Once you turn on the recirculation system, it pressurizes the cool water in hot water lines and returns it to the heater. In the process, it will create a loop just as the waters heat up. Instead of the cold water running to waste as you wait for the hot water, it is maintained in the loop as it goes back to the water heater.
Is a hot water recirculating pump worth it?
This is more than just an inconvenience, it's a waste of potentially thousands of gallons of water per year, and water is an increasingly precious resource. A recirculating pump can solve this dilemma. The function of a recirculating pump is to keep hot water moving through the pipes so that it's available at the faucet immediately.
How do you install a hot water recirculating system?
- 2 SHUT OFF AND DRAIN THE WATER HEATER. Shut off the power that connects to the hot water heater. ...
- 3 INSTALL THE PUMP. With an adjustable wrench, disconnect the hot water discharge line coming out of your water heater. ...
- 4 TURN THE WATER BACK ON. ...
- 5 INSTALL THE SENSOR VALVE. ...
- 7 SET THE TIMER. ...
How does hot water circulators work efficiently?
How does hot water circulators work efficiently? A hot water recirculating pump works by keeping the hot water in your pipes readily available. It returns the hot water back to your heater when you close the hot water faucet. In this way, the hot water plumbing pipes remain filled with hot water, and you do not have to wait to use hot water.
How to install a recirculating hot water system?
Instructions
- Begin by shutting off the water on the shut-off valves on the cold water pipe running into the hot water heater. ...
- Disconnect the flexible water supply line on the hot side of the water heater where it goes into the water heater. ...
- Screw the pump onto the hot side of the water heater. ...
Is a recirculating water heater 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 long should it take to get hot water with a recirculating pump?
Hooking it up takes 10-15 minutes with only a wrench required — no cutting of pipe is needed for systems with up to 250 feet of pipe. Tankless systems may require larger pumps due to minimum flow rates required by the heater.
Does a hot water recirculating pump run all the time?
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.
How does a tankless water heater recirculation pump work?
1:243:07Mid Efficiency Tankless Water Heater with Built-In Recirculating PumpYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen the pump is activated it circulates hot water from the water heater. And returns the cold waterMoreWhen the pump is activated it circulates hot water from the water heater. And returns the cold water that would normally run down the drain.
Do recirculating pumps damage pipes?
Recirculating Hot Water Can Corrode Pipes.
How much electricity does a recirculating pump use?
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.
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 turn off hot water recirculating pump?
Recirculating pumps can be turned on and off according to when you want to use them. However, just because you're able to turn off your recirculating pump doesn't mean that you should. Turning off the recirculating pump means that you will have to wait for hot water to arrive rather than having it on demand.
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.
What is the downside of a tankless water heater?
The main disadvantage of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost (unit and installation) is significantly higher than tank-style heaters. Including installation, tankless water heaters cost 3 times more than tank-style water heaters on average.
Do tankless water heaters need recirculation line?
We love tankless water heaters because they are more energy efficient, you will never run out of hot water (when properly sized) and they take up less space. But in order to get hot water faster without wasting water down the drain you need a circulation system.
How much does it cost to install a hot water recirculation pump?
How Much Does a Hot Water Recirculation Pump Cost? The price tag of a hot water recirculation pump is around $200 and most can be installed by the consumer but some require a plumber.
Why is my recirculating pump not working?
Circulator pumps can stop working for several reasons: a blown fuse, bad wiring or a dead motor. Troubleshooting the possible causes in a systematic manner ensures you can find the reason your circulator pump isn't working so you can get it back up and running as soon as possible.
How can I get hot water faster?
So, What Are the Options to Get Hot Water Faster?Recirculating Hot Water Systems. With the traditional tank water heater, turning the knob at the faucet starts the process of hot water making its trip through the pipes. ... Demand Hot Water Systems. ... Point-of-Use Tank Water Heaters. ... Point-of-Use Tankless Water Heaters.
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.
Does a recirculation pump increase pressure?
