The present disclosure is directed to a hot water recirculation system with a return tee. The system includes a water heater, several supply lines, and a return tee. The hot water supply line is communicatively coupled to the water heater and at least one fixture and provides heated water from the water heater to the at least one fixture. The cold water supply line provides cold water from a cold water source to the water heater. Finally, the return line is communicatively coupled to the hot water supply line and delivers cooled water from the hot water supply line to the water heater. A return tee is communicatively coupled to the return line, the cold water supply line, and the water heater. This return tee provides cooled water from the return line and cold water from the cold water supply line to the water heater, which heats the water.