Hot Water Recirculation Pump: How It Saves You Time and Money

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your home’s water circulation system until something goes wrong. Similarly, you’re probably not happy when that happens. A hot water recirculation pump, however, can help prevent those problems, as well as save you time and money.

In this guide, we’ll discuss what a hot water recirculation pump is, how it works, and why you should consider installing one in your ho-me.

What is a Hot Water Recirculation Pump?

A hot water recirculation pump is a small appliance that’s installed under your sink. The purpose of the device is to circulate the water in your plumbing system, so that hot water is always available at your faucets and showers.

Hot water recirculating pumps are an energy-efficient way to save time and money. This is because the pump only uses a small amount of electricity to operate, and it can save you up to 15 gallons of water per day.

How Does it Work?

Hot water recirculation pumps are placed on the supply side of plumbing systems. By pumping water back to the water heater, they eliminate the wait for hot water to reach fixtures. That’s why a recirculating pump is sometimes called a “demand” or “instant-hot” pump.

There are two types of hot water recirculating systems:

1. Centralized systems

These have a dedicated return line that carries water back to the water heater. A circulating pump is usually located near the water heater, and one or more temperature-activated valves are placed along the hot-water lines to send water back to the heater when it starts to cool.

2. Point-of-use systems

These have a small circulating pump and valve installed at each hot-water fixture. When the fixtures are not in use, the valves send water back to the water heater.

Hot water recirculation pumps are designed to operate automatically. They turn on when a hot-water faucet is opened, and turn off when the water cools.

Benefits of Installing a Hot Water Recirculation Pump

There are several benefits of installing a hot water recirculation pump in your home. These include:

Saves time

Having a recirculation pump installed in your home means that you will no longer have to wait for hot water. The pump will ensure that hot water is always available whenever you need it.

Saves money

By eliminating the need to wait for hot water, you can also save money on your energy bills. The pump will help reduce the amount of water that is wasted each time you turn on the tap.

Improves comfort

Not only will a recirculation pump save you time and money, it can also improve your comfort. The pump will ensure that the water temperature in your home is always consistent, which means you won’t have to deal with any sudden changes in temperature.

Ease of installation

Another great benefit of hot water recirculation pumps is that they are relatively easy to install. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, however, you can always hire a professional plumber to do the job for you.

Convenience

Hot water recirculation pumps are also convenient because they don’t require any special maintenance. Once the pump is installed, you can forget about it and enjoy the benefits of having hot water available on demand.

Things to Consider Before You Install a Hot Water Recirculation Pump

Before you install a hot water recirculation pump, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. These include:

1. The size of your home

One of the most important things to consider is the size of your home. If you have a large home, you may need to install more than one pump to ensure that hot water is always available.

2. The type of plumbing system you have

Another thing to consider is the type of plumbing system you have. Some pumps are not compatible with certain types of plumbing, so it’s important to choose a pump that will work with your system.

3. The location of your water heater

The location of your water heater is also important. If the water heater is located far from the fixtures, you may need to install a longer return line to ensure that the pump can reach it.

4. The cost of installation

Installing a hot water recirculation pump can be relatively expensive, so it’s important to factor in the cost of installation when you’re considering whether or not to install one.

Step By Step Process for Installing a Hot Water Recirculation Pump

Now that you know what to consider before you install a hot water recirculation pump, here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

What you need:

Now that you have all the necessary materials, you’re ready to start the installation process.

Instructions:

Step 1:
Determine the size of the pump you need

The first thing you need to do is determine the size of the pump you need. This will depend on the size of your home, and the number of fixtures you have. Once you know what size pump you need, you can purchase the appropriate model.

Step 2:
Cut the PVC pipes

Once you have the pump, you’ll need to cut two pieces of PVC pipe. One-piece should be twice as long as the other. To cut the pipes, use a pipe cutter, and cut along the marked line.

Step 3:
Prime and cement the PVC pipes

After you’ve cut the PVC pipes, you’ll need to prime and cement them. To do this, apply a generous amount of primer to both ends of the pipes. Then, apply a layer of cement to one end of each pipe.

Step 4:
Attach the pump to the pipes

Once the primer and cement have dried, it’s time to attach the pump to the pipes. To do this, simply insert the shorter piece of PVC pipe into the inlet on the pump. Then, insert the longer piece of PVC pipe into the outlet on the pump.

Step 5:
Install the return line kit

The next step is to install the return line kit. This will ensure that the hot water flows back to the water heater. To install the kit, follow the instructions that came with it. If you’re not comfortable doing this, you can always hire a professional plumber to do it for you.

Step 6:
Install the temperature-activated valves

The last step is to install the temperature-activated valves. These valves will ensure that the hot water only circulates when the water temperature is above a certain threshold. To install the valves, follow the instructions that came with them.

Step 7:
Test the system

Once you’ve installed the hot water recirculation pump, it’s time to test it out. Turn on all the fixtures in your home, and let the water run for a few minutes. Then, check the temperature of the water at each fixture. If everything is working properly, you should feel a significant difference in the water temperature.

There you have it: a step-by-step guide to installing a hot water recirculation pump. Rest assured that by following this guide, you can save yourself time and money in the long run.

Is a Hot Water Recirculating Pump Worth It?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. If you have a large home with many fixtures, or if you live in an area with high water prices, then a hot water recirculating pump may be a good investment.

However, if you have a small home with only a few fixtures, or if you live in an area with low water prices, then a hot water recirculating pump may not be worth the cost. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to install a hot water recirculating pump is up to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the hot and cold water line need a check valve?

For the hot water line, you will need to install a check valve. This will prevent the hot water from flowing back into the cold water line. However, for the cold water line, you do not need to install a check valve.

Do cold water pipes need to be insulated?

No, cold water pipes do not need to be insulated. However, hot water pipes should be insulated in order to prevent heat loss. This will help improve the efficiency of the hot water recirculating pump.

Is a recirculating pump system bad for pipes?

No, recirculating pump systems are not bad for pipes. In fact, they can actually prolong the life of your pipes by preventing corrosion. This is because the recirculating pump system creates a circulating flow of water, which helps flush out impurities, and prevents build-up.

How much electricity does a hot water recirculating pump use?

Hot water recirculating pumps use very little electricity. In fact, they typically only use about 50 watts of power. This is equivalent to the power used by a standard light bulb.

As you can see, there are many benefits to having a hot water recirculation pump. Not only will it save you time, it will also save you money on your energy bill. So if you’re looking for a way to improve your home’s efficiency, consider installing a hot water recirculation pump.