HOW HOT WATER CIRCULATORS WORK
- Water siphoning from hot water line during cold water use; waiting for cold water
- Needless demand on water heater; non-cyclic temperature based pump operations
- Inaccurate temperature sensing from pipe clamp-on sensors
- Lack of hot and cold temperature adjustment / optimization capability
How do hot water recirculation pumps work?
This system creates a loop from the water heater to the faucet and back again. The unused hot water is drawn back through this loop by the pump, so when you turn on your hot water faucets, you get hot water quickly. Water is not left in the pipes to get cold and you waste less water because you don't have to wait.
Do hot water recirculating pumps run continuously?
While the system is capable of running continuously, it doesn't always do this. Most hot water recirculating pumps come with sensors or timers to regulate operation. Sensors can detect the temperature of the hot water in the pipe, only running the recirculation pump when the temperature drops below a specified level.
Are hot water recirculation pumps worth it?
A hot water recirculating pump will save you money, especially if you have a larger family. A family of 4 with normal water usage can expect to save $50-$75 a year. Since pumps cost about $200 each, the recirculating pump will pay for itself in 3-4 years. .
How does a circulating pump work?
10:0112:07Circulating Pump Basics - How a pump works HVAC ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAs the impeller rotates it imparts kinetic energy or velocity onto the water and this moves outwardsMoreAs the impeller rotates it imparts kinetic energy or velocity onto the water and this moves outwards by the time the water reaches the edge of the impeller it has reached a very high velocity.
Do circulator pumps use a lot of electricity?
Secondly, hot water recirculation pumps use a decent amount of energy - this also needs to be factored into potential savings. A pump that consumes 25 watts of power would use around 200 kWh of electricity each year. The average price of electricity in the US and Canada is $0.13 per kWh and $0.17 per kWh, respectively.
What setting should a circulation pump be on?
The settings are usually between 1 and 3, with 1 being the slowest and 3 being the highest. If your radiators aren't getting hot, the speed and flow may need adjusting.
How long should a recirculating pump run?
How Long Should a Recirculating Pump Run? From the time that your recirculating pump kicks on, you can expect it to run for two to four minutes per hour. This time frame can increase or decrease depending on the size of your pump in comparison to your plumbing system, as well as how often you use hot water.
How long do hot water recirculating pumps last?
How Long Do Recirculating Pumps Last? Most pumps – assuming you did not get a lemon – will last 10 to 15 years. The biggest factors that impact their life expectancy are the amount of water you use every day and the quality of the manufacturing.
Can you circulate hot water without a pump?
Joseph Stoddard responds: In the situation you describe, you can get acceptable results without a pump. The hot water "passive recirculation" loop is a technique I learned from an old plumber years ago. I've successfully used this technique a number of times when the bathroom is located above the hot-water heater.
Do circulator pumps run all the time?
The most common circulator pumps run all day, every day, whether you're actively using hot water or not. This causes a lot of heat to dissipate in the pipes 24/7 and requires the water heater to work harder to keep the water hot.
How do you tell if circulating pump is working?
If you think you have a problem with your pump, try lightly touching it. If it's working properly there will be a slight vibration and it will be warm to the touch. If your pump isn't working, turn off its power supply and get a cloth and a screwdriver.
Do circulator pumps push or pull?
The pump pulls water in through the inlet and pushes it out through the outlet. Typically, there will be an arrow on the casing to identify the direction of flow so you know which is the inlet and outlet.
How long should a recirculation pump run?
How Long Should a Recirculating Pump Run? From the time that your recirculating pump kicks on, you can expect it to run for two to four minutes per hour. This time frame can increase or decrease depending on the size of your pump in comparison to your plumbing system, as well as how often you use hot water.
How often should a circulator pump run?
every dayThe most common circulator pumps run all day, every day, whether you're actively using hot water or not. This causes a lot of heat to dissipate in the pipes 24/7 and requires the water heater to work harder to keep the water hot.
Can I turn off my hot water recirculating pump?
You should unplug it rather than let it run dry. If it sits idle for longer than a couple weeks for vacation, minerals in the water could cause it to stick when put back in service. It usually just means you have to disassemble the pump and free the impeller before it will work again.
Can water flow through a pump that is off?
Many pumps, when turned off, will still pass water. If there's any pressure at all upstream of the pump, the impeller will turn and water will leak through in the forward direction. To prevent backflow of course, a check valve is used.
How does a water recirculation pump work?
