Best Hot Recirculating Pump Reviews in 2024
One of the most frustrating things is having to wait for a few minutes for the water in your tap or shower to heat up before you can use it. Luckily, you can resolve this issue quickly by installing the best hot water recirculating pump for you that will ensure hot water is delivered almost instantly.
This pump works by continually keeping hot water moving throughout your home’s plumbing system, which means that hot water is readily available at all times.
Our 3 Top Rated Hot Recirculating Pump Reviews
Additionally, these pumps also reduce water wastage, thus helping save on your water costs.
Here are some of the top hot water recirculating pumps:
Best Hot Water Recirculating Pumps Reviews in 2023
Watts 500800 Instant Hot Water Recirculating System Review
The Watts 500800 is one of the best-selling hot water recirculating systems available today that excels at what it does.
Not only does it deliver instant access to hot water when needed, but it can also help you conserve thousands of wasted gallons of water every year.
From installation to operation, this best hot water recirculation system is very user-friendly, and you can set it up in less than an hour.
Best of all, it is entirely maintenance free, which means you can install and forget about it worrying about servicing it shortly.
The Watts 500800 excels as a premier unit as it comes with a programmable timer.
The 24-hour timer allows you to activate the pump only when you want to use it, which means that it is also energy efficient.
The other notable feature is the fact that it takes up very little space once installed.
Many users also love that runs entirely silent and does not make unnecessary noises, unlike other models.
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- Inbuilt 24-hour long programmable timer
- Provides hot water quickly
- Easy to set and is maintenance free
- Operates very quietly
- Provides significant energy and water savings
- Cannot be used with a tankless water heater
The Watts 500800 works flawlessly to push hot water to the fixtures almost instantaneously.
It has several great features, including programmable time, quiet motor and maintenance-free operation that makes it a great option.
Grundfos 595916 Horsepower Recirculator Pump Review
The Grundfos 595916 1/25 recirculating pump is an excellent solution for homeowners where hot water takes several minutes to reach the faucets.
The installation is quite straightforward as the unit comes complete with everything you need to get set up quickly, including a 10ft power cord and a comfort valve.
It is a sturdy and durable recirculating pump as it is made using stainless steel.
The solid build quality gives it the strength to last longer while also protecting the unit from rusting.
Since it only uses 25 Watts and 115 Volts, does not consume too much power and is highly energy efficient.
The quietly running motor used in this pump can either run continuously throughout the day or be controlled using the aquastat or timer.
The pump’s automatic features are beneficial for increasing energy savings by reducing the amount of time when the unit is on.
Moreover, the pump can provide a broad temperature range starting from 360°F to 1500°F.
The Grundfos 595916 1/25 Horsepower Comfort Series recirculating pump is also versatile as it can be used to circulate cooling liquids within air-conditioning units.
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- Made of durable material
- Operates very quietly
- Low power consumption
- Flexible and can be used to circulate cooling fluids
- Includes a long cord and timer
- The comfort valve would likely require a replacement after a few years.
With low power consumption and a broad temperature range, the Grundfos 595916 is undoubtedly worth checking out.
Laing LHB08100092 AutoCirc Recirculation Pump Review
The Laing LHB08100092 AutoCirc pump is designed specifically for placement below taps or faucets that are located far away from the heater, where water is taking too long to heat up.
It comes with a temperature sensor that turns on the pump automatically whenever the hot water temperature reaches 85° F.
The pump then pumps the cold water back to the water heater, while ensuring that the hot water always stays at 95°, thus making sure that hot water is readily available.
Besides the thermostat that helps to maintain the perfect water temperatures at all times, the Laing AutoCirc also has a time that allows you to set your preferred operating periods based on your hot water usage.
Once the thermostat located within the unit switches the recirculating pump, the auto-closure system prevents cold and hot water from mixing.
Hence, your hot water will remain hot, while your cold water will stay cold.
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- Automatic operation with a timer and thermostat
- It does not need a return line
- Small and lightweight size
- Specially made for under faucet or sink installation
- It also includes a long 6ft power cord
- It does not include any covers.
The Laing LHB08100092 AutoCirc recirculation pump requires only 14 Watts and works well when installed under a sink.
It is the ideal option for people looking for a straightforward recirculating pump.
Grundfos 59896155 Horsepower SuperBrute Recirculator Pump Review
If you want loads of power in a well-made package built from cast iron, then look no further than the Grundfos 59896155 SuperBrute recirculating pump.
The pump uses a 1/25 HP motor to drive a notable flow rate of up to 15 GPM.
This means you can quickly pump large quantities of hot water around your home with minimal heat loss.
Grundfos is one of the leading producers of recirculating pumps and this particular product also meets the high standards that this company has set for itself.
Despite being very powerful, it still runs relatively quietly, and its efficient design means that it only needs 25 Watts to run.
However, as with other reasonably priced pumps, you should not expect any automatic features.
If you need a thermostatic shut-off and timer, then you will need to buy these as extra add-ons.
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- The cast iron build makes it durable and reliable
- High flow rate
- Runs efficiently and moderately quietly
- It does not include any automatic features.
