Tankless Water Heater Recirculation Pump: Is It Worth The Money?

One of the most frustrating things that could happen to us is not receiving water when we want it. Since there are many essential tasks we accomplish using water, like cooking or showering, it could quickly ruin your day when the pump system is not working as intended.

There’s a proper method you can use to solve that issue, and that’s having a recirculating system installed in the household.

This system will not only get you the water you need in less time, but it will also keep it at a comfortable temperature for you to use around different areas of your home.

Once installed, you will no longer have to worry about not receiving water to the kitchen, bathroom, or any other area where you may need it.

Through this article, we’ll talk more in-depth about what the recirculating system does, as well as the reasons why you would or wouldn’t want it.

The Recirculation Pump

Commonly known as a circulator pump, this system is responsible for circulating water from and back to the heater, creating a reheating process to ensure hot water. Through this process, water located inside the pipe doesn’t cool off; It comes out hot every time you need it.

Devices Required for the Recirculation System

While talking about a recirculating system, it’d be wrong to mention just a single machine, as there are multiple devices required to perform this process. For proper water recirculation, you’ll need the following units.

Water Heater and Pump

You can use those two devices together or individually. Also, the pump could work internally or externally.  If you want to see an example, you should check out the Rheem RTGH unit, which uses an integrated recirculation pump.

A Recirculation Line

Other than the cold and hot water pipelines, you’ll need another one for the recirculation. Naturally, setting up this line is easier when the pipes are all in the basement, or if it comes already installed in the house.

Controls

Lastly, you’ll need a proper method to control how long the circulation pump is active. You could use a timer to activate the recirculation periodically, and a thermostat that will turn up the pump to maintain the water at a comfortable temperature.

Recirculating System Advantages

Now, we’ll talk about the advantages and disadvantages of having a recirculating system at home. Let’s start with the good things.

Constant and Quick Water Flow

You probably have your reasons why you’d want having the recirculating pump, but if there’s one thing on which we all agree, is that the recirculation system is highly convenient. There’s no reason to wait for several minutes before receiving hot water on the tap.

It is not only quick tap water either, but rather a faster circulation towards the showerhead for the bath, or to the washing machine when you’re doing the laundry. This system quickly starts to make our lives easier by reducing the time we would waste waiting for the water to come out.

Even if the time saved is just a couple of minutes, that’s still time you could use for other activities that require your attention.

Money Savings

Yes, we’re well aware that installing this system requires a high investment, but if you’re willing to make it, you’ll have a reliable water recirculating system that could save you plenty of money.

For instance, if you use water well, you’ll need the use of a pump to get the water to your home, requiring electricity for the process. Of course, that means when your bills arrive at the end of the month, the money paid for electricity could be pretty high.

A water pump may malfunction after some time, leaving you without a proper water source. Also, even when the water comes out the well properly, that’s still a long way to go until it reaches the tap or showerhead.

For all of those reasons, having the recirculating system comes in handy for a lot of people. Sure, it is not for everyone, which is why you need to ask yourself whether or not you truly need it.

Recirculating System Disadvantages

As would be the case with most other machines, there are some downsides that we can’t ignore. After mentioning the reasons why you’d want to have one of these systems, now we’ll go over the disadvantages that come with it. Once you read them, you’ll be in a position to make your decision.

Installation Costs

Let’s start by saying that you would spend more than several hundred dollars just for the equipment, and that’s already a high expense not everyone is willing to pay. When the device arrives, then you’ll have to deal with the installation, which could require hiring a professional worker.

Adding to the equipment and installation cost, you may need recirculating lines, kits, and separate pumps, which would require more money.

Operation Requirements

Another issue for homeowners would be the purchase of natural gas or propane, two resources that could demand plenty of money. Here’s when you have to wonder whether or not saving some money from using less water would be worth the overall investment you’d have to make.

While there are many advantages to having a recirculating system, the disadvantages discussed above discourage many people from installing it in the first place. If you don’t have problems with the money required, then you should be fine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Words

A proper recirculation system for the water sure is expensive, but we can argue the benefits it provides quickly overshadow the disadvantages.

Either way, make sure you truly need it before getting the equipment. Keep in mind that you’ll have to accommodate many things in the house for the system to work.

But then again, if the investment is not a problem for you, then everything you’ll receive from the recirculating system is nothing but incredible benefits. It will improve the quality of living in a household that used to have water issues.

Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. WaterFilterly is user-supported. We might receive a commission on any purchase you make through clicking links on this page.