Recirculation Systems: An Overview

Jennifer Ann • December 28, 2022

Do I Need a Recirculation System For My Water Heater?

Even the most efficient hot water systems struggle to get hot water to remote fixtures quickly. That’s where recirculation systems come into play. Learn more about hot water recirculation systems and how they can positively impact your hot water availability.

What Is a Hot Water Recirculating System?

Cold water enters your home’s water heater through a cold water line, and the unit turns the system into hot water. The hot water heater then must transport water from the unit to the different fixtures throughout your home. Closer fixtures receive the hot water much more quickly than fixtures positioned far away from the water heater.

A recirculation system refers to a plumbing system that promotes the regular flow of hot water throughout the entire house in an attempt to speed up hot water production at remote parts of the house. Recirculation systems are especially common in larger homes and multifamily dwellings.

A recirculation system consists of a dedicated hot water line loop and a recirculating pump. A circulation pump must be a subversive pump designed to operate under water. To avoid expedited corrosion due to the constant rushing water running through the pipes, use plastic pipes that don’t corrode when possible.

A recirculating system can benefit both a tankless water heater and a tank water heater. Some people mistakenly assume that since a tankless hot water heater produces hot water on demand that all fixtures receive the water instantaneously, too, but the water still has to travel to the desired fixture.

Not all water heaters are compatible with recirculation systems. Check your user manual to learn more about your particular water heater.

Benefits of Recirculation Systems

The main reason that a homeowner will want a recirculation system is that it increases convenience by providing virtually instant hot water. Homeowners notice a significant difference, especially in areas that take awhile to get hot water.

When used wisely, recirculation systems can also improve efficiency. Heated water decreases in temperature when traveling long distances, especially if the pipes don’t have proper insulation. In order to get the desired water temperature to distant fixtures, homeowners may need to increase the unit’s temperature at the thermostat, increasing energy costs. A recirculation system eliminates the need for higher temperatures, and it can actually decrease energy use by 15 - 25% .

Furthermore, getting hot water quickly prevents homeowners from running the water to wait for it to get warm, reducing water waste. Depending on the fixture in question and its flow rate, running water for 5 minutes waiting for the water to get cold can waste 10 gallons every time (assuming a fixture with a 2.0 GPM rate). If this occurs every day, that leads to about 300 gallons of wasted water every month (over 3500 gallons annually).

How Hot Water Recirculation Systems Work

An electricity-powered subversive pump creates a continuous flow of hot water through the system’s piping until it’s requested.

The system keeps hot water near your appliances. When someone opens the valve to one of the fixtures along the system, the hot water is ready to travel to the desired fixture more quickly than in the case of a conventional hot water heater.

A bypass valve controls the water flow through the circulation pipes.

Types of Recirculation Systems

There are two types of recirculation systems to be aware of: dedicated loop and integrated loop.

Dedicated Loop

In a dedicated loop, the pump connects at the bottom of the water heater on the return (or the cool side of the recirculation system). It continuously sends water through the circulation pipes. When someone needs hot water, it opens a valve, and a smaller pipe allows the hot water to reach the desired fixture in seconds.

In most cases, dedicated loops are installed at the time of the installation of the water heating system.

Integrated Loop

Integrated loops involve a pump installed at the furthest fixture from the water heater, as opposed to installing the pump at the water heater like in a dedicated loop system.

A sensor turns the system on when water temperatures fall below a certain temperature (usually 85°F) and turns it off when water temperatures exceed a certain temperature (usually 100°F).

Most integrated loop systems work best for retrofit systems already installed.

U.S. Water Heating Solutions

Do you want to install a recirculation system to your water heater, or does your current system require repair? We can help!

At U.S. Water Heating Solutions, we offer comprehensive hot water heater services as well as basic plumbing services in select areas. We service both residential and commercial plumbing systems. We can even offer warranty services if your unit is still under warranty.

Simply provide us with the details of your water heater and explain the problem. We’ll get you on the schedule and restore hot water to your home, including service to your hot water recirculation system.

Contact U.S. Water Heating Solutions for a quote today!

How does a hot water recirculation system work?

A recirculation system works by keeping water flowing through plumbing pipes made to reach the furthest points in the plumbing system. A pump ensures the continuous water flow. In dedicated systems, the pump is located at the water heater. For integrated systems, the hot water recirculation pump is located at one of the furthest fixtures in the house.
Are hot water recirculation systems efficient?

Water heater recirculation systems can definitely be efficient when installed thoughtfully. Homeowners who must run the shower for several minutes before the water heats up will notice a difference right away. The system can also prevent the hot water from running unnecessarily, saving homeowners on both their water bill and energy bill.
How much does it cost to install a hot water recirculation pump?

A hot water recirculation pump will cost a new homeowner anywhere from $250 - $3000 depending on the distance the water must travel and the materials required.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Water Heater T&P Relief Valve on its side above light blue text that reads:

Recirculation Systems: An Overview

Do I Need a Recirculation System For My Water Heater?

What Is a Hot Water Recirculating System?

Benefits of Recirculation Systems

How Hot Water Recirculation Systems Work

Types of Recirculation Systems

Dedicated Loop

Integrated Loop

U.S. Water Heating Solutions

How does a hot water recirculation system work?

Are hot water recirculation systems efficient?

How much does it cost to install a hot water recirculation pump?

You Might Also Like

Water Heater T&P Relief Valve (Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve) 101

Water Heater Drain Valve 101

Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWHs) 101: An Overview

Navigation

Services

Regular Office Hours

Emergency Dispatch

24/7/365 Service
833-879-4776

Recirculation Systems: An Overview

Do I Need a Recirculation System For My Water Heater?

What Is a Hot Water Recirculating System?

Benefits of Recirculation Systems

How Hot Water Recirculation Systems Work

Types of Recirculation Systems

Dedicated Loop

Integrated Loop

U.S. Water Heating Solutions

How does a hot water recirculation system work?

Are hot water recirculation systems efficient?

How much does it cost to install a hot water recirculation pump?

You Might Also Like

Water Heater T&P Relief Valve (Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve) 101

Water Heater Drain Valve 101

Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWHs) 101: An Overview

Navigation

Services

Regular Office Hours

Emergency Dispatch

24/7/365 Service 833-879-4776

24/7/365 Service
833-879-4776