What is a hot water recirculation line? It is a pipe that is installed off of the hot water supply line after the furthest fixture in the home and piped back to the water heater. The line is very small, usually 1/2" and has a small bronze circulator installed on this line.
Full Answer
How do I unclog hot water line?
- Turn off the valve to the hot water heater and locate a hot water faucet in the laundry room or somewhere else in the lowest part of the house. ...
- Locate the faucet farthest from the water heater and plug the aerator with a dime or something similar. ...
- Open the hot water faucet in the basement or open the water heater drain plug. ...
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. ...
How to install hot water recirculation pump?
INSTALL THE PUMP. With an adjustable wrench, disconnect the hot water discharge line coming out of your water heater. Insert a gasket into the female fitting on the recirculating pump and screw it onto the threads of the water heater discharge outlet. Use Teflon tape and tighten with a wrench.
How to fix air in hot water lines?
Steps for Getting Rid of Air in Water Pipes
- The Main If you own a home, you should know where the “main” is—and that it operates! ...
- Allow Air Out 1/2-Turn at a Time If there is air in the plumbing, the idea is to systematically give it a path out. ...
- Re-Supply Water
What is a hot water recirculating line?
A hot water recirculation system is a plumbing system that moves hot water to fixtures quickly without waiting for the water to get hot. Rather than relying on low water pressure, common in most water lines, recirculating systems rapidly move water from a water heater to the fixtures. System Types.
What is the purpose of a recirculation line?
Recirculation lines provide a means of relief for high pressure pumps when operated against a closed valve or other system obstruction.
Is hot water recirculation required?
If the furthest fixture is away from the water heater, then code will require a recirculation system be provided. Per the International Plumbing Code, a fixture exceeding 50 feet from the water heater is the cutoff limit requiring a recirculating pump, which is why so many buildings have this pump.
How do you hook up a recirculation line to a water heater?
1:144:20How to Install a Hot Water Recirculating System - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe hot water discharge line coming out of the water heater insert a gasket into the female fittingMoreThe hot water discharge line coming out of the water heater insert a gasket into the female fitting on the recirculating pump. And screw it onto the threads of the water heater discharge.
Do hot water circulators save money?
With the average national cost of water rising rapidly, a hot water recirculation pump could easily save you upwards of $50 each year. Since these pumps cost between $200 and $250 each, you could pay back the investment within a couple of years.
How much does it cost to install a hot water recirculation pump?
It will cost from $500 to $1000 to install a recirculating pump if you hire a plumber. But of course, it can end up costing as low as zero dollars if you get an under sink recirculating pump and install it yourself.
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.
Do recirculating pumps damage pipes?
Recirculating Hot Water Can Corrode Pipes.
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.
Does a recirculating pump need a return line?
Domestic Hot Water Recirculation Part 5: Recirculation WITHOUT a Return Line. Not every domestic hot water recirculation system requires a return line. For residential and light commercial applications, there is another way to save water and maintain hot water at the last fixture.
How often should recirculation 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.
Do water heaters have a return line?
In a traditional hot water recirculating system, there is a dedicated return line for the hot water pipes, which runs from the furthest bathroom or fixture back to the water heater. Near the water heater area, a recirculating pump pulls the water from the furthest fixture back into the water heater, creating a loop.
What is recycle line?
Gas line that allows re-circulation of discharge gas into the suction side of a centrifugal compressor; this permits a centrifugal compressor to be placed on-line or off-line in parallel with other units without creating a surge condition.
How does an arc valve work?
The valve opens as soon as the pump builds sufficient flow to move the internal valve disc in the main line into an open position. Decreasing flow through the valve causes the spring loaded disc to return to its seat closing the process outlet.
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 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.
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 Hot Water Recirculation Line?
A Hot Water Recirculation Line- or, "Recirc Line" for short - is an extension of your hot water piping that "loops" back to your water heater and re-enters the hot water system.
How Does a Recirculation Line Work?
