RECIRCULATING PUMPS: Hot Water on Demand, Every Time
Ever get tired of waiting for hot water to reach your faucet? A recirculating pump can be the solution, ensuring you enjoy instant access to hot water throughout your home. This page explains how these pumps work, their benefits, and whether they might be a worthwhile investment for you.
What Does a Recirculating Pump Do?
A recirculating pump is a small device installed on your water heater. It continuously circulates hot water through a dedicated loop back to the heater, preventing it from cooling down in the pipes. This means when you turn on a hot water tap, hot water is readily available, eliminating the wait and wasted water associated with traditional systems.
Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
HOT WATER
As your water heater heats water, it flows through the pipes towards your faucets.
COOL DOWN
The further the faucet is from the heater, the more the water cools down in the pipes due to heat loss.
RECIRCULATION
The pump continuously draws cool water from the furthest point in the hot water line and sends it back to the heater.
HOT WATER ON DEMAND
When you open a hot water tap, hot water already present in the loop reaches the faucet instantly, eliminating the wait.
Why Do I Need a Recirculating Pump?
While not essential for every home, a recirculating pump offers several benefits:
CONVENIENCE:
Enjoy immediate access to hot water, eliminating the frustration of waiting for lukewarm water to reach the faucet.
WATER SAVINGS:
No more running the tap and wasting water while you wait for hot water to come through.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY:
Less water wasted means less energy required to heat additional water.
INCREASED COMFORT:
No more cold showers or lukewarm baths due to long wait times for hot water.
IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER:
- COST: Installation and ongoing electricity use add to your overall plumbing expenses.
- COMPLEXITY: A reliable choice in areas with limited access to natural gas.
- SUITABILITY: May not be necessary in smaller homes or those with short distances between the water heater and faucets.
Is a Recirculating Pump Worth It?
Whether a recirculating pump is a worthwhile investment depends on your specific situation. Consider these factors:
FREQUENCY OF HOT WATER USAGE.
If you use hot water frequently throughout the day, the convenience and water savings might outweigh the cost.
DISTANCE FROM WATER HEATER.
Homes with long pipe runs between the heater and faucets benefit most from the instant hot water availability.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY GOALS.
If reducing water waste and conserving energy are priorities, a recirculating pump can contribute to those goals.
Contact Zona Plumbing Today:
Our experienced plumbers can assess your home’s plumbing layout and hot water usage habits to determine if a recirculating pump is right for you. We offer expert installation and maintenance services to ensure optimal performance and efficient hot water delivery.
Call us at 520-302-0562 or contact us to schedule an appointment.
Zona Plumbing – Your trusted partner for all your plumbing needs!
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