately for new or existing installations. Measures water temperatures from 50°F to 300°F (10°C to 149°C).
Integrated connection and monitoring configurations are assembled and tested before shipment to reduce field assembly requirements.
Build Your CircuitSolver® Model
Select the valve configuration, line size, temperature set point, and applicable connection or accessory options to build the model number.
Related Products
| Product Title | Industry | Application | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CircuitSolver® Thermal Disinfection Balancing Valve | Commercial Plumbing | Domestic Hot Water Balancing, Thermostatic Balancing |