What is this?

[Steve A. Rinner]

I saw this installed on a water heater. First thought is it was a curculating pump. Something does not look normal. any ideas?

[Michael Larson]

Yes it is a circulating pump.

[Ricky K. Kie]

I have seen people use Hot water heaters as boilers and someone told me a couple weeks ago that they seen one that had a coil in it with fittings for BB hot water. I have never seen one though.

[Russell J. Hensel]

appears to be a recirculation pump. But remember there are certain ways these are to be installed...You can't just put them in any old way...look a tthe make and then research it if possible. The wiring sure as heaven doesn't look normal.

[Jack L. Gilleland]

HW circulating pump. No insulating unions and very clean joints, surprize, surprize.