Hot water is a pleasure in winters. You may have experienced that when you open the hot water faucet, it takes some time for hot water to come out. This is particularly true for colder environments. It happens due to the hot water turning cold in pipes. The time hot water takes to reach your faucet depends upon a number of factors, such as the size of your home, power and capability of your water heater, and the distance of the point of use from the heater.
Problems Associated with this Phenomenon
The scenario explained above can be very problematic as it can waste a lot of water, increase your water heating bill (electric or propane), put extra load on your heater, and you have to wait for hot water as well. Imagine that you are already running late for office in the morning and have to wait for 2-5 minutes for hot water. It can be really irritating and time-consuming.
Don’t worry! There is a solution for this: Hot Water Recirculating Pump.
How does a Hot Water Recirculation Pump work?
A hot water recirculating pump works by keeping the hot water in your pipes readily available. It returns the hot water back to your heater when you close the hot water faucet. In this way, the hot water plumbing pipes remain filled with hot water, and you do not have to wait to use hot water. There are two types of hot water recirculation pumps available for you to buy.
- Full Recirculating Pump System
- Recirculating Pump Comfort System
Full Recirculating Pump System
Both systems work differently but have the same purpose; keep hot water available at your faucet, so that you don’t waste water and get hot water instantly after opening the tap. The first one is a bit difficult to install as you have to put in an additional pipe for it to work. The hot water is drawn back from the additional pipe installed, and there is no water left in the pipes to get cold. Hence, you don’t have to wastewater to get hot water. The time taken to get hot water at your faucet is the time hot water takes to travel from the water heater to your faucet. You get hot water in just 5-10 seconds.
Recirculating Pump Comfort System
The second type of recirculation pump uses the existing plumbing system to provide you with instant hot water without any wait and wastage. It is an economical option as it saves you the initial cost of installing an additional water pipe. Despite all the advantages of this system, it also has some disadvantages. When you use the same pipe for hot and cold water with a recirculation pump, the cold water also gets a bit warm. It won’t be an issue in winters, and you can avoid this by turning the recirculation pump off during summers.
Now that we know how a water recirculation pump works, it’s time to review some of the best recirculation pumps available in the market for you to buy. We will also discuss a buying guide and FAQs at the end of this topic to help you make the best purchase decision.
Best Hot Water Recirculation Systems
| Top Picks (Comparison) | ||
|---|---|---|
 | Editor's ChoiceBest Hot Water Recirculation Systems
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Grundfos GRU-595916 595916
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Grundfos 59896155, UP15-42F
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | bayite BYT-7A006 DC 12V Solar Hot Water Heater Circulation Pump
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Grundfos 59896341 UPS15-58FC Super Brute Circulator
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | BOKYWOX 110V 93W
| LATEST PRICE → |
1. Watts Premier Instant Hot Water Recirculating Pump System with Built-In Timer
- Type: Recirculating pump with built-in timer
- Efficiency: Saves up to 15,000 gallons of water per year
- Maintenance: Free
More Features: It comes with a built-in timer and supplies the hot water instantly.
If you are looking for a well-made and highly efficient water-conserving machine, this Watts 500800 Pump could be your best pick. It is one of the best products available on the market and also includes a timer in the package.
Coming to the pricing of this hot water pump, it is very much affordable and reasonable as compared to the quality of the product and the efficiency it provides. The company claims Watts 500800 Recirculating System saves up to 15,000 gallons of water per year, which will save a huge load of money for you.
The package will include a pump with a timer, 2 adapters with rubber washers. Wall mounting screws, sensor valves, and one 12-inch supply line.
Suppose you are a person who needs warm water several times a day at fixed intervals or times. In that case, this recirculating pump is perfect for you because its timer enables you to adjust the working hours of this pump, allowing you to maximize its efficiency and get warm water at your desired times.
This product is truly one of the best options available in the market right now. Especially, because of its affordable price, everyone can purchase it and save unnecessarily wasted water. The quality of the product is really great, and it is made to last long.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Saves up to 15,000 gallons of water per year
- Easy installation
- Timer included
- Free maintenance
- The package includes everything required for installation.
Cons
- Not compatible with all the water heaters, you must check the compatibility before buying it.
2. Grundfos GRU-595916 595916
- Flow Range: Flexible
- Efficiency: Lower energy consumption
- Water pressure: Adjustable
More Features: The maintenance of this water re-circulating pump is easy. You can install it without using additional tools.
While you are on this page, it definitely means you are looking for reliable water circulator pumps, and I guarantee, this is the best place to look for.
Grundfos 595916 1/25 Horsepower recirculation pump is one of the best recirculation pumps. It is a top performance pump with extra features that anyone would love to have in their home. The Grundfos 1/25 Horsepower recirculation pump comes with a flexible flow range. This means that you can adjust the water pressure depending upon the application you have.