Just like other Grundfos pumps, you can count on the efficiency and durability of this Grundfos 59896155 SuperBrute recirculating pump.
It is reasonably priced and can be depended upon to continue working smoothly for a long time to come.
Taco 006-B4 Bronze Circulator Pump Review
It might not be the flashiest pump on this list, but this Taco 006-B4 pump certainly gets the job done.
It uses a well-tuned motor to circulate hot water in either closed or open loop applications.
Installation and maintenance are notably easy because all the moving parts within the pump are located within a replaceable cartridge.
Thus, you can just do a quick service by replacing the cartridge rather than replacing the whole circulating pump.
The cartridge is also quite affordable, which can help save you replacement costs in the future.
The ability to replace critical components in one go makes maintaining this unit hassle-free.
Nevertheless, the Taco 006-B4 Bronze Circulator Pump has made some tradeoffs to keep its prices lower than its competitors.
One such trade-off is the fact that there is no inbuilt timer feature here.
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- It has a compact and small design that allows it to fit anywhere easily
- The replacement cartridge is cheap and can save you maintenance costs
- It consumes low power and is perfect for jobs that require high efficiency
- Quite basic and lacks some key features like programmable timer and thermostat
If you want a simple recirculating pump that works and does not have multiple features, then this Taco pump is worth considering.
It is a compact pump that is easy to maintain and works well.
Pros and Cons of hot water recirculating pump
There are several reasons as to why you should consider installing a hot water recirculation pump.
Here are some pros and cons of hot water recirculating pump:
Convenient access to hot water
The most obvious reason is that you get instant access to hot water every time you run a bath or switch on your faucet.
Depending on how big your house is and also the length of your plumbing pipes, it may take a few minutes before the hot water reaches various fixtures.
If you do not want to stand around waiting for the hot water, then investing in a recirculating system that will continuously pump the much-needed hot water throughout your house.
Reduce Water Wastage
Many people usually let the water run for a few minutes to allow hot water to reach the tap or shower finally.
The truth is that you could be wasting thousands of gallons per year as you merely wait for that heated water to be delivered.
When installed, hot water recirculating pumps eliminate the need to wait for the flow of water to reach that perfect temperature.
This benefit is especially significant in places where there is a short supply of water.
Easy to Install and Use
Even though installation by a professional is usually recommended, the process of setting up a hot water recirculating pump is moderately simple.
Most of the domestic pump models are designed to be installed with minimal hassle and will suit most plumbing systems.
Also, you do not need to apply for any special permits to connect a hot water recirculating unit to your home.
When it comes to usage, these pumps are quite straightforward and very simple to operate.
Wide Selection of Products
Hot water recirculating units have long been used in many restaurants and hotels as a way of conveniently supplying guests with instant hot water.
Today, you can find a wide range of recirculating pumps designed for domestic use as more homeowners have started taking advantage of all the benefits that these pumps can provide.
However, with so many options, it helps to do a bit of research to ensure that you are choosing the recirculating system that is the perfect fit for your home.
How does a Hot Water Recirculating Pump work?
The average home wastes roughly 15,000 gallons of water every year.
A large part of this wastage comes from letting water flow directly into the drainage while waiting for it to reach the desired hot temperature.
This wastage process is repeated numerously for showers, dishes, baths and many other daily household tasks all over the country.
Here is a brief explanation of how hot water recirculating pumps work and how they can help you prevent this wastage.
Let’s look at basic plumbing, particularly regarding how hot water travels from your heater to the shower or faucet.
Once the water heater has heated up the water, that hot water must then be transported to fixtures around the home.
However, since there is cold water already in the piping, it must be first moved out before hot water can reach the tap.
Installing a hot water recirculating pump helps to solve this issue through short-circuiting your plumbing system temporarily such that the supply of hot water is connected directly to cold water.
The recirculating aspect of the pump comes from the fact that the cold water is redirected back into the water heater rather than being wasted.
Once the pump bypass valve detects that the hot water is instantly coming out from the faucet, the pump stops automatically.
The result of using hot water recirculating pumps is nearly instantaneous hot water whenever you open the tap, with no wastage of water.
It delivers the hot water at last five times faster than using conventional plumbing, which saves time, energy, sewage and water costs.
These pumps can be easily activated by different methods including a timer, switch or water flow sensors.
Classifying Hot Water Recirculating Pumps
There are several essential options when it comes to choosing a recirculating pump, primarily based on how you intend to install and use it.
Here are some of the main alternatives to consider:
Recirculating Pump Installed Near the Water Heater
For this installation method, a hot water recirculating pump is strategically installed near the primary water heater and is best for buildings that already have a dedicated or preinstalled return line.
The hot water supply line will always be filled with hot water while ensuring that no warm or hot water mixes with the cold water.
The disadvantage of using this method is that the supply branches of hot water that run to the individual fixtures around the building will not stay hot.
It means that you should still expect a slight delay as some cold water is being purged before the hot water finally reaches the tap once it is turned on.
This type of hot water recirculating pump installation near the building’s water heater is common in most new properties.