Hot water in the pipes is circulated by a small electric pump during periods of higher hot water use in the home - such as mornings and evenings.
Who Should Get a Hot Water Recirculation Line?
Everyone! Hot water recirc lines are a proven and effective way to improve the efficiency of your tank or tankless water heater!
How does a recirculating water system work?
In a traditional hot water recirculating system, there is a dedicated return line for the hot water pipes, which runs from the furthest bathroom or fixture back to the water heater. Near the water heater area, a recirculating pump pulls the water from the furthest fixture back into the water heater , creating a loop. This loop keeps hot water going throughout the house so when a fixture is used, hot water is right there. If you have a dedicated return line, then this is a great system to use. You can even get pumps that have timers built in, so the pump only runs during the hours you need it, offering you savings on energy costs.
Why connect a recirculating system check valve to a sink?
Connecting the recirculating system check valve to the system under the sink furthest away allows the system to provide quick hot water all along the line because the hot water is circulating throughout the house. An instant hot water recirculating system usually comes with everything you need to install it.
What is under the sink water pump?
This type of under-the-sink hot water recirculating pump will require power under your sink to operate.
What happens when a water heater pump is activated?
When the pump is activated, it will pump cooled water in the hot water pipes back into the cold water pipe and push it back toward the water heater, creating a temporary loop as the water heats up.
How long does it take for hot water to arrive?
Depending on the size of your home and the length of the plumbing pipes, some fixtures may require several minutes before hot water arrives from a water heater that might be located some distance away. If you are environmentally conscious, wasting hundreds of gallons of water while you wait for hot water to be delivered isn't acceptable.
Where is the check valve on a water heater?
Over-the-water-heater: For this configuration, the pump is located above the water heater, and a check valve is located under the sink furthest away from the hot water heater. The pump pressurizes the hot side of the systems and, through the bypass valve under the sink, it pushes the hot water into the cold water system, creating a hot loop.
Do you need to wait for hot water to heat up when you open a shower?
This means that as soon as you open a faucet or turn on a shower, warm water is already present in those pipes, so you don't need to waste water down the draining waiting for the water to heat up.
What is a recirculating water system?
A hot water recirculation system is a plumbing system that moves hot water to fixtures quickly without waiting for the water to get hot. Rather than relying on low water pressure, common in most water lines, recirculating systems rapidly move water from a water heater to the fixtures.
What is hot water redistribution system?
In summary, hot water redistribution systems are innovative plumbing systems that can save water and energy in certain circumstances. Note: The terms "dedicated" and "integrated" are descriptive terms invented for the purposes of this article.
How much energy does a recirculation system use?
For a modest-sized pump, this might be 400 to 800 KWH a year if the pump runs all the time. Also, heat loss from the pipes can be significant if the hot water pipes are poorly insulated. This will result in the hot water heater running more. This added heat may be a benefit in the winter, but heat loss may add heat to the house in the summer and may result in higher bills for use of air conditioning.
How does a water heater return hot water?
Hot water is returned to the water heater via the cold water pipes. This raises the temperature of the cold water slightly, but it returns to the usual cold temperature in a short time. Hot water recirculation systems are most commonly activated by either a thermostat or a timer.
How much does an integrated plumbing system cost?
The system is easily installed and costs less than $400.
Why does hot water flow through a water valve?
Because hot water is constantly circulating through the hot water loop, any time a valve is opened, it takes only a fraction of a second for hot water to reach the valve. This helps extend the lifespan of the pump.
When does a water pump turn on?
Systems that use a thermostat or timer automatically turn the pump on whenever the water temperature drops below a set point, or when the timer reaches a certain setting. These systems ensure that hot water is always available at the faucet.
How long does a recirculation pump run?
Because a recirculation pump with built-in controls runs only 3-4 minutes per hour, it is wise to stay with the simplest PSC-driven motor.
What is the distance from the heat source to the tap?
Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations now mandates hot-water recirculation in California building codes if the distance from the heat source to the tap is 50 feet or more . Other states have their own building codes that often vary by county.
