Tankless Circulation Pump Installation Instructions
| Step 1.Choose the appropriate place to install the pump and Flow Monitor:WaterQuick Tanklesscan be installed in several different configurations.The circulation pump andFlow Monitorcan be installed in either the cold water supply line or in the hot water line going out into the house.Note:It is important that you take into consideration how the pump will be supported and where there is access to an electrical outlet.Cold Water Line:If you install the circulation pump andFlow Monitorin the cold water line it must be located on the pipe that is the sole supply of water for the tankless heater.If it supplies water to any other fixture it may lead to false activation of the pumping system.Hot Water Line:The pump andFlow Monitorcan be installed in the hot water line that comes out of the water heater and goes into the house.It does not need to be located next to the water heater but it needs to be located before the first hot water lateral.The volute of the pump (silver part) can be installed in either a vertical or horizontal orientation.However the can (green part) must be installed in a horizontal orientation.The orientation of the pump can be changed by unscrewing the 4 hex head bolts (circled in picture) that hold the can and volute together and rotating the can as necessary.The black electrical box with the 3 speed toggle switch does not need to be on top.Pump OrientationStep 2. Turn off water heater:Turn off the water heater.Step 3. Turn off water:Turn off the cold water supply line to the water heater.Step 4. Drain the water lines:Remove the caps on the water drain valves and turn the valves to allow water to drain from the water heater.Note:If water continues to flow, check to make sure that the water has been completely turned off. If the valve does not shut off the water flow completely turn off the valve supplying water to the house or at the water meter.Step 5.Cut the appropriate cold or hot water line and install pump andFlow Monitor:Install pump andFlow Monitorinto the water line using the appropriate fittings.We suggest using at least one union for ease of assembly.Note:Make sure the arrows on the pump andFlow Monitorare pointed in the direction of water flow (into the the water heater on the cold side and away from the water heater on the hot side).Step 6.Turn on water:Once all of your connections are complete, replace caps on water drain valves and turn water back on.Check for leaks.Step 7.Connect the pump and theFlow Monitor:There are 2 switches that controls the speed of the pump and how it works. The first switch is located in the power cord and contains the connection box that theFlow Monitorwire snaps into.Connect the wire from theFlow Monitorto the connector in the electrical wire from the pump. Set rocker switch to theAutoorIIsetting.Set pump toggle switch to 3 for the highest speed.Step 8. Plug the pump in:Plug the pump into a properly grounded 110 vAC outlet.Note:Route the cord away from any vents on gas, propane or oil fired water heaters.Step 9. Test pump operation:Turning on any hot water faucet in the house to start the pump.Turning off the faucet will stop the pump (assuming that theBridge Valvehas not been installed yet).Note:If theBridge Valvehas been installed the pump will continue to run until 95°F water reaches the sink where theBridge Valveis installed.The temperature sensor in theBridge Valvewill shut off and the water will stop flowing (unless a hot water faucet is open). |
Bridge Valve™ Installation
The Advanced Bridge Valve should be put beneath the kitchen or bathroom sink that is the furthest fixture away from the water heater, unless otherwise specified. An Advanced Bridge Valve will be required at the end of each line in a branched plumbing system. Advanced Bridge Valves are offered from the following sources: Purchase of an Advanced Bridge Valve is available on this page. Installation:
- Shut off the main water supply to the house and drain all water from the pipes. Make sure that both the hot and cold angle stops (valves) underneath the sink are turned off. Connections between the existing hot and cold water supply lines and the angle stops must be disconnected and replaced with bespoke angle stops (see below). Angle stops should be connected to new stainless steel advanced 1/2″ x 1/2″ supply lines. Connect the opposite end of the advanced supply lines to the Advanced Bridge Valve’s “Cold Water In” and “Hot Water In” ports, if applicable. Tighten with a wrench until it is finger tight plus a quarter turn
- Do not overtighten. To install the Advanced Bridge Valve, connect existing faucet supply lines to the appropriate ports on the valve’s “Cold Water Out” and “Hot Water Out” sides (if the current supply lines are 3/8″, use the 1/2″ x 3/8″ adapters). With a wrench, tighten the nut to finger tight plus a quarter turn. Not too tight, but not too loose
- Connect the other end of the usual supply lines to the faucet. With a wrench, tighten the nut to finger tight plus a quarter turn. Do not overtighten
- Do not overtighten
- Do not overtighten Leave the angle stops in the “off” position and re-start the water supply to the home, checking for leaks. Check for leaks by opening the hot water and cold water angle stops on both sides of the faucet. Install a hot water faucet in the house and then gently re-start the water heater by turning the water on and off at the same time. Check for leaks and make any required repairs. Allow the water to run until all of the air has been expelled from the water pipes, then turn it off. Close the water supply valve
Bridge Valve™ Operation
Using the procedures below, you will be able to determine whether or not the Advanced Bridge Valve is functioning properly.
- The cold water angle stop (valve) below the sink should be closed. To operate the pump, quickly turn on the hot water faucet and then turn it off again. Start by turning on the cold water faucet. Water should be allowed to flow from the faucet until it reaches the Advanced Bridge Valve, which should be 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It is recommended that the flow be steadily reduced until no water is coming from the faucet, at which point the Advanced Bridge Valve should have been closed.