The hot water recirculation pump works by: Increase water pressure at the water heater. This propels the water to your faucet or shower much quicker. Returns the unused hot water in the pipe back to the water heater or boiler.
How does a hot water recirculating system work?
A standard hot water heating system only heats water at the tank, and from there it has to travel through your pipes to reach an outlet. This results in a delay between turning on the hot water and getting hot water out of the faucet. To reduce waste and increase efficiency, a hot water recirculating system will keep the hot water moving ...
Why do you need a recirculating water system?
To reduce waste and increase efficiency, a hot water recirculating system will keep the hot water moving through your pipes (in a loop) so that the water is ready to use as soon as you turn the faucet on. Keep reading to see if this system is right for you.
Where Are Recirculating Pumps Used?
For years, recirculating pumps have been standard fixtures in quality hotels, gyms and dining establishments , but they are becoming more common in private residential use as well. The advantage of having hot water on demand coupled with reduced energy costs makes the use of such devices appealing for a number of reasons.
How long does it take for hot water to reach a faucet?
As a rule, if it take more than 5 seconds for hot water to reach a faucet, installing a recirculating pump could save you money in the long term, but it may also be a good idea to look at other heating methods as well.
What happens if you don't use hot water?
If the hot water is not used, it simply returns back to the tank. This primary cost savings comes from less water going down the drain before the temperature is suitable for use. Recirculating pumps reduce usage in water sensitive regions, and winter savings has the potential to be substantial.
Why is it important to have a new water pump?
A new pump is crucial to your savings as well, since older models tend to operate continuously rather than on demand. Furthermore, well insulated plumbing pipes can prevent energy loss and increase the efficiency of any water heating system.
How far away is hot water when a hot water valve is opened?
When a hot water valve is opened, hot water is never more than a few seconds away. Instead of hot water having to be pushed all the way through the system from the hot water tank, it only has to be pushed through the line leading from a primary water line to the faucet itself.
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 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.
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, ...
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 Recirculation Pump Work?
If it takes ‘forever’ for the hot water to start running, it usually means that there is a long pipe between a boiler (or a hot water heater or tankless water heater) and the faucet. The bigger the house, the longer these water pipes usually are, and the longest it takes to get hot water.
How long does it take to install a hot water recirculation pump?
Easy Installation. It’s quite common to DIY hot water recirculation pumps. It will take about an hour but you can fully do it yourself, without the need to pay extra money to a plumber.
How does hot water travel from a faucet to a shower?
When we turn on any faucet, the hot water needs to travel from the hot water heater to the faucet. It is propelled only by water pressure. If you add a powerful hot water circulation pump at the heater (not under the sink), the hot water will reach the faucet much faster. By installing a hot water circulation pump, you will have a hot shower right away.
What is a check valve in a water heater?
Check Valve. Every hot water recirculation pump (even tankless water heater circulation pumps) is required to have a check valve. Check valve ensures that the flow of water is in the right direction.
Why is my recirculation pump running continuously?
Obviously, you might be wondering: If the recirculation pump loop is running continuously, you’re probably expanding too much electricity just to get hot water faster.
What size threads are used for recirculation pump?
This is the system you can see in the photos above. The recirculation pump is fixed on the water heater. The 3/4-inch pipe thread connectors are used to connect the pump to your existing pipes.
Why does a temperature sensor shut off the water?
The temperature sensor, on the other hand, makes sure you don’t needlessly use too much energy to heat the water. When the water is sufficiently hot , the temperature sensor will shut off the power to the recirculation pump to conserve energy.
How Does a Hot Water Recirculating Pump Work?
The hot water recirculating pump, as the name indicates, creates a loop for the hot water to move across all the fixtures, taps, and faucets in your water circulation system. The hot water is continuously recirculated through the entire plumbing including even the farthest of the fixtures. The sensor valve on the farthest fixture shuts off the pump when hot water reaches it, and turns it on when the hot water temperature goes below the threshold set. The hot water loop is continuously maintained at all times to avoid waiting for the hot water at any of the fixtures.
