A domestic hot water return system is installed in order to keep hot water readily available in all hot water faucets. What is a return pipe? a pipe by which water of condensation from a heater or radiator is conveyed back toward the boiler.
What is a domestic hot water return system?
A domestic hot water return system is installed in order to keep hot water readily available in all hot water faucets. There are two basic elements that make up a domestic hot water plumbing system; return pipes and a re-circulation pump. There are three things to consider before undertaking any new installation project.
What is a return circulation pipe?
A return circulation pipe is sometimes provided in a hot-water system where it is desirable to have hot water available continuously at the fixtures. Typically for systems where the distance from the hot water heater to the consumption fixtures exceeds 25 - 30 m.
Can you run hot water through a return pipe?
Hot Water Circulation Return Pipe Hot water can be circulated through a return pipe if it's instantly required at the fixtures A return circulation pipe is sometimes provided in a hot-water system where it is desirable to have hot water available continuously at the fixtures.
What is the difference between a return pipe and inline pump?
Return pipes are used when hot water is required available continuously at the fixtures. Typically for systems where the distance from the hot water heater to the consumption fixtures exceeds 25 - 30 m. A smaller pipe with an inline pump is connected to a point close to the most distant fixture and to a point close to the hot water heater.
Why use hot water return pipe?
A domestic hot water return system is installed in order to keep hot water readily available in all hot water faucets.
What does a return pipe do?
Also found in: Encyclopedia. a pipe by which water of condensation from a heater or radiator is conveyed back toward the boiler.
How does a hot water return system 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.
How do I know if I have a dedicated return line for hot water?
Homes that are plumbed with a hot water circulating system have a dedicated hot water return line that connects the last fixture in the loop with the water heater. The return line connects to either the water heater inlet or the drain valve at the bottom of the heater.
Why is Reverse return piping system more desirable than direct return?
Compared to the direct return system in Image 2 where the return header is connected to the load closest to the pump, the reverse return system distributes the flows and pressures more evenly across the system, making it inherently balanced.
What is the advantage of a reverse return piping system?
The reverse return arrangement has the potential to create approximately equal flow resistance through each branch and produce flows that are closer to equal. The branch flows in the direct return system will not be equal.
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 can I make my shower water faster?
How to Get Hot Water FasterInsulate the Pipes. If you think your water pipes are to blame for your hot water troubles, adding insulation might improve your situation. ... Hot Water Recirculation Pump. ... Replace Fixtures with a Higher Flow Rate. ... Upgrade to a Tankless Hot Water Heater. ... Routine Preventative Maintenance.
Can I turn off my hot water recirculating pump?
Conclusion. As you can see, it's perfectly ok to turn off your hot water recirculating pump when you're not using it. In fact, it's an excellent idea to do so in order to prolong the lifetime of you pump and to save money.
How do I circulate the hot water in my house?
0:054:20How to Install a Hot Water Recirculating System - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow open a hot water faucet preferably a tub faucet elsewhere in your home in order to drain out allMoreNow open a hot water faucet preferably a tub faucet elsewhere in your home in order to drain out all of the hot water. After it stops flowing leave the faucet in the on position until.
Will hot water circulate 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.
How often should recirculating pump run?
Without a timer on the recirc pump it will run 24/7 From an energy/cost perspective, the most efficient way to use a recirc pump is to have it run for just a few minutes ONLY before hot water is needed. Any other times it's left running is wasting energy and costing money.
What is the water return?
Water can return to the river system in two main ways: as runoff, or water trickling back into the river through channels, drains and creeks – this is called a surface water return flow. or by seeping into the ground, and pushing groundwater into the river – this is called a groundwater return flow.
What is the difference between Reverse return piping and direct return piping?
Reverse return piping is inherently self-balancing. It also requires more piping and consequently is more expensive. Direct return piping results in the load closest to the chiller plant having the shortest path and therefore the lowest fluid pressure drop.
What is a return bend?
The purpose of a return bend, also known as gooseneck, is to prevent the accumulation of sediment, mineral deposits, and pipe scale in the pipe drop to a fire sprinkler. If these materials collect, the drop pipe or sprinkler orifice could be obstructed and impaired.
What is the advantage to a two pipe system reverse return differ from a two pipe system direct return?
2:433:34hvac-Direct Return vs Reverse Return Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can see that the reverse return has a longer path. So the direct return we'll have less piping.MoreYou can see that the reverse return has a longer path. So the direct return we'll have less piping. Which will reduce your first cost but the benefits of having the inherently balanced.
What is domestic hot water return piping?
Domestic hot water return piping is used in applications where the occupants need or desire to have hot water available right at the tap all the time at a moment's notice. Hot water return piping is closely regulated and strict adherence to the current building code is an absolute must when designing and ultimately building your project.
What is piping made of?
In general, the piping system will need to be made of non-ferrous bronze or stainless steel plumbing parts with ideally copper piping. Be sure to check with your local governing body to ensure you are referencing the correct codes.
Is it easy to design a hot water return system?
Designing and planning a domestic hot water return piping system is not an easy task. You will want to find and engage the services of a qualified MEP engineer to aid you in completing a functioning design. There are a few factors that will need to be taken into consideration before you even make the decision that your project will need a domestic hot water return piping system. You will need to ascertain & consider
What is domestic hot water return?