Electrical Information
Attention: This is a safety warning. Warning: There is a risk of electric shock. A grounding conductor is included with the purchase of this pump. Make assured that it is only connected to a properly grounded grounding type receptacle in order to limit the danger of electrical shock. It is necessary for the safe operation of this pump that it be grounded in accordance with the National Electrical Code and the requirements of local government authorities.
Operating Instructions
Tankless recirculation system
| Why air vent? Recirculation pumps can cause air bubbles as the impeller spins.Air bubbles cause noise in pump and plumbing pipes.Air bubbles can cause water to stop circulating, and cause overheated pump.Air vent releases air trapped in the water line. Air vent has 1/4″ pipe thread/ install ordinary plumbing tee and use 1/4″ reducing bushing / use teflon tape on 1/4″ pipe threadInstall at highest point in recirculation loop.Buy air vent:Air vent/ Float vent | Installed on cold water lineExpansion tanks at Amazon | Why expansion tank on cold water line? Expansion tank is installed on the incoming cold water line.In some tankless recirculation drawings, expansion tank is located on hot water line of recirculation loop.Generally, however, the recirculation loop will not need expansion tank.However, if the small water heater is set to very high temperatures (135+), then it can cause thermal expansion on the ‘closed’ recirculation loop.Remember, the recirculation loop is ‘closed’ because of the check valve between tankless and recirculation loop. Any closed system is risk for thermal expansion, especially if water heater is set for very high temperature. Tank temperature for the 20 gallon should be 120�F or less since typical hand wash would be 110�. Temperatures over 140�F pose serious risk of scald and should never be present in a residential water heating system unless sterilization is needed. Use a mixing valve and separate hot water lines for safety. Most cases, the expansion tank on cold water line will ensure that plumbing lines are not vulnerable to thermal expansion, or high pressure that can cause damage to pipes and fixtures and water heaters.Buy:Expansion tanks at AmazonResourcesThermal expansion and closed systemExpansion Tank Installation pdfAdvantages mixing valve | Closed system: the need for expansion tank. -Water expands as it is heated. When a water heater is running, the ‘thermal expansion causes the volume of water to increase, causing increase in water pressure, putting pressure on the tank, pipes, and fittings.ResourcesThermal expansion and closed system-‘In an open system the increase in water pressure flows back into the city water supply.’ In a water well service, the pressure goes back into the pressure tank located at well.-‘In a closed system, the increase in pressure is blocked from flowing back into city water supply. The resulting thermal expansion can create a rapid and dangerous pressure increase in the water heater and the system piping.’ Symptoms include release of water from TP valve, bulging water heater or pipes, and premature tank failure. Correctly sized expansion tank on incoming COLD water line solves problem of thermal expansion.-Your water system probably does not have a pressure issue unless you have a pressure reducing valve on the incoming cold water line, high incoming water pressure over 80 psi from the city supply (put pressure gauge on outdoor spigot to check), a check valve on incoming cold water supply, or very high thermostat setting on water heater.-Often local codes require an expansion tank as nod to the plumbing industry and not particularly because of need.With the direct return line installation, do the Check valves on the Hot pipes of recirculating system cause a ‘closed system?’ I don’t know for certain. But let’s look at some factors:1) The recirculation check valve from tankless is open when the tankless is supplying hot water to end user. so we know for certain the expansion tank will protect during tankless operation.2) Expansion tanks are typically installed on incoming cold water supply line, but with the small tank, the incoming ‘cold water supply line’ is cut off by a check valve when the tankless is off and recirculating pump is operating, so technically this could cause a closed system.3) There is no way to know if the check valves will cause a pressure problem until the small tank is in operation, and then the symptom would be discharging TP valve on small tank, or explosion of hot water when tap is turned on.4) The small tank might not cause a lot of expansion. If the system has direct return line, the thermostat on small tank does not have to be set same temperature as tankless. Since the average hot temperature at tap is 104�, the small tank thermostat can be set at 110� (to compensate for heat loss in pipe). and the lack of very hot water would minimize (or eliminate) thermal expansion. the more the circulating pump runs the more the heat would dissipate, and the less expansion on line.5) Most but not all tankless recirculating diagrams show the check valves. The newer diagrams all show the check valves for the direct return line installation.6) In one older tankless recirculation drawing, expansion tank is located on hot water line of recirculation loop. Resource:Nortiz.pdf However every new drawing available from manufacturer shows the expansion tank on incoming cold water line, same as illustrations on this webpage.Since the.pdf files posted on this webpage predominately show the check valves, and show a single expansion tank on incoming cold water line, my best guess is that thermal expansion on the recirculation loop is not an issue. | Temporary pressure gauge | Avoid water pressure over 80psiSave cost of water heater replacement and plumbing repairsResources Water pressure: Pressure over 80 psi can damage water heater High pressure will also shorten life of plumbing fixtures, and cause washing machine hoses to rupture, etc.Symptoms: TP valve goes bad frequently. Cause: Closed system because of check valve or faulty pressure valve, or community water problem or water well pressure set too high.Test and diagnose TP valve problemsConnect pressure gauge to water heater drain valve to accurately check pressure.Install pressure reducing valve. Replace check valve. People with water wellturn down pressure on water wellsave both hot and cold water, save electricity, and well equipment lasts longer.Buy:Water pressure gaugePressure reducing valveTemperature-pressure gaugePressure gages at AmazonResourcesHow to test pressureTest and diagnose TP valve problems | Buy:Replacement crossover valveWatts sensor valve kit Applies to Taco, Grundfos and Watts. Does not apply to LaingCrossover valve installs under sink, and allows hot water to circulate from hot side to cold side. Purpose of crossover valve: When recirculation pump is ON, the crossover valve opens and lets hot water circulate back to water heater through the cold water line. Immediate hot water is available at the faucet. When you turn on cold water at the faucet, the crossover valve closes, allowing cold water to enter the faucet.Note: Cold is not available immediately at the faucet. |
How to Install an Instant Hot Water Recirculating Pump
Hot water may be delivered instantly to showers and taps when it is required the most, without the need to flush water down the drain while waiting for hot water to arrive from a water heater, which can be costly. In certain cases, if your bathroom and shower are placed a long distance away from your water heater, you may discover that you need to run the shower for 30 seconds or more before the hot water from the heater makes its way through the pipes to the shower. When a recirculating pump is installed, the water in the hot water line is continually recirculated back to the water heater, ensuring that the water is always warm and ready to be used when it is needed.
