Hello Wise people,

I have a water softener installed right after the pressure regulator valve (there is one hose before the water softener for plants).

Now I plan to install the Watts hot water recirculation pump on the water heater.

A few questions:

1. Do I need a check valve to prevent hot water from being pumped back in to the water softener (especially during the regeneration cycle)?

2. If yes, do I install it immediately after the water softener or on the cold water pipe going into the water heater?

3. Can I install a Sharkbite check valve since I don't have any experience with soldering copper pipes.

Thank you all for your help!!