The pump can deliver up to nine gallons per minute, which is truly impressive and efficient. It can also self-adjust its pressure depending upon the usage and the application.
A lot of recirculating water pumps need high-end maintenance. Well, that is not the case with Grundfos 595916 1-25 Horsepower recirculation water pump. It is completely maintenance-friendly and gives good performance all the time.
The price is not that high either ich makes it affordable for almost everyone. The package also includes a timer. This pump is known to lower the energy and water consumption of your house considerably.
Pros
- Package includes timer
- Free maintenance
- Noise-free
- Suitable for hot domestic water circulation and circulation of liquid in air-conditioning systems too
- Aluminum stator housing
- No additional wiring required
- Easy installation
Cons
- May produce noise after 5-8 years
3. Grundfos 59896155, UP15-42F, SuperBrute Recirculating Pump 1/25 HP,115 -Volt, SMALL RED
- Flow range: Variable
- Construction: High-quality stainless steel
- Water Supply: 15.5 gallons of water/min
More Features: It is much quieter, and there are no complaints regarding it producing noise after some time’s use.
The Grundfos 59896155 1/25 Horsepower Superbrute recirculation pump is known for its capabilities of efficiently heating water and controlling the overall consumption of water in your house.
It comes with a variable flow range, which allows it to deliver on various water pressures just as you would like according to the situation and the application you are using. Like other Grundfos models, this product also tends to work a long time without the necessary and high maintenance.
Unlike the Grundfos 595916 1/25 Horsepower, it is much quieter, and there are no complaints regarding it producing noise after some time’s use.
The Grundfos 5989155 Superbrute recirculation pump is made of high-quality stainless steel, which ensures it is long-lasting and durable.
It has the tendency to push 15.5 gallons of water per minute. You might take it a little less, but in the longer run, these are the adequate numbers. The pump is also constructed, keeping in mind high-level usage homes such as three or four-level family homes that utilize a lot of water daily.
Unfortunately, this product doesn’t include a built-in timer like the other Grundfos water pump. While the timer can be purchased separately to be used with this water pump, if it is being run in house or place with high water consumption, you will want to run it continuously or according to its sensors.
Pros
- Very powerful
- Automatic sensor system
- Low maintenance
- Suitable for a large family with high water consumption
Cons
- The internal cases are known to rust, a very rare case
- No built-in timer
4. bayite BYT-7A006 DC 12V Solar Hot Water Heater Circulation Pump Low Noise 3M Discharge Head 2.1GPM
- Type: Low-cost water circulation system
- Efficiency: 2.1 GPM
- Warranty: 1-year replacement
More Features: It’s perfect for home solar water heating systems and other circulation pump applications.
This Bayite BYT07A006 Solar Hot Water Circulation Pump is one of the best budget choices for people who are looking for reliable and low-cost water circulation systems. It’s perfect for home solar water heating systems and other circulation pump applications.
It is 9.6 ounces with 4.4 x 3.4 x 2 inches in dimensions.
It’s a non-self-priming pump. Max Flow rate that it provides is 2.1 GPM, and the Max discharge head is 9.8 ft. Max system pressure allowed is 145PSI. This doesn’t mean that it can produce 145PSI; it means that the pump can be connected to the application having a pressure less than 145PSI.
The package does not include any power adapter or power batteries. However, a 12 Volt power battery is required for the functioning of this pump. The company claims a service life of 30,000 hours, and if it is used for circulating wort, it must be cleaned after use.
The company is also offering a 1-year warranty replacement in case of any damage or anything super cool for new users as they are confused about losing their money.
As said above, this circulating pump is known for its quiet and efficient functioning. It is a good choice for people looking not to spend too much money and enjoy the benefits.
It works perfectly, can handle the heat and pumps at a nice, steady, and slow rate without causing any disturbance. This pump is practically silent, there are pumps worth $150, but you have to bury them way down just because they produce hell load of noise.
Pros
- Low cost
- Easy installation
- Practically silent
- Long life
Cons
- Needs to be primed
5. Grundfos 59896341 UPS15-58FC Super Brute Circulator, Red
- Efficiency: 1/25 Horsepower recirculation pump
- Motor: 3 variable speeds
- Check Valve: built-in removable
More Features: Its performance meter nearly covers all traditional heating applications ranging from radiant and baseboards to fan coils and zoning.
Until now, you might have discovered the fact that Grundfos is a well-known name when it comes to recirculation pumps.
This particular product, the Grundfos 59896341 Brute Three Speed 1/25 Horsepower recirculation pump, is of canned rotor type. This means that it contains a pump and a motor unit without a shaft seal with only two gaskets for sealing.
The pump is characterized by a ceramic shaft and radial bearings, carbon axial bearing, chrome steel rotor, and composite, PES, and cast iron pump housing. No additional motor protection is included, neither required.
