Recirculating Pumps - Two Options
Full Recirculating Pump System
With this option, a secondary pipe designated for hot water is installed into your home’s plumbing. This system creates a loop from the water heater to the showers and sink faucets, and back again. The unused hot water in this system is drawn back through the loop by the recirculation pump, so when you turn on your hot water faucets or your shower, you get hot water in seconds. With this system, water is not left in the pipes to get cold, and also, you waste less water because you don’t have to run the hot water until it gets “hot”.
Many homeowners wonder how this effects your utility and energy costs. They naturally think, if the water heater is running continuously and the water loops endlessly, won’t this cost more? The answer is not necessarily so.
Because many pumps are designed with sensors and timers, the sensor shuts the recirculation pump off once hot water has makes a full loop. The timer allows you to control when the pump is active. You can set the time to turn off automatically during the night, or while you’re at work, or when you’re out of town.
Recirculating Pump Comfort System
This system uses your existing cold water pipes to send the unused water back to the water heater. This can be a cost-effective solution for homeowners who are tired of the wait for hot water but are unable to install the Full Recirculating Pump System option. The Comfort System can bring hot water quickly to areas within your home that normally take a long time to get hot water.
With this option, won’t need to install additional piping, and this lowers the initial cost. The drawback with this option is, due to cold and hot water sharing the same pipe, the water from your cold faucets may be lukewarm, or possibly take time to get cold.
Let's Talk
If you would like to talk about having a hot water recirculating pump installed, give us a call, and we’ll talk over your options and answer any questions you have.