Warning
This is not a project for individuals with little or no plumbing experience: the water may be quite hot while you’re working on it, and a variety of situations may emerge that make completing the job impossible for those without prior plumbing knowledge. If you face any difficulties, proceed with caution and consider contacting a specialist.
Mechanism
Because it does not require a dedicated hot water loop, this system is more cost-effective than other systems. It operates through the use of a circulating pump put at the water heater and a check valve installed at the sink that is the furthest away from the water heater. This is a heat-sensitive valve that returns water back to the water heater until it is warm enough to be used, then shuts off when the water in the hot water pipes has reached the proper temperature for usage. As a consequence, the water in the hot water pipes is always warm when you need it, and you never have to waste water down the drain while you’re waiting for the water to heat.
In order to save energy, most recirculating pumps include a built-in timer that allows you to program the pump to operate at the times of day when you are most likely to want hot water. You can, for example, switch off the water pump at night when you don’t require any hot water.
Tools and Materials
There is a lot in the recirculating pump kit, including the check valve and supply tubes that are fitted beneath the sink.
- Kit for recirculating pump (which includes flex supply tubes and a check valve)
- Channel-type pliers or pipe wrench
- Screwdriver
- Bucket and towel
Plugging in your recirculating pump will need the use of a 120-volt outlet. Check to see if there is an accessible electrical outlet near the water heater. It is also possible that some plumbing work and/or additional components will be required to install the recirculating pump on the hot water exit pipe of your water heater depending on the design of the plumbing pipes at your water heater. If the water heater is plumbed with stiff copper pipe rather than flexible tubing, this is more likely to occur than not.
Instructions
- Shut off the water at the shut-off valves on the cold water line that feeds the hot water heater to begin with. This valve is often located on the heater’s top. If the flow of hot water is totally stopped, check to see if any hot water is flowing from a hot water faucet someplace in the home to ensure that the problem has been resolved. Depending on whether or not the shut-off valve has entirely stopped the flow of water, you may have to turn off the main water supply to the house. Before beginning, shut off your water heater and set aside an hour or two to allow the water to cool. Make a clean cut across the flexible water supply line that runs from the hot side of the water heater to where it enters the water heater. Keep a cloth available to capture any remaining water that may come out when the flexible pipe is separated from the rest of the plumbing system. It is possible that these pipe connections are not flex lines, but rather stiff pipes, which should be noted. As a result, the procedure of connecting the recirculating pump will be a bit more difficult, but it is still doable
- If this is the case Attach the pump to the hot side of the water heater by screwing it in place. Check that the timer face is facing in a manner that allows it to be easily adjusted when you tighten it. When installing a water heater nipple, plumber’s tape can be used to seal the threads of the nipple
- However, if the female nut of the pump fitting has a rubber gasket within it, this is not normally necessary. Install a channel-type pliers to tighten the connection between the hot water line and the top of the recirculating pump. Although you can build a loop with the flexible line if required, be sure there are no kinks in it that could hinder the flow of water. Install the check valve in the sink that is the furthest away from the water heater at this point. Close the supply valves that regulate the hot and cold water supply tubes to the faucets to turn off the water to the faucets and faucets. The supply tubes for the faucet should be disconnected from the shut-off valves under the sink. Be prepared by laying out a towel and a container to catch any water that may spill out when the tubes are separated. You will now attach the check valve to the supply tubes for the faucets. The existing supply tubes going down from the faucet tailpieces should be screwed into the top two outlets on the check valve, with the hot water line on one side and the cold water line on the other
- Install the new water supply tubes from the check valve to the hot- and cold-water shut-off valves, following the directions on the package. Make certain that they are linked to the appropriate valves. As they emerge from the wall or rise through the floor, the hot water pipe will often be on the left and the cold water pipe will be on the right
- However, this is not always the case. The check valve may be mounted to the wall with the screws included in the kit once all of the new supply tubes have been firmly linked. Reconnect the water to the sink faucet as well as the water heater if it has been disconnected. Fill the distant sink with water until all of the air has been forced out of the pipes. Before connecting the power supply to the recirculating pump, check to make sure that none of the connections are leaking. Make sure that the pump is set up correctly by inputting the times when you want it to run. Using the timer, you may program the pump to work just when it is most necessary to provide hot water.
