Friend has weird connection to drain line w/ pump?

[ardcarmvk]

My friend just got a house he has a weird line hooked up to the drain line of his WH. Told him about this forum and said I would ask here for him. The valves are open and it looks like there is a small pump on it. At the pump he says that it is hot but where it goes in the wall is quite a bit cooler. He said he can hear it hum a bit (water movement I guess) but not from the pump. He cannot tell where it goes, cannot see it go outside. I asked him if he has a recirculating loop but he says he does not have hot water readly available at any of his faucets. He does not have anything on roof or in laundry room, and does not remember anything in attic. I have no clue and won't be over there to check it out until the weekend.

Anyone have a clue here are pics. Not the best lighting and done with camera phone I think. Tank you very much in advance for your help.

 

[johnjh2o]

That is a recirculating line. It could be that there is air in the line that is causing it not to work. I can't see were the pump is but to remove the air turn the ball valve off at the bottom of the tank, and connect a hose to the drain and let it run for 3 min. or so. That will purge the air out of the line. If the pump is working he will have hot water at his faucets a lot sooner.

John