Frutlait Thermal Bypass Sensor Valve for Hot Water Recirculating Pump Systems, 304 Stainless Steel, Includes 2 × 12" Hoses, 3-Year Warranty

Good Quality Easy to install

I’ve always wondered why Watts and Grundfos thermal bypass valves were plastic, so this metal one is a nice alternative. It’s rated to close the valve at 104°F, while Watts and Grundfos valves close at 95°F. That means it stays open longer, allowing more hot water into the cold line—good for keeping hot water ready but could lead to more mixing. Kind of a trade-off depending on what you prefer! It does come with the lines and hardware, so all you need is a crescent wrench to install it, which is a nice touch.

Comes with a lot of parts and adaptors.

12 inch pipes that came in the kit were literally crunchy on the inside, and the steel braiding showed signs of over bending. Get yourself the longer supply hoses from a box store. The real deal killer was that the valve itself sounds like it has the vibrating heartbeat of a long dead god inside it as it cycles the hot water over to the cold side. No big deal I thought, just take the valve out, check the orings and clearances on the valve piston for abnormal wear. Nothing looked broken, so put it back together and the vibrating has stopped, but now it sings at an audible level in F# as soon as you walk in the bathroom. Not worth the money for the components at all.

Really pleased with my purchase.

Item Reviewed Frutlait - Thermal Bypass Sensor Valve – Compatible with watts 500800, 500805, grundfos UP Comfort & Most Hot Water Recirculating Pumps – 304 SS, Includes 2 x 12" Hoses – 3-Yr Warranty ✅ Save Water ✅ Stainless Steel Body (not plastic) ✅ Easy to install ✅ Automatically shuts off water flow at 104 deg F ❌ No Negative Comments Impressions: Many of these temperature controlled shut-offs have plastic components, so it is nice to see one made using 304 stainless steel. I would expect it to be much more durable. These valves can be susceptible to sediment particles in the water so it is nice to see that it comes with a screen. Was very easy to install between the existing supply valves (under the sink) and the faucet. Came with all necessary parts, no need to purchase extra fittings. Will help to save a lot of water at our house as it took over a minute to get hot water to our bathroom tap prior to installing a hot water re-circulation system.

I have easily DIY-installed this 6.1” (15.5cm) long Sensor Valve ( see photos ) as a stand-alone device under my kitchen sink, at near end-of-run. So far, I have elected to forego installation of the recirculating-type pump typically installed in these instances and I am very happy with the temporary water-mixing results. The normally-open thermal Sensor Valve is designed to close once the water sensed within the hot water line reaches 104° F (40° C) directing all hot water to its’ hot output and preventing hot water from entering the cold water line. With a recirculating pump connected within the hot water lines [ to keep hot water circulating ], once the hot water at the sensor drops to 95° F (35° C) the valve opens, reconnecting the hot and cold lines together causing the cooled-off hot water to push the cold water back to the water heater, while simultaneously drawing hotter-water towards the sensor. Without a circulating pump, a water system at rest will cool and once the hot water at the sensor drops to 95° F (35° C) the valve opens, reconnecting the hot and cold lines together. At rest, little happens, but when any downstream use of cold water occurs in that run (open cold faucet, flush toilet, activate cold water bidet attachment, etc.) the pressure in the cold water line drops and the higher pressure in the the hot water line forces bleed-over siphoning of the currently-not-so-hot water through the thermostatic valve and into the cold water side, thus mixing with, and warming the downstream cold water. In the meantime, very cold water replaces the siphoned hot water at the water heater. Many seconds later, once the very-hot water from the heater reaches the sensor, the valve closes again, fully restoring non-mixed hot and cold to their respective pipes. The benefit for me is near-instant warmer water from the cold faucet and with the additional siphoning effect, choosing to open both cold and hot faucets results in much-quicker arrival of fully-hot water. Can confirm that this Valve kit features; grade 304 stainless steel or chrome-plated brass construction for a longer lifespan; compatible with the use of a separately-sourced recirculating pump; two 12” (30.5cm) long braided PEX food grade supply lines with optional 1/2” threaded adapters for the 3/8” connectors; integrated filter screen; teflon tape, and a metal holding bracket with mounting screws.

Find a better product. The valve is made of metal which is nice but there are too many pieces to be assembled with subpar components. The whole thing just leaks.

As part of the Vine program, I received the Frutlait Thermal Bypass Sensor Valve Kit for evaluation. Installation & Build Quality: The valve itself is constructed from high-quality stainless steel, giving it a solid and sturdy feel. Installation was straightforward, thanks to the included components. However, the supplied hoses felt somewhat flimsy and thin, which raised concerns about their long-term durability. Performance: After installation, there was a noticeable improvement in the speed at which hot water reached the faucets, reducing wait times significantly. This enhancement contributes to water conservation and energy efficiency. Documentation: One area for improvement is the instruction manual. It was quite basic and lacked detailed guidance, which might pose challenges for users unfamiliar with plumbing installations. Overall Impression: The Frutlait Thermal Bypass Sensor Valve performs its primary function effectively, with a robust valve construction. However, the quality of the included hoses and the sparse documentation prevent me from giving it a full five-star rating.

Frutlait Thermal Bypass Sensor Valve I recently swapped out my old plastic bypass valve for the Frutlait Thermal Bypass Sensor Valve, and it's been a great move. Here's my take: Pros: Durability: The stainless steel construction feels robust and reliable. Unlike the plastic versions that tend to degrade over time, this one seems built to last. Performance: It maintains hot water at around 100°F, which means you no longer have to wait for hot water at the tap. This has noticeably reduced water wastage. Installation: All necessary adapters were included, and Teflon tape was even included. Installation was straightforward, and oddly enough, I did not make any trips to the hardware store. Maintenance: None required - Constructed from high-quality 304 stainless steel, this sensor valve is built to withstand corrosion, ensuring durability and long-term performance - 3-year warranty Cons: Cold Water Temperature: I've noticed that the cold water line stays lukewarm for a bit longer than before. It's not a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of. Compatibility: Ensure your system is compatible, especially if you have multiple hot water loops—you might need additional valves. Final Thoughts: Overall, the Frutlait 304 Stainless Steel Sensor Valve has been a worthwhile investment. It addresses the common issues associated with plastic valves and offers a more durable solution. If you're looking to upgrade your hot water recirculation system, this valve is a solid choice.