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What is a Hot Water Recirculating Pump?
A Recirculation pump, or a hot water circulating pump, is a device that goes on your water heater and keeps the hot water from your water heater circulating through your plumbing. That way, you don’t have to wait what feels like 1 million years for the warm water to work through your pipes, and you have instant hot water from the tap at any moment. Depending on your situation, they are hooked up in two different ways. First, with a dedicated recirculation line, the hot water is recirculated back through the pipes to the water heater with its plumbing. Second, the recirculation pump is plumbed into the water heater with the existing cold-water line. This option is less optimal, but it gets you instant hot water and reduces the total price of the install.
What are all the benefits of a Hot Water Circulation Pump?
- Less water waste
- Instant hot water
- Improved energy efficiency
Recirculation Pump Options
Option #1
Full Recirculating Pump System
With this option, an additional pipe that is designated for hot water is installed in your home’s plumbing. 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 it is optimized for energy efficiency?
You may be wondering how this effects your gas and energy costs. If the water heater is running continuously with water looping endlessly, doesn’t it cost more? Not necessarily.
Many pumps are designed with sensors and timers. The sensor shuts the pump off once hot water has made a complete loop. A timer allows you to control when the pump is active. You can set it to shut off automatically at night, while you’re at work, or when you’re on vacation. If your pump does not have these features, a plumbing professional can help you add them.
Who is this option for?
The cost of the pump and the additional pipe needed can be pricey. In addition, many New Mexico home designs make it difficult to add the pipe needed for this system. If this solution is difficult for your home or budget, there is still another option.
Option #2
Recirculating Pump Comfort System
This system uses the existing cold water pipe to send the unused water back to the water heater. This is a cost effective solution for homeowners who are frustrated with the wait for hot water but are unable to install the first option. The Comfort System can bring hot water quickly to areas in your home that take a long time to get hot water. For example, if your water is far away from your shower or kitchen, the recirculating pump will solve this problem.
You also won’t need to install additional pipe. This lowers the initial cost. These pumps typically cost somewhere in the $500 – $800 range, though exceptions do apply.
What are the drawbacks?
The problem with this option is, due to hot and cold water sharing the same pipe, the water from the cold faucet may be lukewarm or take time to get cold, especially if you have a swamp cooler. Some homeowners turn their pump off in the summer to solve this problem.
You may not realize that you already have a recirculating system. A previous homeowner may have unplugged the pump. It is worth checking to see if you already have one, especially if you’re frustrated with the time it takes to get hot water to areas of your home. Your plumbing professional can help you locate your pump and make it functional. You can also check for it yourself near the top or bottom of your water heater.
What’s the Bottom Line?
A recirculating pump will end the wait for hot water. Whatever the size of your home, you can save your family time, money, and water. TLC is here for you to have our expert plumbers in Albuquerque today to see if a recirculating pump is a good solution for you and your family. Have more questions? Ask our plumbers.
