Pros and Cons of a Hot Water Recirculating Pump

We explain how a hot water recirculating pump works and its advantages and drawbacks.
By
Carolina Evans
Carolina Evans
Research Writer
Holds a Master’s degree in Engineering and is keen on her own home’s climate. Sometimes we think that Carolina owns every single product she writes about – that’s ho read more
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Reviewed By
Richard Powell
Richard Powell
Expert Consultant
For 8 years, Richard had been working as an HVAC specialist and AC unit installer since his student years. Now, he’s our main consultant on every technical aspect that may read more
Last updated: August 27, 2023
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Hot water recirculation pumps are one of the high-performance machines people have installed in their homes today. This pump provides hot water directly to the faucets and can be used in homes, restaurants, hotels, and other places where hot water is required. Having a hot water recirculation pump reduces the waiting time to get hot water as it is one of the fastest ways to get a hot water supply.

As much as hot water Trusted Source Hot Water Distribution Systems - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics www.sciencedirect.com pumps have proven to be essential in homes, there are pros and cons of hot water recirculating pumps, and this is something you should know before investing in it. Do the benefits outweigh the drawbacks? We advise you to read on to learn more about this hot water supply system.

How Does a Hot Water Recirculating Pump Work?

Like we mentioned earlier, a hot water recirculation pump Trusted Source Circulator pump - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org provides an endless supply of hot water in your home. However, what most people don’t know is how hot water pumps work. With a hot water recirculation pump, you don’t need to wait for the water to heat up before you can get warm water from your faucets. It is usually built with motion sensors found around the sensors, so when you turn on the water, it immediately activates the pump.

Before you go ahead to get a hot water recirculation pump, you should know that there are four types;

  • The basic recirculation system
  • Timer system
  • Over the water heater system
  • Under the sink system


The type you get will determine its operation. Some hot water recirculation pumps use cold water lines, while some are installed with their plumbing line. You must understand how the pump works before investing in any of the types. According to reviews, the most energy-efficient model is the Rheem RTGH-95DVLN, which uses natural gas and is the most reliable option out there.

Advantages of a Hot Water Recirculating Pump

One of the things people look out for is the benefits they get from using a product.  Recirculation pumps are very useful and work for every household. Here are some of the benefits of getting one in your home.

  • Instant Hot Water Supply

Pros and Cons of a Hot Water Recirculating Pump

One of the reasons why many people get a hot water recirculation pump is because of the quick and easy way hot water is supplied. You won’t need to wait for hot water to do anything. Within a couple of seconds, you can get boiling water coming out of your faucets.

  • Water-Saving

One standout feature of hot water recirculation pumps is that it helps save the amount of water you consume. According to recent studies, the average water wastage is between one and three gallons of water when people wait for hot water to come through their faucets. Installing a hot water recirculation pump saves the amount of water which makes it environmentally friendly.

  • Saves Costs

Installing a hot water recirculation pump is one of the most affordable ways to get a hot water supply in your home. Apart from saving water, it also saves costs on electricity bills. Hot water recirculation pumps are beneficial, especially for big families where water is more important. You don’t need to turn on the heating system very often.

  • Easy Maintenance

If you have a properly installed hot water recirculation pump, it will require very little maintenance while you use it. The heating system does not require any additional pipes, and it is easy to install. You can even install a hot water recirculation pump yourself, and if you seek professional help, it costs very little to get it done.

Drawbacks of a Hot Water Recirculating Pump

As much as there are pros to using a hot water recirculation pump, it also comes with its drawbacks. Here are some of the cons found in a hot water recirculation pump:

  • Quite Expensive

One of the reasons people are hesitant to get a hot water recirculation pump is that they are expensive. The best heating systems come at a very high purchase price. However, there are still some good models that come at a reasonable and affordable amount. You can find a good hot water recirculation pump within the range of $100 to $300. The high-end models are over a thousand dollars.