If you ever have to turn off the water to your house, make sure to unplug the pump to protect it from overheating. When the pump is working, it needs to have water flowing through it to function properly. If you encounter a power outage, you will need to reset the timer on the recirculating pump in order for it to start and stop at the right times.
Do You Need A Recirculating Pump With A Tankless Water Heater?
As an Amazon Associate, I may get a commission on eligible purchases made by you at no additional cost to you. izzysmarthomeguide.com will direct you to Amazon for all of the goods that are recommended on the site. It happens more frequently than not that one or more of my clients will come to me and inquire whether or not they require a recirculation pump for their tankless water heater. As a result, I decided to put an end to this long-running dispute by providing the greatest possible answer to the topic I was asked.
However, having one will almost certainly lower the amount of time you spend waiting for hot water, as well as the quantity of hot water you use over the course of a year.
So, without further ado, let’s get this party started.
Is Recirculating Pump Worth The Money?
In the first place, the beauty of anytankless water heater, whether it is an electricone or an agasvariant, is that it can give you with an unending supply of hot water with less work on your part. Another advantage of tankless water heaters is that they don’t hold hot water in a tank; instead, they deliver hot water instantaneously and “on demand” without any hassles. As a result, there is no “standby” heat loss to the environment, which will gradually and steadily reduce the amount of money spent on energy bills over time.
- If you compare it to a traditional tankless water heater, a tankless water heater forces you to wait longer before hot water begins to flow from a faucet, shower, or other appliance.
- The cold water that is now present in the pipe must be pushed out of the way in order for the hot water to reach you.
- In order to preserve cold water while waiting for hot water to come out of the faucet, several of my clients have told me that they catch them in a bucket while doing their laundry.
- Yes, you guessed it correctly, YOU ARE RIGHT!
It is possible to use a tankless water heater with recirculating pumps to keep hot water flowing through the faucet and make it quickly accessible at the sink and in the shower. Moving forward, I would be spewing anything and everything I had learned about the recirculating pump up to that point.
What is a recirculation pump for a tankless water heater?
Water is circulated back to the water heater by means of a recirculation pump, also known as a circulator pump, on a regular basis. What it truly does is keep the water in the pipe from cooling down, and as a consequence, if you turn on the faucet, you will find hot water flowing out of the faucet. In layman’s terms, a recirculating pump system is one that is designed to circulate water between a water heater and the farthest fixture from the heater. WaterHeaterTimer.Org is the source of this information.
- Heater and pump for hot water One of the most important components of recirculating pump systems is the water heater and pump, which can be used in conjunction or separately.
- Tankless water heaters with built-in recirculation pumps are available from the majority of high-end tankless water heater manufacturers, including Rheem.
- Procedure involving recirculation In terms of recirculation methods, you have two alternatives to choose from.
- The first option provides you with the option of having a dedicated return line for the purpose of circulation.
- In layman’s terms, this means that your home will have three pipes instead of two, which will include cold, hot, and recirculating water.
- What if your house isn’t equipped with a recirculation system?
- a method of controlling when the circulation pump operates It is also critical that whenever a circulation pump operates, it operates in a controlled manner.
- And, the second alternative that we have is a thermostat that activates the pump in order to maintain the proper temperature of the water in the line.
- I’ve included a video that explains how Rinnai’s ThermaCirc360TM Recirculation System operates.
Pros and Cons of Recirculation
Now, let’s take a brief look at the advantages and disadvantages of recirculation, which will assist you in making an informed purchasing decision. In my opinion and based on my knowledge and experience, a whole-house tankless water heater that has a built-in recirculating system is clearly more user-friendly and easier to operate. A recirculation pump substantially decreases the wait time, which may be reduced from a few minutes to a few seconds or even less with some models. Yes, it not only helps to prevent the waste of cold water, but it also helps to improve the overall user experience, doesn’t it?
Recirculation technology, on the other hand, does not require a great deal of energy.
Cons It goes without saying that a recirculation pump has its own set of disadvantages that you should be aware of before making a purchasing decision.
Second, a recirculation pump does have an operational cost associated with it.
So, do you need a recirculation pump with your tankless water heater?
I hope and think that the majority of you have figured out why or why not you should choose a tankless water heater with a built-in recirculation pump after reading this article. If the higher expense associated with the tankless unit is your major issue, the following information may be helpful. Then, please allow me to shed some further light on the subject so that you may obtain a better image of a tankless water heater with a recirculation pump. Cost To be completely honest, understanding the cost is critical, especially if you’re working with a limited budget, so that you can choose a recirculation system that provides “value for money.” To begin, I’d like to emphasize that the price is only a preliminary estimate, and it is possible that it will change dramatically in some uncommon circumstances.
- If you’re looking to purchase a tankless water heater that includes a built-in recirculation pump, you should be aware that it may cost you up to $500 more than those that do not have built-in circulation pumps.
- Pumps for recirculation that are separate If you have a tankless water heater installed but it does not come with a built-in recirculation pump, a separate recirculation pump can be used to accomplish the same result for you.
