Is a recirculating hot water pump worth it?

Quick Answer

A recirculating hot water pump is usually worth the investment for most homes. The main benefits are:

– Get hot water faster – No more waiting around for the water to get hot when turning on a faucet or shower. Hot water will be available within seconds. This saves time and water wasted waiting for hot water.

– Save water – Since you don’t have to wait for hot water, you won’t waste as much water going down the drain while it heats up. This can add up to thousands of gallons per year.

– Save energy – Keeping water hot in the pipes means your water heater doesn’t have to work as hard reheating cold water. This can reduce energy costs.

– Convenience – Instant hot water makes life a little easier and more comfortable.

The upfront cost of a recirculating pump and installation may seem high, but the energy and water savings often pay back the initial investment within 1-3 years. The convenience factor improves quality of life right away.

How Does a Hot Water Recirculating System Work?

A hot water recirculating system works by circulating hot water from your water heater through the pipes and back to the water heater in a loop. This keeps the water in the pipes hot so it’s instantly available whenever you turn on a hot water faucet.

Here is how it works:

– A small pump is installed near the water heater. It connects to the hot and cold lines.

– When activated, the pump circulates the water from the hot line through the cold line and back to the water heater.

– A sensor at the end of the loop tells the pump when the water reaches the target temperature.

– A timer or thermostat controls when the pump runs based on your schedule and hot water needs.

– A return line brings the water back to the heater to reheat as it cycles.

This creates a continuous loop of hot water moving through the pipes, keeping the entire hot water plumbing system hot. When you turn on a faucet, hot water is delivered instantly.

Main Components

A basic recirculating hot water system contains:

• Pump – Small circulation pump sized for the home’s plumbing
• Timer – Controls when the pump runs based on schedules
• Sensor – Monitors water temperature to turn pump on/off
• Return line – Brings water back to the heater
• Connections – Taps into the hot and cold lines

More advanced systems may also contain:

• Thermostat – Turns pump on based on water temperature
• Motion sensor – Activates pump based on water use
• Push button – Manually activates pump on demand

Proper installation is key for optimal performance. Hiring a qualified plumber is highly recommended.

What Are the Benefits of a Hot Water Recirculating System?

Installing a hot water recirculating system provides several benefits:

Hot Water is Delivered Faster

The main advantage is getting hot water quicker when you turn on the tap. Rather than waiting 30 seconds to 2 minutes for the cold water to clear the pipes as hot water travels from the heater, hot water will be available in 5-10 seconds.

This makes everyday tasks like washing hands, doing dishes, and showering more convenient. You don’t have to plan ahead or waste time waiting for hot water.

Save Water

When you have to wait for hot water, gallons of clean water go straight down the drain as it heats up. A recirculating system eliminates this waste.

The US Department of Energy estimates the average family wastes 3,000 to 7,000 gallons of water per year waiting for hot water. A recirculating pump can recover most of these losses.

Over time, the water savings really add up, saving you money on utility bills. Going green by conserving water is another bonus.

Save Energy

Keeping water hot in the pipes means your water heater doesn’t have to work as hard reheating cold water entering the tank. This lowers energy use.

The Department of Energy estimates families can save 3-4% on water heating costs with a recirculating system. For the average home, this equates to $30-40 in energy savings per year.

Added Comfort and Convenience

Having instant endless hot water improves comfort and convenience:

– No more cold shower shock when someone else uses hot water
– Washing hands is quick and easy
– Faster fill up for baths
– Quicker to get cooking water hot
– Don’t have to plan activities around hot water needs

The added comfort and time savings are hard to quantify but make a real quality of life impact.

What Are the Drawbacks of a Hot Water Recirculating System?

While recirculating systems have excellent benefits, there are some downsides to consider:

Upfront Cost

The pump, plumbing, and installation costs typically range from $500 to $1,500. This is a significant upfront investment that may make the payback period longer.

Increased Energy Use

Running the pump uses some electricity, typically 30-100 watts. Keeping water hot in the pipes causes some standby heat loss. This increases energy use, reducing the net savings. Proper pipe insulation helps minimize losses.

More Parts That Can Fail

Like any system, more components mean more things that can break. The pump, timer, and sensors add complexity. When something fails, you lose the hot water benefit until repairs are made.

Maintenance

The pump and filtration system may need periodic maintenance. Sediment buildup can cause problems. Occasional inspection and cleaning helps prevent issues.

Noise

The circulating pump creates some noise that can be distracting, especially at night. Proper installation and sound dampening helps reduce noise.

Overall, the drawbacks are relatively minor compared to the benefits for most homes. Careful system selection and design minimizes the downsides.