Essentially, domestic hot water return piping is the modern response to this problem. A domestic hot water return system is installed in order to keep hot water readily available in all hot water faucets. There are two basic elements that make up a domestic hot water plumbing system; return pipes and a re-circulation pump.
What is the maximum pressure for hot water return pipes?
When a pump is required, velocity should be no more than 5 feet per second, while ensuring the maximum pressure is 100 psi.
What Type of Pipes Should You Go For?
The Chicago Department of Administrative Hearings, Rules, and Regulations authorize copper, iron, brass, galvanized steel, and CPVC, however, brass and iron are rarely used for domestic systems these days.
What is the Chicago plumbing code?
Clause 29.705 of Article 18 in the Chicago municipal code is dedicated to plumbing joints entirely. It contains the essential requirements of how joints must be constructed and the materials that can be used in making them. Remember, have your plumber ensure that all joints are up to code and safety regulations before your hot water return system ...
What are the elements of a domestic hot water system?
There are two basic elements that make up a domestic hot water plumbing system; return pipes and a re-circulation pump.
How hot is water return?
However, considering that water of temperatures up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit will be passing through these pipes, it is best to the have all safety measures in place. That is where local municipal bodies come in. It may feel tedious to have to follow such specific instructions for every little step but in the long run, this will not only benefit the occupants but also ensure the longevity of the plumbing system.
What is the pressure limit for hot water pipes?
However, the code also limits the water pressure levels at 85 psi, beyond which pipes are at risk of leaking. As a rule of thumb, hot water pipes are also sized a bit smaller than the standard ½ inch cold water pipes simply because they are not under pressure from the main supply.
Installing A Dedicated Hot Water Return Line
Installing a dedicated hot water return line is not a job for ordinary people, this task is only recommended for certified plumbers, so if you’re going to install the system yourself, you’ll face a lot of trouble.
What Is A Dedicated Hot Return Line?
When it comes to knowing about a dedicated return line, the clear-cut answer is this is such a system that uses a return pipe from your last sink back to the tank.
Where Should I Connect The Hot Water Recirculation Line To The Water Heater?
When installing a dedicated return line on any hot water system, most people ask the same question, where they should connect the recirculation line to their water heater because there are two points available.
Summing Up
We are unable to show you the process of installing a dedicated return line on this particular subject by providing a text guide only because this type of guide is not possible to cover by text.
How does a hot water loop work?
The hot water loop eliminates this water wastage. Instead of the cold water going down the drain, it is instead recycled back to the cold inlet of the hot water tank. The water is then reheated and reused. There’s a number of different ways a hot water loop can be implemented. You can use a pump with a press button near each tap to start ...
Why do we need a hot water loop?
I’m sure at some point you’ve turned on your shower, felt that freezing water coming out and had to wait for it to get hot. Or you’ve run the kitchen tap until the water became hot. The hot water loop eliminates this water wastage. Instead of the cold water going down the drain, it is instead recycled back to the cold inlet of the hot water tank. The water is then reheated and reused.
What is a closed loop in water?
In a hot water plumbing loop, also know as a closed loop or a sometimes a gravity loop, the line from the hot water system continues from one tap, to the next. There is no branches as the line continues until it loops back to the hot water system.
How much water does a shower head use?
The savings in water you get can be quite staggering. Take a typical shower with a water saving shower head. These typically use in the range of 9 litres of water per minute. Now if it takes 2 minutes before the water is hot enough to shower that’s 18 litres that’s normally going down the drain.
How does a gravity fed water system work?
In a gravity fed system hot water is cycled from the top of the hot water tank, back down to the bottom of the hot water tank. A gravity fed system requires a lot more planning as it requires that no hot water pipe ever goes higher than the hot water system.
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.
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 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?
Where is the secondary piping for a water heater?
This secondary piping is directed back down to the water heater where the drain valve is located . In a home where the hot water lines drop below the water heater, a recirculating pump is connected into the loop here as well to circulate the water through the secondary pipes.
Why use trace heating tape?
Trace heating tape is often used in water supply systems to prevent freezing of your water pipes. In a secondary return loop, the tape is linked with a timer to operate only during the maximum periods of hot water usage. Advertisement.
What is secondary plumbing?
Secondary plumbing returns are a hot water recirculation system that typically consist of a copper pipe and tee system. Secondary returns connect to your household water supply lines to recirculate hot water back to the water heater or point of use. This recirculation by the return ensures hot water is always available at the point of usage. In some systems a pump is also used and is programmed so that it operates during periods of maximum hot water usage, which in most homes is usually during the early morning and evening hours.
How does a secondary return system work?
How it Works. In a secondary return system, the pipes are arranged in a loop that relies on the natural tendency for hot water to rise upward and cold to fall down. In a typical heating system, hot water pipes are connected to your hot water heater and rise up, running to each fixture in your home, ending at the farthest fixture from ...
Can a secondary return system work with a heat pump?
Secondary return systems may not work effectively with heat pumps, which are often used with boiler systems. This is because heat pumps are low temperature devices, so the water stored there is typically cooler than it would be in a system without a heat pump.
Is hot water drawn from a secondary return system?
In a secondary return system, hot water isn't drawn from the water heating unit, but from a secondary loop of pipes in which heated water can flow at a high volume. Advertisement.