A hot water recirculation pump works by continually circulating hot water throughout the pipes within a home or other structure. The pump can be installed in several locations and provides a constant cycle or flow of existing water. The water is pulled and simultaneously returned to the hot water heater maintaining a constant supply of hot water to faucets throughout the home.
How much water does a hot water pump save?
They save a lot of water; by installing a hot water recirculation pump in your house, you will save around 15,000-20,000 gallons of water yearly. According to the US Department Of Energy, 400 billion to 1.3 trillion gallons of water is wasted nationally by households in one year.
What is a recirculating pump?
These types of recirculation pumps are called Dedicated Loop and Integrated Loop. Each kind of hot water circulation pump utilizes a different method to maintain a consistent flow of hot water throughout the structure.
What is an integrated loop?
The integrated loops are mainly used as add-ons but can be used as main components themselves. It consists of a hot water recirculation pump installed under a plumbing fixture.
Why is waiting for hot water bad?
No one enjoys waiting for the water to turn hot when standing at a faucet. It is a common annoyance but also severely impacts the environment. When waiting for hot water to be delivered to a sink or shower, countless gallons of clean water are wasted every year. The municipal energy costs to clean and provide the water to your home, as well as the associated homeowner costs to run a hot water system, accumulate over time, leading to excess energy waste that could have been better spent elsewhere.
Where is the water pump on a water heater?
This is one kind of circulation system. The hot water circulation pump for this system is mounted on a pipe connected to the water heater tank down low . This is the cooler side of the loop, or you can say the return line.
Where is the hot water line installed?
The hot water line is installed throughout the house, which passes near each plumbing fixture. At each fixture, a short pipe connects the loop to the hot water valve. Because hot water is circulating in the hot water valve, the hot water instantly reaches the valve and is at your disposal whenever the valve is opened.
How does a water heater pump work?
The pump causes a constant slow stream of water to flow from the water heater to the bypass valve and back again, which keeps the water in the pipes comfortably warm. When you turn on a faucet tap, the bypass valve closes, allowing water to flow normally through the pipes.
What is the purpose of a recirculating pump?
The function of a recirculating pump is to keep hot water moving through the pipes so that it's available at the faucet immediately. It uses about the same amount of energy as a bathroom exhaust fan, and some systems are so efficient that the energy expenditure is even less than that. If you choose to install a recirculating pump, ...
What is a recirculation pump?
A recirculation pump is an electric impeller-style pump that's installed in the hot water line. It has 3/4-inch pipe thread connectors, and you place it in the hot water line next to the water heater or near the fixture that needs the hot water.
How to set up a recirculation system?
Other important components of a recirculation system include: 1 A check valve, which ensures the water flows in only one direction. This is a requirement for any water circulation system. 2 A temperature sensor, or aquastat, to monitor the water temperature and shut off the pump when it's high enough. This is an energy-saving feature that not all systems have. 3 A timer to allow you to program the pump to come on when at times of the day when you usually need it. This is another optional energy-saving feature.
When is the best time to install a recirculation system?
The best time to install a recirculation system is when you're installing new plumbing, because that way, you can install a separate hot water return pipe that connects to the water heater.
What is a timer on a pump?
A timer to allow you to program the pump to come on when at times of the day when you usually need it. This is another optional energy-saving feature. Advertisement. Higher-end pumps come with these features pre-installed. If you have a basic pump, you have to install the other components separately.
What is an automatic hot water system?
Most systems, however, are automatic. A sensor in the pump or installed somewhere in the hot water line monitors temperature and switches on the pump when the temperature falls below a certain value. Some other systems use a timer that the homeowner can program to turn on the system at particular times of the day.
How Does A Hot Water Recirculating Pump System Work?
One of the reasons hot water delays when you turn on the faucet is the distance it travels. Remember, the water needs to travel through long plumbing pipes before you use it. Also, the unused water remains in the lines. Therefore, the faucet will first receive cold water then hot water when you turn on the heater.
What is a hot water recirculation system?
Hot water recirculation systems provide near-instant hot water access, so you don’t have to wait for the water to heat every time you use a faucet or appliance. A hot water recirculation system creates a loop between the water heater and the faucet, and unused water quickly loops back for reheating.
What is a recirculating water system?
Generally, the hot water recirculating system is a pump that creates a loop that retains hot water in the pipes. You could be wondering what happens when the pump is not in use? In essence, you have to unplug this pump during vacation or when you move houses.
How easy is it to operate a recirculation pump?
When it comes to operations, the recirculation pump is relatively easy to operate. First of all, the installation process is accessible while the functions are just a touch of a button. With advanced systems, you get a remote control system located in various sections of the house. So you can turn it on whenever you are in the place.