How does a water circulation system work?
Have you ever given a thought to how the water circulation system works? It makes use of a technique called a sensor valve. The sensor valve lets the hot water circulating valve know when to shut down and turn on the pump.
What Purpose Does a Recirculation Pump Serve?
A hot water recirculating pump lets you get the hot water supply at the instant you turn on the tap. By definition, a hot water recirculating pump is a special type of water pump installed at your home that provides you an instant or an almost instant availability of hot water to your tap or other fixtures.
How Does An “Under Sink” Hot Water Circulating Pump Work?
In many situations, hot water circulating pump is installed above the water heater. While that has been a standard procedure, there are instances where a hot water pump is installed under the sink. The installation procedure remains the same as in the case of above the water heater system, but you get a localized installation.
How Much Water Could You Save With A Water Recirculation Pump?
There have been different schools of thought about it. However, it has been assumed that on average of 31 gallons of water per day can be wasted while you wait for the hot water to be available at the faucet. Looking at the average cost of water rising, that can be considered to be a huge wastage.
What is the Main Cause of Slow Hot Water?
One of the prime reasons for the slow hot water is the distance between the source of hot water and each of the fixtures where the hot water is required. Most of the homes today have larger diameter water piping, which will take a huge time for the hot water to reach the destination fixtures.
How Does A ‘Dedicated Return Line’ Work?
The dedicated return line – as the name itself should indicate – consists of the separate return lines from each of the fixtures. This create s a dedicated loop and does not have the cold water line as the return line. Instead, you will get access to a dedicated return water line.
How does a retrofit water recirculation system work?
How does a retrofit hot water recirculation system work? There is no return piping for the hot water to flow back to the water heater already installed when a hot water recirculation system is retrofitted in a home, so a device called a “crossover valve” is installed under the faucet farthest from the water heater.
What is a water heater valve?
The valve allows a pump installed at the hot water output side of the water heater to circulate hot water through the hot water piping to the valve and then run back through the cold piping to the water heater. Although it looks like a short length of straight pipe, there is thermostatic valve in it that closes when the water temperature reaches ...
What temperature does a water pump close?
Although it looks like a short length of straight pipe, there is thermostatic valve in it that closes when the water temperature reaches about 103º F. A timer at the pump circulates the water at regular intervals, which makes hot water available at all fixtures along the loop.
Why does my tee close off when hot water reaches it?
Then the tee closes off when hot water reaches it so that the homeowner does not have to wait for hot water when they need it, and hot water is not continuously circulating through the cold water system.”. It is sometimes referred to as a “comfort system circulation pump,” and the brand we see most often is Groundfos.
Is cold water warm after each cycle?
The only disadvantage is that the cold water will be a little warm immediately after each cycle. Here is a simplified explanation of how the system works by our plumber friend, James Freeman, of JW Freeman Plumbing: “The tee is designed to recycle the cold water that is in-between the water heater and the farthest sink back towards the heater.
What is a Recirculating Pump?
In a nutshell, the main purpose of a recirculating pump is to make sure that you will have a supply of hot water that is always available to the consumption point. This enhances not only the comfort of the user, but also prevents the wastage of water.
Will it Work with Tankless Water Heater?
If you have a tankless water heater, you are most probably curious about the answer to this question. With a tankless heater, you enjoy an on-demand supply of hot water. Yes, it is quick, but the problem is that you will end up wasting water.
Setting Up Tankless Water Heater with Recirculating Pump
It is a complicated process. There are some pumps that can be installed on your own but in most instances, you will need an intervention from a pro. The latter is necessary to provide you with an assurance that things will go well and that no energy will be wasted.
Conclusion
Based on the things that have been discussed above, it is indeed possible to have a tankless water heater with recirculating pump. This is a great way to conserve water, while at the same time, be assured that water is already hot when it flows out. No more need to wait before the desired temperature is finally reached.