- However, if you do not wish to spend additional installation charges, you may choose a tankless type that comes with instructions for a do-it-yourself installation.
- Complete KitsIn the event that you are not building a separate recirculation pipe, you may be able to install a bridge valve.
- Furthermore, they are also available as part of full kits that include the pump and thermostat.
- Line of Recirculation When installing the line in conjunction with other plumbing installations, the cost would be generally between $100 and $250, depending on the length of the line you are working with.
- Once again, whether you require a recirculation pump in conjunction with your tankless water heater is entirely dependent on your requirements.
Alternatives include having a recirculation pump added in the event that your tankless heater does not come equipped with one already.
Wrapping Up
First and foremost, I’d like to express my gratitude for sticking by me all the way to the conclusion. For the second time, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that both myself and my team have put in a tremendous amount of time and effort to come up with the greatest possible solution. And, if you are pleased with our work, please forward this information to anyone who may be interested in learning more about it. After all, isn’t it true that sharing is caring?
- Will Vinegar cause harm to a hot water heater if used? Tankless Hot Water Heaters: Everything You Need to Know About Them
- Can you run out of hot water with a tankless water heater? What size tankless water heater do I require
- Is it worthwhile to purchase a tankless water heater
- Will a single tankless water heater be sufficient for my home? The advantages and disadvantages of a tankless water heater
- How many amps does a tankless water heater consume
- How long does it take for a tankless water heater to pay for itself to become profitable? What is causing my tankless water heater to take such a long time to heat the water?
Tankless Water Heater: Is a Recirculating Pump Worth the Money?
The advantage of a whole-house tankless water heater is that you don’t have to worry about heated water cooling down in a tank and then having to be warmed again whether or not it is utilized. That is a plus. Consider the following disadvantages of whole-house tankless systems as compared to a point-of-use tankless unit located at the sink: It takes a long time for the hot water to reach many faucets, and it takes even longer for the water to warm up. It was a waste of time. Money is being wasted because the water you’re paying for (if it’s metered) is being flushed down the toilet.
Here’s a more effective solution: A recirculating pump that keeps warm water flowing through the faucet and readily available at the sink or shower head.
What is a Recirculation Pump for a Tankless System?
It is sometimes referred to as a circulator pump since it is responsible for regularly circulating water back to the water heater so that it may be warmed. A hint is provided that this is not a cost-free method of operation. In order to avoid this from happening, water in the pipe is kept warm when you turn on the faucet or shower head. The system is normally set up to circulate water between the heater and the fixture that is the farthest away from it, which is the shower. A recirculation system consists of the following components: 1).
- Depending on your needs, a tankless water heater with an inbuilt recirculation pump or a water heater with an external pump can be used.
- Another type of water heater, such as the Rinnai RL water heater, may be configured to activate an external pump during periods of high water demand.
- The first alternative is to have a dedicated return line for the purpose of circulatory transport.
- Using this method is a possible alternative if it is installed at the time of the initial plumbing installation or if you have a one-story home with pipes in the basement or crawlspace that are easily accessible.
- If your home does not have a recirculation line, a bridge valve will be installed at the farthest fixture, allowing the cold water line to be used to cycle water back to the water heater.
- A method of controlling when the circulatory pump is activated.
- Many recirculation pumps are equipped with an integrated aquastat or timer.
If you’re still not sure what a recirculation system is or what it performs, this video from This Old House may be of assistance. The illustration depicts a tank-style water heater, but the operation of the system is the same.
Cost, ProsCons of Recirculation
Before selecting to include recirculation technology into your tankless water system arrangement, there are several crucial factors to consider.
Cost
- Tankless heaters with recirculation pumps are between $250 to $415 more expensive than those without pumps, depending on the model. If you’re installing a new water heater, this is the best option. There is a reduction in the cost of pump installation. Tankless units with separate recirculation pumps can be fitted if the tankless unit does not already have one. Pumps range in price from $235 to $400, depending on the size required. Some of them are do-it-yourself projects. If you hire a plumber to perform it, the cost of installation will range from $125 to $300. Kits in their entirety: As long as there is no separate recirculation pipe, a bridge valve can be used in place of the existing one. They are around $25 each when purchased separately. They are also available as full kits, which include the pump and the aquastat, among other things. Kits range in price from $260 to $450. Recirculation line: If the line is put at the same time as the other plumbing, the cost will range from $75 to $300, depending on the length of the line. Installing the line at a later date will likely cost more than $1,000.
Advantages of Recirculation
Convenience is the only advantage that has been proved. You won’t have to wait more than a minute or two, or even more in certain cases, for hot water to reach the faucet, shower head, or washing machine. Cost reductions that might be realized: “Wait a minute,” some readers are saying to themselves. What is the financial benefit of this? The unit is operating more frequently, consuming more fuel, and this represents a cost rather than a savings.” That is absolutely correct. A small amount of power is required to drive the pump if you have a well, and this energy is needed only during the time it takes for hot water to reach the tap.
If you live in a state with costly metered water (such as California or Arizona), you may be able to save more money on your water bill than you would spend on gas to keep the water heater running during recirculation.
The amount of water you conserve is compensated by the amount of gasoline you consume.