What Factors Determine if a Pump is Worthwhile?

Whether a recirculating pump makes sense depends on your hot water usage, house layout, and other factors:

Family Size and Hot Water Usage

The more people in a home using hot water frequently, the better an investment a pump is. Large households with busy mornings, frequent sink use, and laundry will benefit the most.

Pipe Length and Layout

Long runs of pipe from the water heater to fixtures waste more water and take longer to heat. A pump is very effective for homes where the water heater is far from kitchens and bathrooms.

Cost of Water and Energy

In areas with high water and electric rates, the savings from a recirculating pump will payback faster. The value increases directly with utility costs.

Climate Considerations

In colder climates, pipes lose more heat. Keeping them hot is more beneficial. In warm climates with short runs, the savings will be lower.

Green Motivation

For eco-minded homeowners who want to conserve resources, a pump can significantly cut water waste and energy use. The green benefit may be worth the cost.

Frequency of Use

Homes that use hot water at consistent times will see more value from scheduled pump operation. Intermittent hot water needs may not warrant the expense.

Considering these factors will help determine if the convenience and savings outweigh the upfront investment for your home.

How Much Does a Hot Water Recirculating System Cost?

The total cost to add a recirculating pump depends on the components and installation. Typical costs include:

– Pump – $150 to $350
– Timer – $50 to $150
– Sensors and controls – $50 to $150
– Valves and fittings – $50 to $150
– Return line plumbing – $150 to $500
– Labor for installation – $200 to $1000

So the total installed cost ranges from around $500 to $1500 on average. High-end systems with advanced controls can cost up to $2,000.

Here is a table of typical costs for common pump types and installation:

System	Pump Cost	Parts Cost	Installation Cost	Total Cost
Basic System	$200	$200	$500	$900
Timer System	$300	$300	$600	$1200
Electric Valve System	$350	$400	$700	$1450
Full Featured System	$400	$600	$1000	$2000

Shopping around for competitive quotes from qualified plumbers is wise to find the best value installation. The pump itself only accounts for 15-25% of the total cost. Installation is where most of the expense goes.

What Is the Payback Period of a Hot Water Recirculating Pump?

With an installed cost of $500 to $1500, a logical question is how quickly can the energy and water savings pay back the investment in a pump?

Most homes will recoup the costs in 1-3 years. Here are estimates of the payback period based on savings:

– Water savings of 3,000-5,000 gallons per year = $30 to $60 savings (@ $0.01 per gallon)

– Energy savings of 3-4% on water heating = $30 to $40 per year (for average home)

– Total annual savings = $60 to $100

– Payback period = $900 system / $60 savings per year = 15 years

– Payback period = $1500 system / $100 savings per year = 15 years

So simple payback averages 1-3 years for a typical household. Families with higher usage and utility costs could pay off the investment even faster.

Factors that can improve the payback period:

– More family members at home using hot water
– Very long runs to hot water fixtures
– Higher cost of water and electricity
– Colder climates with more standby pipe heat loss

Proper pump sizing, control settings, and fuel type also impact energy use and savings. Gas water heaters may have a longer payback than electric.

Should You Install a Hot Water Recirculating Pump?

Here is a summary of the key pros and cons when deciding if adding a recirculating pump makes sense in your home:

Reasons to Install a Pump

• Get hot water in seconds instead of minutes
• Save water from going down the drain while waiting for hot
• Reduce energy usage from reheating cold water entering pipes
• Added comfort and convenience of instant hot water
• Payback of 1-3 years from water and energy savings

Reasons Not to Install a Pump

• Upfront cost of $500 to $1500
• Increases pump electrical use slightly
• Risk of pump or controls breaking down
• Some maintenance required on pump/system
• Pump causes slight noise

For most homes, the convenience and savings of having instant hot water on demand outweigh the minor drawbacks of a recirculating system. As long as you consider the upfront cost and payback period, installing a pump is usually a good investment that enhances comfort and efficiency in the home.

Conclusion

Installing a hot water recirculating pump is worth considering for most homes. The initial investment of $500 to $1500 pays back through utility savings within 1-3 years. The benefits of having hot water instantly, reducing waste, saving energy, and added comfort provide ongoing value.

Carefully evaluate your family’s hot water usage and plumbing layout to decide if a pump makes sense. Homes with more bathrooms, heavy usage, and long pipe runs to fixtures benefit the most. A qualified plumber can assess your home and help design the optimal system.

While the pump does add complexity and operating costs, the conveniences often outweigh the drawbacks when properly installed and maintained. For many homeowners, bringing the luxury of instant endless hot water to their homes is worth the initial costs. Careful shopping for equipment and professional installation help provide the best value upgrade.