Waiting for hot water can be frustrating, especially when you just want a nice hot shower after a long day. Tankless water heaters provide hot water instantly, but even they can suffer from delays depending on the layout of your pipes. This is where recirculation pumps come in - they keep the water moving so hot water is always ready right when you turn on the tap.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about pairing tankless heaters and recirc pumps for maximum convenience and efficiency.
Overview of Tankless Water Heaters
Before diving into recirculation pumps, let's review the basics of tankless operation.
What is a Tankless Water Heater?
Unlike traditional water heaters with storage tanks, tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand without needing to store pre-heated water.
Key Benefits:
- Energy efficient - only heat water when needed
- Continuous hot water supply
- Compact size
- Long lifespan
They make use of an instant heating mechanism that allows endless hot water capacity while using less energy.
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Traditional Water Heater |
Tankless Water Heater |
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Stores hot water in insulated tank |
Heats water instantly as it flows through |
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Limited hot water capacity |
Unlimited on-demand hot water |
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Standby heat loss from stored water |
No standby energy loss |
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Large storage tanks occupy space |
Compact unit size |
How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?
Tankless heaters use an instant heating mechanism to deliver continuous hot water:
Flow Sensors - Detect when someone turns on a hot water tap. This activates the heating elements.
Heating Elements - Quickly heat the water to preset temperature as it travels through the unit. Gas-fired heaters use burners and electric heaters use heating coils.
Temperature Control - Monitors outgoing hot water to maintain precise temperature.
This on-demand operation means there’s no need to store hot water. However, the initial water from the pipes can still be cold until the heater warms up.
Recirculation Pumps for Improved Hot Water Delivery
Tankless heaters provide unlimited hot water, but getting it to the tap instantly can be a challenge, especially in large homes. This is where recirculation pumps improve system efficiency.
How Do Recirculation Pumps Work?
These small pumps are installed on the hot water piping to keep water moving through a closed loop system. This brings hot water from the heater to each fixture for faster delivery.
High Power Electric Instant Hot Water Heater with Round Shower Head (Image Source: Alsavo)
Benefits of Adding a Recirc Pump:
- Reduces wait times for hot water
- Minimizes water wasted while waiting
- More consistent hot water temperatures
- Improves efficiency in larger plumbing systems
Using a recirc pump improves comfort and saves water. But is it right for all tankless installations? Let's explore some key considerations.
Is a Recirculation Pump Necessary?
While recirc systems provide convenience, they also add complexity and cost. You’ll need to weigh up the benefits for your specific needs.
When Does a Recirc Pump Make Sense?
Here are common scenarios where a recirculation pump improves tankless operation:
Large Home Layouts - Long pipe runs to distant fixtures result in substantial wait times for hot water. A recirc system keeps hot water flowing through the loop.
Commercial Applications - Buildings like hotels and apartment blocks have extensive plumbing to service many fixtures. Recirc pumps dramatically cut wait times.
Pre-existing Recirc Loops - Some homes already have recirc loops from old systems. Tying into these with the tankless unit streamlines installation.
Conversely, a recirc pump likely provides limited benefit in small residential units with short, simple pipe runs. The added expense may not justify the convenience.
Cost/Benefit Analysis
When evaluating recirc pumps, weigh up the trade-off of convenience and efficiency against system complexity and operating costs:
Benefits
- Convenience - Faster hot water delivery
- Efficiency - Less water wasted while waiting
- Consistent Temps - Hot water reaches taps at ideal temp
Cost Considerations
- Equipment - $200 to $400 for pump plus fittings
- Installation - Plumbing work required
- Energy Use - Pump consumes electricity
Crunching the numbers for your specific usage can determine whether comfort and water savings outweigh costs over the system lifespan.
Installing and Maintaining Recirculation Pumps
If a recirc pump makes sense for your application, proper installation and maintenance ensures reliable performance.
Installation Best Practices
Careful pump selection and configuration avoids issues down the track:
- Choose pump sized for pipe diameter to avoid flow restrictions
- Locate pump after tankless unit so heated water flows through loop
- Include check valves to control water direction in loop
- Insulate hot water piping to retain heat
Having a professional plumbing contractor handle the installation is advisable to get all components integrated smoothly.
Ongoing System Maintenance
Like any pumping equipment, recirc systems need periodic inspection and care for longevity:
- Check pipe joints and fittings for leaks
- Ensure insulation remains intact
- Clean pump filter as per manufacturer instructions
- Test pump operation and flow at fixtures
- Check for unusual noise or vibration
With preventative maintenance, quality recirc pumps will provide years of reliable service.
Key Takeaways
The addition of a hot water recirculation pump takes maximum advantage of a tankless water heater’s high capacity and efficiency. By keeping hot water flowing through pipes to each fixture, recirc systems virtually eliminate waiting and wasted water.
For larger homes or commercial sites with extensive plumbing, recirculation pumps dramatically improve the user experience. Those with existing recirc loops can also readily integrate tankless operation.
Smaller applications may not justify the added complexity and operating costs. But for many homes and businesses needing high volume hot water, combining tankless and recirc is the ultimate comfort solution.
With Alsavo's selection of professional water heating products, creating this high efficiency system is now simpler than ever. Their team of heating experts offer personalized guidance to get the right tankless unit and accessories tailored to your hot water usage needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tankless water heaters require recirculation pumps to function effectively?
No, tankless heaters can operate effectively without a recirc pump. But pumps help maximize performance in larger plumbing systems.
What are the benefits of adding a recirculation pump to a tankless water heater system?
Key benefits include faster hot water delivery, less water wasted waiting for hot water, and more consistent output temperatures.
Are there any drawbacks to installing a recirculation pump with a tankless water heater?
The main drawbacks are added system cost, complexity, and energy use for pump operation. These factors should be weighed against the convenience benefits.
How does a recirculation pump impact the energy efficiency of a tankless water heater?
While the pumps use additional energy, this is offset by the elimination of water waste and faster hot water delivery to fixtures. Overall efficiency is still superior to traditional storage water heaters.
Can a recirculation pump be retrofitted to an existing tankless water heater system?
Yes, recirc pumps can typically be integrated with both new and existing tankless installations with the proper plumbing modifications. Consulting qualified professionals is advised to ensure correct system configuration.