Recirculating Pump Installed at the Usage Point
If you do not have a dedicated return line for hot water, then you can opt toinstall the recirculating pump at the exact usage point.
This kind of pump is used nearer to the water fixture instead of the central water heater.
For example, it can be placed below a sink and can then be used to send cold water back to the heater through the cold supply line until hot water reaches the fixture.
There is a definite benefit of having the pump installed near a faucet, and that is because it provides faster access to hot water, with minimal delay.
This type of hot water recirculation system can be used in any building and is especially helpful where no dedicated return lines are installed.
The other way of classifying hot water recirculating pumps has to do with how they work, e.g., with a timer, thermostat or even on demand units.
Here is a b
Timer and Aquastat Powered Units
A hot water recirculating pump with an aquastat and time design means that the hot water will be maintained at a specific temperature for a particular set duration.
Both the aquastat and the timer work efficiently together to ensure there is sufficient hot water when needed.
The user can set up the timer to ensure that there is hot water every morning, or whichever time they intend to use hot water.
At this time when the pump is active, the thermostat in the pump maintains a consistent flow of hot water within the pipes.
Under this kind of system, the recirculating pump does not run nonstop throughout the day.
It will only start running during the periods set in the timer settings and also for as long as the thermostat senses that the water has a low temperature than is required.
The result is that it delivers hot water very quickly at cert times during the day when you anticipate using it but more efficiently.
Besides getting hot water quickly to all fixtures in your home, this kind of recirculating pump delivers water that is a lot hotter.
The reason for this is that the plumbing system is usually pre-heated due to the recirculating hot water.
As the supply line of hot water will already be heated up, there is less heat loss when the water travels from the heater to your tap or faucet, thus providing much warmer water.
On-Demand Units
Just as the name suggests, these on-demand hot water recirculating pumps require user activation every time to operate.
Once the user activates the pump, the system quickly delivers hot water straight from the heater while sending cold water away from the supply line and back into the heater.
The activation controls for the pump can be set up at various locations in the building and are not just limited to where the recirculation pump is installed.
The on-demand unit is more versatile and can include remote controls placed at various parts of the house to initiate hot water flow.
You can even use motion detectors as part of the remote-control system whereby the pump is automatically switched on whenever you walk into your bathroom.
The benefit of using this kind of hot water recirculating system is that it is very energy efficient and offers minimal heat loss since hot water is only provided on demand.
Tips for Choosing the Ideal Hot Water Recirculating Pump
It is easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to shopping for recirculating pumps due to the multiple options available on the market.
Here is what you need to know about best hot water recirculation systems.
Below are some of the primary considerations that you should keep in mind to help you identify which products will probably suit you best.
Here are some of the top things to look out for:
Is the Material Sturdy?
An important consideration when choosing a recirculating pump is the material’s strength.
The overall strength and durability will depend on how it was constructed.
For example, recirculating pumps that are made of stainless steel and bronze are primarily used for residential applications.
The critical thing to remember here is that recirculating pumps that are made using lead-free materials last longer because they are durable.
How will the recirculating pump be connected?
You should confirm that the pump’s connection system matches with where you intend to install it in your home.
For instance, residential hot water recirculating pumps are typically fixed into the supply piping using flanges of different sizes.
Additionally, you can also use threaded connections to fasten the pump onto the supply pipe.
Is it the right size and does it have an adequate flow rate?
It is very crucial to calculate the flow rate of the pump you intend to buy to ensure that it can overcome the pressure loss that is experienced during operation.
Regarding the pump’s size, make sure you check various areas like heat exchangers, valves, and different other fittings to ensure it can fit in the planned installation point.
What is the Horsepower?
Of equal importance when choosing a hot water recirculation unit is to check its horsepower.
This horsepower or the motor strength affects both its flow rate and head loss performances.
Is it Easy to Set the Temperature?
Make sure you choose a pump that will allow setting the perfect hot water temperature precisely.
It is quite helpful as it guarantees that you will always get hot water based on your desired temperatures.
Is it Easy to Use?
The overall user-friendliness of the recirculating pump is also something you need to consider seriously.
A functional unit will allow you to install and operate it with minimal issues smoothly.
The advantage of using an easy-to-use pump is that it will make the whole process a lot more convenient and stress-free.
How is it Maintained?
The reality is that if you buy an inferior recirculation pump, then you will likely be forced into doing lots of maintenance to get it working correctly.
The best advice here is to get the right model that delivers high performance and requires minimal maintenance.
Either way, it is still good to know what support is necessary to ensure that your hot water recirculation pump will keep functioning well for a long time.
Conclusion
Choosing to install a good quality hot water recirculating pump offers multiple benefits including instant hot water and significant savings in water costs.
The installation process for most of these pumps is pretty straightforward, and you can install one within a few hours.
You only need to ensure that you have chosen the right recirculating pump that offers sufficient horsepower and flow capacity for your needs.
Additionally, make sure that the connections around the pump are sufficiently robust to allow the system to function without any issues.
The bottom line is that buying and installing best hot water recirculating pump for your system will undoubtedly make your life more convenient.
