Replacing a circulator pump on a hot water heater is a common maintenance task that most homeowners will have to deal with at some point. The circulator pump is responsible for circulating hot water from the water heater through the home’s plumbing system. Over time, these pumps can wear out or fail, leaving you with no hot water. When this happens, the circulator pump needs to be replaced. But how much does a new circulator pump cost? The price can vary quite a bit based on the type and size of the pump, whether you do the work yourself or hire a plumber, and other factors. In this article, we’ll break down the typical costs of replacing a circulator pump so you know what to expect.
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Circulator Pump Replacement Cost Factors
The overall cost to replace a hot water circulator pump will depend on several factors:
Type of Pump
There are two main types of circulator pumps:
– Standard pumps – These are the most common and least expensive pumps. They use an AC motor and usually cost $150-$300.
– Variable speed/high efficiency pumps – These more advanced pumps allow you to adjust the flow rate. They cost more than standard pumps, usually $300-$500.
Higher efficiency pumps often have a higher upfront cost but can save energy and money over time.
Pump Size
Larger pumps that can circulate more gallons per minute (GPM) are more expensive. Smaller residential pumps may be 1/25 HP while larger pumps can be 1/3 HP or even 1 HP. The higher the HP, the more the pump will typically cost.
Brand
Circulator pump prices also vary by brand. Some of the major brands include Grundfos, Taco, Armstrong, Wilo, and Bell & Gossett. Pumps from premium brands typically cost more than generic or lesser known brands.
Age of Water Heater
The age of your water heater can factor into replacement pump costs if other repairs are needed. For older heaters over 10-15 years, it may make sense to replace the entire unit rather than just the pump. New water heater installation averages $1,000-$3,000 with the heater.
Installation Costs
If you hire a plumber, the bulk of the cost will be labor. Plumber hourly rates average $45-$150 per hour. The time to replace a pump can range from 1-3 hours. Many plumbers charge a minimum fee of $75-$150.
Accessibility
If the circulator pump is located in a difficult spot, like a cramped utility closet, it will take the plumber longer to replace. More complex installs due to poor accessibility can add $100 or more in additional labor costs.
Circulator Pump Replacement Cost by Installation Method
On average, here are the typical costs to replace a water heater circulator pump based on whether you do the work yourself or hire a professional:
Hire a Plumber
Plumber installation – $225-$650
This includes the service call fee, 1-3 hours of labor at $75-$150 per hour, and the cost of a new pump ($150-$300).
DIY Replacement
DIY parts cost – $150-$300
This includes just the replacement pump. Labor is free for DIY but you need some plumbing expertise.
DIY with full costs – $175-$400
Adds in miscellaneous parts and supplies like new fittings, pipe, and tools.
As you can see, installed costs for a plumber tend to run 2-3 times higher than the DIY part costs. But plumber replacement has the advantage of expertise and warranty.
Cost to Replace Common Residential Circulator Pumps
Here are estimated costs for several typical residential hot water circulator pumps that are commonly replaced:
1/25 HP Standard Pump
– Part cost: $150-$200
– Plumber installation: $300-$500
– DIY installed: $200-$300
This smaller 1/25 HP is suitable for most residential applications. Expect 1-2 hours labor for replacement.
1/6 HP High Efficiency Pump
– Part cost: $250-$350
– Plumber installation: $375-$600
– DIY installed: $325-$450
A 1/6 HP high efficiency pump runs quieter and can save energy. Installation takes 1-3 hours.
3/4 HP Standard Pump
– Part cost: $200-$350
– Plumber installation: $400-$700
– DIY installed: $300-$500
A larger 3/4 HP pump may be found on high demand tankless systems. Professional installation takes 2-3 hours.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Circulator Pump?
If your circulator pump fails, you’ll need to decide whether to repair or replace it. Here are some factors to help you decide:
– Age of the pump – If your pump is over 10 years old, replacement may be better than investing in a repair.
– Cost of new pump vs. repair – Compare repair estimates to new pump costs. Minor repairs may not justify replacement.
– Energy efficiency – Newer pumps are much more energy efficient. Replacing an old inefficient pump can save money long-term.
– Availability of parts – Repairing a very old pump may not be possible if parts are discontinued. Replacement may be your only option.
– Noisy operation – Worn pumps often get increasingly loud. Replacement can resolve annoying noise issues.
– Plumbing modifications needed – If you want to re-locate or resize your pump, replacement may work better than modifying old plumbing.
In general, for circulator pumps over 10 years old, replacement is typically the better option if your budget allows. Analyze the tradeoffs of costs, energy savings, and convenience when deciding whether to repair or replace.
Circulator Pump Replacement Tips
Follow these tips when having your hot water circulator pump replaced:
– Turn off power – Shut off electricity to the water heater before any work to avoid shock.
– Drain the tank – Drain the old water from the tank so work can be done safely on drained pipes.
– Check for leaks – Carefully inspect all plumbing joints and seals for leaks when the job is finished. Leaks can cause water damage.
– Consider upgrades – If your water heater is old, consider additional upgrades like a new tankless model for greater efficiency.
– Budget for full costs – Allocate for expenses beyond just a new pump, like parts, fittings, tools, etc.
– Ask about sizing – A professional can make sure your pump is properly sized for your home’s needs. Too small or large can be problematic.
– Dispose properly – Recycle the old circulator pump if possible. Otherwise dispose of all old parts properly.
Taking time to find the right pump and installer can extend the life of your new pump and prevent premature failure.
Conclusion
The average cost to replace a hot water circulator pump ranges from $150 to $650 based on the pump type, size, brand, installation method, and your location. While circulator pumps usually last 10-15 years, eventually they require replacement when they fail or become noisy or inefficient. For homeowners debating between repair or replacement, choosing a new pump is generally the better investment for systems over 10 years old. This ensures you get many more years of reliable hot water delivery with better energy efficiency.