Disadvantages of Recirculation
System and installation costs: Depending on the equipment you choose and the company that installs it, you may spend anywhere from $300 to more than $2,000 on the equipment, piping, and installation. Operating cost: As previously stated, for many homes, the cost of natural gas or propane will be more than the savings realized by using less water in the home.
Is a Tankless Water Heater Recirculation Pump Worth the Money?
The question we began with was: what do you think? You are now aware of the facts. You are the only one who can provide a response to the inquiry. The majority of homeowners who respond affirmatively do so because it provides them with a convenience they are prepared to pay for. Also, we wrote an article about how to choose the best recirculation pump for do-it-yourselfers, which you may read if you are interested in installing a recirculation pump for your water heater. With high water prices, the system will ultimately pay for itself and then generate cost savings in the long run for a tiny fraction of the population.
How Not To Wait On Hot Water (Hot Water Recirculating Pumps)
How to Avoid Waiting for Hot Water (Hot Water Recirculating Pumps) Have you grown tired of having to wait for your hot water to come on once you turn it on? If you live in a large house, you may have to wait several seconds or even minutes for hot water. This is not only time-consuming, but it also wastes valuable water resources. The fact that cold water comes out first is due to the distance that your hot water needs to travel. When you turn on the hot water faucet, hot water goes through your plumbing system to your sink.
It remains in the pipes and becomes chilly.
If there is more pipe distance between your water heater and your faucet in the most remote portion of your home, the more cold water there is and the longer it takes for your water to heat up.
You may hire our plumbers to install a recirculating pump in your home or business.
Because of its ingenious design, you can get immediate hot water. System for Hot Water Recirculation with an Integrated Loop
Types of Recirculating Systems
The integrated loop hot water system makes use of the existing cold water line to return any unused water to the water heater, saving on installation costs. By design, this is the most cost-effective option for homeowners who are dissatisfied by the time it takes to heat their water yet are unable to build a dedicated hot water loop in their house. An integrated loop can provide hot water quickly to regions of your home where it would otherwise take a long time to heat up. For example, if your master bathroom is located on the opposite end of your home from your water heater, the recirculating pump will fix this problem.
- This significantly reduces the initial outlay required to have one of these systems installed.
- One major disadvantage of this choice is that, because hot and cold water are shared in the same pipe, the water from the cold faucet may be somewhat warmer than typical or may take a few seconds to get cold, especially if you have a swamp cooler installed.
- Bonus: It’s possible that you’re already using a recirculating system without realizing it.
- Consider checking to see whether you already have one, especially if you’re stuck waiting for hot water to reach the farthest taps in your home for an extended period of time.
- You may also look for a self-installed one around the top or bottom of your water heater, if you have one.
Dedicated Loop
When a dedicated loop is created, an extra pipe that is specifically intended for hot water is often placed during the course of building or remodeling. The loop is formed by the water heater, the faucet, and the water heater again. When the unused hot water cools down, it is recirculated around the loop by the pump, resulting in rapid delivery of hot water when you switch on your hot water taps. Water is not left in the pipes to cool, and you use less water since you do not have to wait for water to cool.
- Don’t you think that if the water heater is running continually and the water is looping indefinitely, it will cost more to run?
- A large number of pumps are equipped with temperature sensors and timers as standard.
- Furthermore, a programmable timer allows you to regulate the amount of time the pump is running.
- If your pump does not already have this capability, our plumbing specialist can assist you with incorporating it.
- The cost of the pump as well as the additional piping that is required might be prohibitively expensive.
In addition, many North Carolina home designs make it difficult to incorporate the piping required for this system into the structure. If this solution is too tough for your house or your budget, then the first alternative makes more sense for your circumstances.
Conclusion
When there is a long wait for hot water, a recirculating pump will come in handy. No matter how large or small your house is, you may discover a solution that will save your family time, money, and valuable water resources. South End Plumbing is available to assist you. Allow our skilled plumbers in Charlotte to assist you now in determining whether a hot water recirculating pump is a viable solution for your house. Do you have any more questions? Inquire with one of our plumbers. Draining a water heater is something that most homeowners are capable of doing, but it may be hazardous.
Remember that South End Plumbing specializes in water heater repairs and that we are only a click away.
South End Plumbing is one of the few organizations that will provide you with a no-obligation quote.
Hot Water Recirculation Pump Installation (12 Step Guide)
Interested in learning how to correctly install a hot water recirculating pump? Read on. Anyone who is weary of having to wait for hot water in the morning will appreciate the convenience of instant hot water pumps. Here’s my comprehensive analysis of the top hot water recirculating pumps on the market. I’ll go through everything in this tutorial.
- Draining the water heater
- Installing the recirculation pump above the water heater
- How to use the water heater
- Also, how to place the sensor valve under the sink that is the furthest away
Let’s get this guide started right now!
A Quick Breakdown On Hot Water Recirculation Pump Installs
In this essay, I will provide a high-level summary of the steps involved in installing the majority of hot water recirculation systems. The manufacturer’s installation instructions for the Watts 500800 Hot Water Recirculating Pump served as the primary source of information for this tutorial. Always seek the advice of a licensed plumber if you are in any doubt about your plumbing. Some towns and counties may additionally demand that a permit be obtained through the services of a licensed plumber.
- The most typical form of hot water recirculationpump is one that is located above the water heater, as shown in the diagram.
