- A tankless water heater supplies hot water to your fixtures, on the go, without little or no delay. And, this is usually why it is preferred to a tank-style water heater. A tank-style or traditional water heater comes with a storage tank for the storage of cold water that is eventually heated in the tank. The water in the storage tank in question must be kept at a particular temperature if you want a continuous supply of hot water in your fixtures.
- Constantly keeping hot, the water in the storage tank takes a huge toll on your energy bill because more power now has to be consumed to keep the hot water flowing in your fixtures- these are the pros and cons of a tankless water heater. A tankless water heater does not give you any of these problems; it heats up water even faster, though sometimes you might experience some delays, especially at the moment it is switched on, hence why a circulation pump is attached to a tankless water heater unit.
What is a Recirculation Pump?
A tankless water heater recirculating pump is an accessory designed to improve the efficiency and convenience of a tankless water heating system. It addresses the common issue of delayed hot water delivery to faucets or showers, particularly in larger homes or properties with long pipe runs.
When a hot water faucet is turned on, cold water in the pipes needs to be pushed out before hot water reaches the fixture. This results in wasted water and energy, as you have to wait for the water to heat up.
A recirculating pump solves this problem by continuously circulating hot water throughout the plumbing system, ensuring that hot water is readily available at each fixture. It works by installing a pump at the water heater and connecting it to a dedicated return line or the cold water line. The pump pushes hot water from the heater into the plumbing system, creating a loop.
The Benefits of a recirculation pump
As rightly stated, a recirculation pump for a water heater offers several benefits that improve convenience, energy efficiency, and overall user experience. Here are some detailed benefits of installing a recirculation pump:
1. Instantaneous hot water supply:
Originally, a tankless water heater supplies hot water ALMOST instantly, meaning that you may still experience some delay. However, with the presence of a recirculation pump, the immediate availability of hot water is guaranteed. By continuously circulating hot water through the plumbing system, it eliminates the need to wait for the water to heat up, providing instant hot water whenever you need it.
2. Convenience and Comfort:
It is quite convenient and comfortable getting hot water at your fixtures exactly when you need it, most people prefer to not stand around idly, waiting for hot water to come through the shower or tap.
3. Water and Energy Savings:
With a recirculation pump, you can significantly reduce water wastage. Instead of allowing cold water to run down the drain while waiting for hot water to arrive, the pump circulates the hot water back to the water heater, minimizing water waste. This conservation of water translates into energy savings as well since less hot water is wasted, resulting in reduced energy consumption. Providing you with optimum energy efficiency is the ZeroPone Hot Water Recirculating Pump.
4. Customization Options:
Many recirculation pumps offer customization features, allowing users to tailor the pump’s operation to their specific needs. A good example is the Watts Premier Recirculating Pump System. This includes adjustable timers, motion sensors, or temperature sensors that activate the pump only when hot water is required. Such customization options provide flexibility and control over the pump’s operation, maximizing energy efficiency and convenience.
5. Prolonged lifespan:
A recirculation primarily ensures that water is constantly flowing through the pipes- it is continuously circulating water through the unit’s pipes, hence reducing the strain on the water heater and minimizing the frequency of heating cycles, a recirculation pump can help extend the lifespan of the water heating system. The reduced workload on the water heater’s components, such as heating elements or burners, can contribute to longer equipment life and fewer maintenance issues.
How to install a recirculating pump on tankless water heater
A quick supply of hot water to your fixtures is guaranteed with the use of a recirculating pump. Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing a recirculating pump:
1. Assemble the necessary tools:
Before you get to work at all, you need to put together a recirculating pump kit. The items in the pump kit include; the pump, check valves, plumbing fittings, and wiring components. Additionally, you’ll need pipe cutters, adjustable wrenches, Teflon tape, and a power drill.
2. Choose a suitable location for the recirculating pump:
Identify a location near the tankless water heater where you can mount the pump. It should be easily accessible for maintenance and close to a power source.
3. Turn off the water supply:
Locate the main water shutoff valve and close it to stop the flow of water to the tankless water heater. This will prevent any water leakage during the installation process.
4. Install the recirculating pump on the hot water line:
Locate the hot water line near the tankless water heater. Cut the line and install a tee fitting to create a branch for the recirculating pump. Use pipe cutters to cut the hot water line, then attach the tee fitting with appropriate plumbing fittings and secure them tightly using adjustable wrenches.
5. Install the check valves:
The recirculating pump kit should include check valves. These valves prevent hot water from flowing back into the cold water line when the pump is not running. Install a check valve on both the supply and return lines of the recirculating loop. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to properly install and secure the check valves.
6. Connect the recirculating pump:
Attach the recirculating pump to the tee fitting on the hot water line. Use plumbing fittings and Teflon tape to ensure a tight seal. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation.
7. Wire the pump:
Connect the wiring components of the recirculating pump according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically involves connecting the pump to a dedicated electrical circuit. It is recommended to hire a licensed electrician to handle this part of the installation.
8. Test the system:
Turn on the main water supply valve and restore power to the tankless water heater. Verify that the recirculating pump is functioning correctly. You can do that by turning on the hot water at a fixture furthest from the heater. The hot water should reach the fixture quickly without any significant delay.
Remember to consult the specific instructions provided with your recirculating pump kit, as the installation process may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer. you are requested to consult a professional plumber to ensure a proper and safe installation.
FAQs
What size tankless water heater do I need?
The size of the tankless water heater you need depends on factors such as the number of fixtures or appliances requiring hot water simultaneously, the desired flow rate, and the temperature rise required in your area. A professional can perform a calculation based on your specific needs. Generally, a small tankless water heater may suffice for a single fixture, while larger households may require higher-capacity units or multiple heaters.
How do I maintain my recirculation pump?
To maintain your recirculation pump, regularly check for leaks, ensure proper electrical connections, and clean or replace the pump filter as recommended by the manufacturer. Additionally, periodically lubricate the pump bearings and keep the surrounding area clean and free from debris.
What can I do to keep my tankless water heater serving efficiently?
Maintain your tankless water heater on a regular basis by draining the system to eliminate mineral buildup, examining and cleaning the air intake and exhaust vents, and looking for any leaks or faults. Additionally, for best operation, follow the manufacturer’s directions, change temperature settings accordingly, and have a professional check performed on a regular basis.
Why do I need a recirculation pump?
A recirculation pump is beneficial for providing hot water quickly throughout your home. It eliminates the need to wait for hot water at the fixtures, reducing water wastage and improving convenience. The pump keeps hot water constantly circulating in the plumbing system, ensuring instant access to hot water and minimizing energy consumption associated with heating water.
How does a recirculation pump reduce my energy bills?
A recirculation pump reduces energy bills by minimizing the amount of time it takes for hot water to reach fixtures. It eliminates the need to run water wastefully while waiting for hot water, reducing overall water usage and the energy required to heat that water, resulting in energy savings.