Why do tankless water heaters require a larger pump?
Tankless systems may require larger pumps due to minimum flow rates required by the heater. If there is no power under the sink in a one-pipe system, install the pump on the hot outlet of the water heater. Pumps are equipped with a mechanical timer and line cord.
How long does it take to hook up a tankless water heater?
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.
What is a one pipe system?
Homes built before 1980 usually use a one-pipe system. This means one hot-water pipe feeds every sink, and it stops at the last sink in the home. A dedicated return line system uses a return pipe from the last sink back to the hot-water tank or tankless heater. The homeowner needs to know if he or she has a hot-water tank or a tankless system, ...
How long does it take for hot water to come to the faucet?
Today, users don’t want to wait minutes for hot water to arrive at the faucet or shower when they turn it on — they want it in less than 10 seconds. A domestic hot water (DHW) recirculation system can do that as well as prevent lukewarm water from being dumped down the drain by bypassing it into the cold water line. This process saves water, utility costs, and energy and sewer expenses. It also helps reduce the fresh water shortage.
Can a DHW pump be installed on a water heater?
The DHW recirculation pump can be installed on a water heater tank. Photo credit: AquaMotion
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 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 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.
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.
What Are the Energy Costs of Water Recirculation Pumps?
In case you have a timer on the pump, the average cost – assuming an average of three to four hours of running – you will incur $20 to 30 per year on the energy costs for your water recirculation pump.
What is a hot water recirculating system?
Hot water recirculating systems are designed to supply users with nearly instantaneous hot water. They are now becoming a common amenity, particularly in large multi-family residential buildings and hotels where this type of convenience is expected.
What is a recirculating water pump?
A recirculating pump is typically used in pumping hot water directly from a central water heater through a hot-water pipeline, most often made of copper. At the same time, it returns (recirculates) the water that has now cooled back to the water heater for reheating. Modern systems now come with a timer that automatically turns on ...
Why does my recirculation pump make noise?
You can experience noise problems in your recirculation pump especially after a power outage. This can be the result of air entering the system. To fix this common problem, it becomes necessary to ‘bleed’ the system allowing the trapped air to escape.
Why is my hot water pump corroded?
The corrosion is normally caused by aggressive water chemistry or excessive flow velocity resulting in the pipes being eroded on the inside. Often, the most commonly affected areas are elbows, tees, and bends where the pipe walls can become so thin to the extent of eventually rupturing.
How to fix a hard water pump?
One way of fixing this problem is to install a pump with a lower capacity as well as reducing abrupt changes in the water flow directions. Choose a pump design that has a large inlet/outlet so as to prevent calcium deposits accumulation at the connections. In hard water zones, a stainless pump designed with a rotor sleeve and replaceable stainless cartridge will offer you a longer service.
Does a water pump have a timer?
Modern systems now come with a timer that automatically turns on the pump at set or regular intervals, particularly during peak water usage times. If you have the convenience of a hot water recirculating system in your building, there are several problems that you are likely to encounter that can hinder your system from performing at its peak.
Is a hot water pump new?
Hot water circulation pumps are certainly not new as they have been used extensively in high-end hotels and restaurants for years. But it’s only recently that more homeowners have begun to take advantage of the great convenience, which explains why many are still facing the above common problems.
Traditional Hot Water Recirculating Systems
Instant Hot Water Recirculating Systems
- This type of recirculating system does not require a dedicated hot water return loop. It can be installed and used in any house. Instant hot watersystems come in many different varieties, so choose what is best for you. The two main pump locations are over-the-water-heater and under-the-sink. 1. Over-the-water-heater:For this configuration, the pump is located above the water he…
On-Demand Hot Water Recirculating Systems
- This type of recirculating system is similar to the instant recirculating system, but rather than running constantly or at preset timed intervals, it requires the user to activate the pump when hot water is needed. It can be a traditional style with the pump at the water heater with a dedicated return line, or it can be an under-the-sink pump that is installed in the farthest sink and provides …