- In addition to the pump, a sensor valve will need to be put at the farthest sink away from the water heater in order to function properly.
- What I typically find is that the water pump returns the lukewarm water in the hot water line back to the water heater through the cold supply line, which is connected to the water heater.
- When the water temperature in the hot line lowers to roughly 95 degrees, the sensor valve will open and allow the water to flow.
Essentially, the circulator acts as a temporary return channel for cold water by briefly connecting it to the hot water supply. Also see: What Are the Best Hot Water Recirculation Pumps for Your Home? (Review)
1. Turn Off Water Heater Breaker And Gas Valve
First and foremost, you must switch off the electricity to your water heater before you can begin installing your hot water recirculator. Navigate to the electrical panel, where you will often find a 30-amp breaker, and flip the switch. If your water heater is electric, you may skip this step. If your water heater is gas, you will want to turn off the gas valve to the water heater in addition to shutting off the electricity to the water heater. Just follow the gas line that comes out of the water heater until you find a red or yellow gas valve near to where you’re working.
If you have an older water heater with a pilot light, make sure that the pilot light is turned off before continuing.
2. Shut Off Water To Water Heater
You’ll need to turn off the water at this point. The quickest and most straightforward method is to stop the water valve that is right above the water heater – which should be present, or at the very least nearby. Turn this valve in a perpendicular direction to the flow direction. The main water valve for the entire house might be turned off in the event that you cannot locate the supply valve or if you have any reservations about the situation. Also see: What Are the Best Under-Sink Hot Water Recirculation Systems for Your Kitchen?
3. Drain Hot Water From Fixtures
After you have turned off the water supply, you will need to drain or flush the hot water out of all of the pipes in your home. All that is required is that you locate the lowest fixture in the house and turn on the hot water. Allow all of the hot water in the house to drain. If it continues to drain, it is possible that water is still being sent to the water heater.
4. Drain The Water Heater
Following the removal of the hot water from the pipework, you will need to remove the water heater from the system. Located at the bottom of each water heater is a drain valve (a threaded hose spigot). A flat head screwdriver can be used to open the water valve once a hose has been connected to the faucet. Drain the water into a nearby storm drain or utility sink to avoid flooding. Close the valve with the flat head screwdriver once the water has been drained. Also see: How Does a Hot Water Recirculation Pump Work?
5. Remove Hot Water Pipe From Water Heater
After you have completely drained all of the hot water from your home’s pipes and water heater, it is important to disconnect the hot water outlet pipe from the water heater and dispose of it. Hopefully, you have braided flex pipe that can be removed with relative ease. All you have to do to remove the piping from this 3/4″ flex pipe connection is use a wrench to release the nut and pull the piping out. If you have copper, CPVC, or PEX pipes and you need to make cuts or solder joints, you should consider hiring a professional plumber.
6. Connect Pump To Threaded Nipple
Once the hot water discharge pipe has been removed, you can simply screw the water pump into the hot water exit threaded nipple and you’re done.
Check to see that the water pump is appropriately placed, with the arrow on the housing pointing in the direction of water flow, before using it (away from the water heater). If a rubber gasket seals a female threaded nipple, teflon plumbing tape is not required. Always keep this in mind.
7. Connect Hot Water Supply Line To The Pump
You must now connect the hot water line to the water pump output nipple, which you have already done because you have just finished installing the recirculating pump to the water heater. With a wrench, tighten the 3/4″ nut until it is snug. If the female end of the flex pipe does not include a rubber gasket, use teflon tape to guarantee a leak-free connection between the two pieces of piping. Also see: What Are the BestGrundfosHot Water Recirculators for Your Home?
8. Turn On Water
It is now necessary to restart the water supply to the water heater (or whole house). Continue to run a plumbing device until all of the air has been evacuated from the home’s piping system after the water heater has been filled up completely.
9. Locate Sink Farthest From Circulation Pump
You will want to find the sink that is the furthest away from the water heater once you have finished installing the recirculation pump. This will allow you to install the sensor valve. If you’re having difficulties figuring out which sink is the farthest away, go for the sink where it takes the longest for hot water to arrive. Sensor Valve with 1/2″ threaded nipples and a 1/2″ threaded stem
10. Shut Off Sink Water (Stop) Valves
It is now necessary to turn off the water supply to the sink. There will be two shutdown valves: one for hot water and another for cold water, respectively. Turn the stop valves under the sink in a perpendicular direction or pull them out; they are of the push/pull variety with a round handle. You may also be interested in:How To Get An Instant Hot Water Shower? (This applies to all products)
11. RemoveConnect Flex Lines To Sensor Valve
Remove the flex water lines from the stop valves near the wall, and then disconnect them (not the ends under the sink). The diameter of these flex water line ends will be either 1/2″ or 3/8″. Sink supply lines made of solid metal, such as copper or steel, should be replaced with braided stainless steel supply lines that are flexible and easy to install. It is likely that the sensor valve will only have 1/2″ connections. Flex pipes are available with 1/2″ to 3/8″ ends, 1/2″ to 1/2″ ends, and 3/8″ to 3/8″ ends, among other options.
In essence, you connect the supply water lines to the cold and hot water outputs on the top of the sensor valve.