  • Makes You Wait For Cold Water

Even though you can get hot water fast with a recirculation pump, the price you pay for this is the delay in getting cold water. You will need to wait a bit for the water to cool down before your cold water runs through the faucet again. The good part about this is that manufacturers have provided a solution for this drawback. You can avoid the long wait when you have separate pipes conveying hot and cold water.

  • Faulty Sensor Valve

Although the sensor valve is one of the perks of installing a hot water recirculation pump, some models usually have an issue with this part. There are some pumps that don’t have an effective sensor and will eventually need replacement.  However, the sensor valve is easy to replace and won’t cost you a lot.

  • Additional Wiring

Another drawback with hot water recirculation pumps is their wiring. This heating system will require a power outlet that should be close to the hot water recirculation pump. If you have a power outlet close by, you won’t need any additional wires. However, if this is not the case, you will need to rewire or install a new outlet to connect your hot water recirculation pump.

Is It Worth Getting One?

Pros and Cons of a Hot Water Recirculating Pump

Now that you know the advantages and drawbacks of getting a hot water recirculation pump, do you think it is worth buying one? The decision to get this heating system falls on you and what you need. However, for most people, a hot water recirculation pump is a necessity and worth buying. Even though the heating system is quite expensive, it is cheaper to use in the long run.

The pros outweigh the cons of this product, and users can comfortably get hot water supply instantly through their faucets. Looking at its installation process, it is easy, and the maintenance cost is cheap. According to most reviews, one of the best quality models must be the Ecosmart ECO II, with easy-to-use design and quality construction.

Installation Costs

If you have decided to install a hot water recirculation pump, you probably want to know what it would cost. The type of hot water recirculation pump you get will determine the installation costs. The heating system with the most affordable installation is the under sink recirculation pump, and this is because you can do it yourself. According to most reviews, the most affordable model must be the BOKYWOX Hot Water Circulation Pump, which provides an instant hot water supply and is a high-quality option.

The under-sink hot water recirculation pump types will require help from a plumber. You may also need to get some length of pipes and other materials for its installation. However, the under sink recirculation pump can be installed within a few minutes. You will, however, need a close power outlet to connect it. This type of heating system usually comes with most of the materials needed for installation, like its hoses and connectors. According to most reviews, the sturdiest model must be the Takagi T-H3-DV-N, which can be used with radiant floor systems and hydronic heating systems.

Operating Costs

One of the things you consider when installing a hot water recirculation pump is the operating costs. Although the pump itself is expensive, its operational costs are very cheap. You will be saving a lot of money in the long run, especially when you consider installation costs, electricity consumption, and water consumption.

Everything about the hot water recirculation pump is designed to save money. It uses a decent amount of water, and you can meet up with the expected requirement of water-saving, which is at 31 gallons. This heating system also uses very little power, and you don’t need to turn it on many times to get hot water.

Most pumps consume about 25 watts of power, and you get to save on your electricity bills. Installation can be free if you do it yourself and still very cheap when you call in a plumber. Some hot water recirculation pumps come with timers which helps choose what time of the day to run hot water in your home. According to most reviews, the most efficient model must be the Watts Premier Instant Hot Water Recirculating Pump System, which is built with a timer and the most reliable option you can get.

Final Thoughts

If you have been hesitant about getting a hot water recirculation pump, we recommend you get one today. You won’t need to worry about waste when you have one installed in your home. Besides, the hot water provides comfort and will serve you well when you need hot water. Now that you know the pros and cons of hot water recirculating pump, it shouldn’t be difficult to decide whether it is right for you. You must get the right model and a high-quality hot water recirculation pump for your home if you want to enjoy using it for a long time. Hot water recirculation pumps may be expensive, but it is also the cheapest way to get hot water supply in your home. It promises long-term savings on both your water supply and energy bills.

References

1.
Hot Water Distribution Systems - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
2.
Circulator pump - Wikipedia
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