Patent ID: 7475703

Claim:
A water pump and bypass valve sub-system for use in a water circulating system, the sub-system comprising: a thermostatically controlled bypass valve configured to be located proximate a fixture in the water circulating system, the valve comprising: a housing having a hot water port and a cold water port, the hot water port being configured to communicate with a hot water supply line, the cold water port being configured to communicate with a cold water supply line, the housing having a fluid path permitting recirculating flow between the hot and cold water ports; and a thermal actuator disposed within the housing, the thermal actuator changing state when heated and when cooled to block and permit recirculating flow based on a temperature of the thermal actuator; and a water pump configured to be located in the water circulation system remote from the fixture, the pump being configured to pump water through the water circulating system to the bypass valve.