The package includes a circulator pump, cast iron housing, three-speed motor, and a built-in removable check valve. It is one of the most versatile and well-performing circulator pumps available in the market. Its performance meter nearly covers all traditional heating applications ranging from radiant and baseboards to fan coils and zoning.
The item weighs 4 pounds and has dimensions 5.2 x 4.2 x 6.5 inches, requires 115 volts for an operation against 1 Horsepower production. The package includes 2 years warranty starting from the date of installation.
Pros
- Extremely quiet
- Affordable
- Easy installation
Cons
- The check valve may go bad after some years
6. BOKYWOX 110V 93W NPT3/4” Circulator Pump 3-Speed Control Domestic Silent Hot Water Booster Circulation Pump（RS15/6B)
- Type: Bag Replacement Softener
- Efficiency: 10-12 years
- Approved by: FDA, USDA, and NSF
More Features: It has no side effects. The product is shipped in 2 bags to keep it fresh and free from moisture.
The Bokywox Hot Water 110-120V 3-Speed Circulation Pump also deserves to be listed in our best picks for many reasons.
This water circulation pump is suitable for suburban villas, city buildings, industrial buildings, houses, air conditioning, boilers, and many more applications.
There are a lot of features that the company claims, and amazingly, most of those features have been pointed out by the customers too. The Bokywox hot water circulation pump has extremely low function noise and is completely leakage proof.
The product is completely environmentally protected and has an easy installation setup that the user can also fit just following the installation manual. The package includes every necessary thing required to self-install the product in your house or application.
It is suitable for hot water and ethanol, with a maximum ratio of 1:1. Can maximum work at a pressure of 10bar? It requires 110-120 volts at 60Hz frequency for optimal functioning and power consumption.
The product is made with high-quality stainless steel, PP, and ceramic coatings which tells, Bokywox has manufactured it be long-lasting and durable.
Overall, this water circulation pump by Bokywox is a great addition to our list of best water circulation pumps for home and industrial use. It is super savvy and affordable. It requires no high maintenance, is super easy to install, works quietly, and is efficient too.
Pros
- Economical
- Less power consumption
- Super quiet
Cons
- No timer included
Buyers Guide
Choosing the right water recirculation pump for your exact needs can be really tricky since there are a lot of options that are available in the market and not much guidance. There are a lot of options with different styles, features, and qualities, something working best for someone might not give you the same output and results.
Water Demand and Flow Rate
The most important factor to look forward to while buying a recirculation pump is to consider the volume of water it can handle. Make sure you look at the flow rate of the pump as well. We don’t want you to end up with a recirculation pump with a lower flow rate, and it becomes a hassle for you in the long run.
Built-In Timers
Having a built-in timer or getting an aftermarket timer and fitting into your water recirculation pump is really a blessing. Having a timer means you are only getting hot water at peak usage times. Timers can take care of everything for you. You can set it up to be working at hours and idols and the others. Timers can have their drawbacks, but mostly, they are preferred due to adjustable working hours.
Durability
Any machine with continuous use will eventually have a break down somewhere, and machines running water in them are more likely to rust and break. But some measures can prolong the life of such machines. While searching for a water recirculation pump, you need to know how long you want to last.
You need to purchase a pump that is made of stainless steel and is of high quality. You might have to spend some extra bucks, but it will be beneficial in the longer run.
You might also want to take into consideration your temperature and weather surroundings because something that long’s last in high temperatures may fail down in lower temperature areas or vice versa.
Traditional or Tankless Water Heater
After taking care of quality, the next big question is what sort of water heater you are using in your house or want to use if you are just planning to have a house right now.
For many tankless water heaters, the water recirculation pumps are usually weak in heating the water. So, you need to do proper research on whether the water pump you are going to purchase is going to fulfill your demands or not.
FAQs
Can I save some money if I buy a hot water recirculation pump?
Yes. You can save some money by investing in hot water recirculation pump. You may end up wasting 5000 gallons of water every year while waiting for hot water. The wastage maybe even more for large homes. Private well owners may think that they don’t pay for water, why they need a recirculation pump. The answer is, wasting water is not good on your part. Save the environment by saving water. The world is already running low on drinkable water.
Do hot water recirculation pumps save water?
Yes. Every time you open your tap and waste 1-2 gallons of water while waiting for hot water, a recirculation pump comes to your help. It helps you save water and save time.
What is the average life of a hot water recirculation system?
A good quality pump can last for 1-15 years. The best one may last more than that. The top 3 pumps in our list are built to last and work for more than 15 years without any issues.
Conclusion
Hot water recirculation pumps are excellent machines for large homes. They help you save money, time, and water. If you are tired of waiting for hot water before showering or washing your hands, now is the time to say goodbye to this problem. Select any of the above recirculation pumps according to your needs, install it and watch it do wonders.
Leave a Reply