What is water circulation?
The water circulation in the pipes is a continuous process that allows hot water availability when you need it. Some of the hot water recirculation systems come with timers to set the hours it operates. That saves you energy costs.
What happens if you don't have a hot water line?
If you get one that does not have a dedicated hot water line, there’s a brief moment you get lukewarm water. This may occur for sections most far from the water heater.
How long do you wait to get hot water from a faucet?
One of the most tedious parts of a regular hot water faucet is the wait. You have to wait a few seconds or minutes before hot water erupts, depending on the size of your home and the length of the pipes. You tend to waste a lot of water as you wait for hot water. So, what’s the solution?
What is a circulation pump?
The most simple form is the basic circulation pump. This device is continuously on and constantly circulate water through the water heater and pipes. When the hot water faucet is on, the hot water is pumped out of the faucet.
What happens when water goes down the drain without a pump?
In a plumbing system without a pump, hot water can’t arrive at the faucet until the cold water in the pipes escapes, meaning lots of wasted water down the drain. A circulating pump keeps hot water flowing through the system so that its immediately accessible.
How does an aquastat work?
This type of circulation pump turns on at a programmed time and pumps water into a loop until it reaches a designated temperature. This is usually when a family uses hot water the most: in the morning during showers or in the evening when washing dishes or doing laundry. The aquastat can be changed at any time to fit changing household needs. Since the pump only operates when it’s needed, it can save a lot of money while still providing immediate hot water. There is a possibility that families can overuse this type of pump and expend excess energy, but this is an avoidable situation.
What is an on demand water pump?
As the name suggests, on-demand circulation pumps only operate when someone turns on the hot water in a sink, bathtub or other location. This system is equipped with either a switch or a motion detector that activates the pump when water begins to move in the hot water line. The pump will continue to circulate hot water from ...
Why is my water cold when turning on the faucet?
One is that cold water will likely be lukewarm when first turning on the faucet rather than cold if there is no dedicated return line in the home. For pumps that need power, it’s possible the homeowner will need to install a new outlet, and that can add to the initial costs.
Can you pump water out of a hot water faucet?
When the hot water faucet is on, the hot water is pumped out of the faucet. Otherwise, water is returned to the heater. Due to its inefficiency and wear and tear, we do not recommend homeowners install a simple pump.
Does Maeser have a water pump?
Maeser has successfully installed countless water circulation pumps for property owners throughout the Louisville area. Our experts will be happy to answer any questions you have about this technology and whether or not its right for your home. Request a quote or schedule an appointment today by calling or sending us a message.
How Does a Hot Water Recirculation System Work?
The aim of installing a hot water recirculation system is to cut down on water wastage and also avoid having to wait for up to a minute to get hot water in a faucet/shower head. By the way, how much water is wasted by having to wait until all the cold and lukewarm water flows down the drain before taking a shower?
Is a Recirculating Pump Worth It? Pros and Cons of Hot Water Recirculating Pumps
If you are looking at it from a return on investment (ROI point of view, a hot water recirculating pump will not save your money. The much it saves in water bills is utilized in power bills. What this pumps offers is convenience.
Alternatives to Hot Water Recirculating Pumps
If recirculating hot water pumps are out of the question for you, there are other methods you can use to try and beat the hot way delay in your fixtures. Here are 2 of them:
Best Hot Water Recirculation Pump
If you are looking for the best hot water recirculation pump in the market, I wouldn’t hesitate recommending the Grundfos 99452459 UP15-10SU7P/LC Instant Hot Water Comfort Recirculation Pump System. It is a little pricier than others in the market but the extra dollars are worth it.
Types of Circulation Pumps and How They Work
- There are three types of circulation pumps that are most commonly used in modern homes. The most simple form is the basic circulation pump. This device is continuously on and constantly circulate water through the water heater and pipes. When the hot water faucet is on, the hot water is pumped out of the faucet. Otherwise, water is returned to the ...
Possible Disadvantages of Circulation Pumps
- Having instant access to hot water can be a blessing, but the convenience can come with some side effects. One is that cold water will likely be lukewarm when first turning on the faucet rather than cold if there is no dedicated return line in the home. For pumps that need power, it’s possible the homeowner will need to install a new outlet, and that can add to the initial costs. There’s als…
Installing A Circulating Pump
- It’s always a good idea for homeowners to hire professional plumbers to install any new components in their plumbing system. Circulation pumps are not incredibly complicated, but an expert installation will ensure that the system works correctly the first time. It’s also the best chance of avoiding problems down the line that could cost a lot of time and money. Maeser has …