12. Install More Than One Sensor Valve
It is possible that you will need to install another sensor valve in a different position of the home if you have a very big house with branch plumbing, which means that there is more than one hot water main. As an additional option, you may place sensor valves in series beneath the same sink in order to boost the water flow while simultaneously decreasing the lower temperatures. Also see: What Are the Best Dual Flush Toilets on the Market? (Review)
Final Thoughts On Installing Hot Water Recirculation Systems
For the most part, as long as you already have flex lines connected to the top of your water heater, the installation of an additional recirculation pump and sensor valve should not be a significant time investment.
The common homeowner, on the other hand, may find it substantially more difficult if they are required to solder or glue together portions of CPVC piping.
Run Your Hot Water Recirculation Pump Only When It’s Needed
Water heaters are essential in our house since we rely on them for so many everyday chores. Cleaning, bathing, and cooking would be nearly impossible without one. In order to meet this demand, our water heaters operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, keeping the temperature of the water inside a steel tank constant.
Water Heaters Haven’t Aged Much.
Since its debut to the home market in the early 1900s, water heaters and the technology that surrounds them has stayed remarkably consistent in their design. The earliest household water heater looked quite similar to the ones we have today, with a cylindrical storage tank, gas-powered burners, and a footprint that can occupy up to 18 square feet on a flat surface. Since almost a decade ago, tankless water heaters have been threatening the dominance of tank-type water heaters. Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient, waste significantly less water and energy, and take up significantly less valuable interior space in the home.
Our daily lives are punctuated by extended periods of time spent waiting for hot water to emerge at a faucet or showerhead, and we have come to accept this as normal in almost every household.
How Do I Get Instant Hot Water in My Home?
Hotels, tall skyscrapers, and other commercial buildings have been utilising the concept of a recirculating pump system for the quick supply of hot water for many years now. For any water heating system, the most difficult obstacle to overcome continues to be the delivery of hot water immediately after a tap is turned on. When using a normal plumbing system, the water supply lines physically terminate at the fixture that is the furthest distant from the meter (cold water) or at the water heater (hot water) (for hot water).
At the other end of the hot water line is a pump that returns unused hot water to the tank instead of allowing it to remain idle and lose heat to the surrounding environment.
A cooling pump is activated if water temperature at the far end of the house falls below a certain temperature (typically about 90 degrees).
At the same time, hot water is pulled from the heater tank to re-fill the supply pipes to each fixture in the building.
The actual installation of a hot water recirculation system is not difficult, and a skilled plumber should be able to complete the job in less than a day for you.
Run Your Hot Water Recirculation Pump Only When It’s Needed
In order to properly operate a hot water recirculation system, it is highly suggested that you install an electronic timer. The timer enables the homeowner to choose specified hours of the day during which the pump will be active. When the recirculation system is only running for a couple of hours per day during peak demand, it can result in a considerable savings in energy and water expenditures. Even if your hot water recirculation pump did not come with a timer, you may install an aftermarket timer on the pump’s power outlet to save money on energy costs.
What Are the Pros of Hot Water Recirculation Systems?
Assume that you will never again have to wait several minutes for your water to become hot enough to bathe or properly handwash your hands. Now, there’s no need to fantasize. Hot water recirculation systems provide the convenience of rapid hot water at every faucet and plumbing fixture in your house.
2: Save Money, Save Water
Every year, the average residence wastes up to ten thousand gallons of water while waiting for the water to heat up to a comfortable temperature. When broken down quantitatively, a showerhead delivers hot water at a rate of 2.5 gallons per minute and can take up to 5 minutes to reach the desired temperature. Every shower taken in the house leads in a waste of at least 12.5 gallons of water. That may seem like a small amount of water, but if your family takes four showers every day, that equates to a waste of 50 gallons per day, or 18,250 gallons annually.
At the same time, while the financial benefits of decreased energy and water costs are minor, the convenience of immediate hot water everywhere in your home is priceless.
What Are the Cons of Hot Water Recirculation Systems?
Turning on the cold water tap for a drink results in warm water, which is something you wouldn’t expect to see. I’m not sure why, but warm water tastes strange to me, and there’s nothing refreshing about it. If you turn on the cold water and let it run for a few seconds, it will flush any warm water out of the cold supply line. However, this might be a symptom of a problem with the bypass valve in your recirculation pump that has to be rectified.
2: Price
While the cost of installing a hot water recirculation pump isn’t nearly as expensive as purchasing a new water heater, it is still a significant investment. Recirculation pumps are available for purchase for less than $300 and are not difficult to install for the do-it-yourself homeowner. The cost of hiring a certified plumbing firm to provide and install a hot water circulation pump is often in the $750 – $1,000 range, which includes a warranty against faulty components or poor workmanship.
3: Maintenance
The sensor valve on hot water recirculation pumps must be replaced on a regular basis, but other than that, they require very no maintenance. This valve is most typically found at the far end of the plumbing system, and if yours is positioned there, it’s a simple remedy if the problem persists. If the valve is located within the pump itself, it is a considerably more difficult job that frequently results in the need to replace the complete pump assembly. The absence of fast hot water is usually the first clue that this valve is malfunctioning, since the sensor fails to engage the pump when the water temperature dips below the set value when the sensor detects this.
Give inAir heating and air conditioning a call today if you’re weary of waiting for hot water to heat up and want to upgrade to a hot water recirculation system for your house.