How to Install a Recirculating Pump Efficiently at Home

How to Install a Recirculating Pump?

To install a recirculating pump, begin by turning off the power and gas to the water heater.

Shut off the water to the water heater and drain the hot water from all the piping.

Connect the recirculating pump to the hot water outlet on the water heater and the hot water supply line to the pump outlet.

Turn on the water to complete the installation.

Additional steps for installing the sensor valve include locating the farthest sink from the water heater, shutting off the hot and cold water valves, and replacing the flex water lines if necessary.

It is recommended to contact a qualified plumber if there are any doubts or if permits are required.

The specific pump used is the Watts 500800 Hot Water Recirculating Pump.

Key Points:

Turn off power and gas to the water heater
Shut off water to the water heater and drain hot water
Connect the recirculating pump to the hot water outlet and supply line

Turn on water to complete installation
Additional steps for installing sensor valve, including locating farthest sink and shutting off valves
Contact qualified plumber if unsure or permits are required

Did You Know?

1. Did you know that the first recirculating pump was patented in 1919 by a man named William E. Bertolet? His invention revolutionized plumbing systems by allowing hot water to circulate continuously, providing instant access to hot water throughout a building.

2. Before the invention of recirculating pumps, people had to wait for minutes (or sometimes even longer) for the hot water to reach their faucet or shower. These pumps have made a huge difference in both residential and commercial buildings, saving valuable time and reducing water wastage.

3. The basic principle behind how a recirculating pump works is through a closed-loop system. Once installed, the pump continuously circulates hot water, pushing cold water back into the water heater until the desired temperature is reached, and then distributing the hot water instantly to the designated outlets.

4. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended to install a recirculating pump on the hot water pipe farthest away from the water heater. This strategic placement helps to maximize efficiency by reducing the distance and time necessary for hot water to reach all fixtures in the building.

5. There are different types of recirculating pumps available, including those that operate on timers or use sensors to detect when hot water is needed. These advanced models are designed to further improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs by activating the pump only when necessary.

Introduction: Installing A Recirculating Pump

Installing a recirculating pump for your hot water system can significantly improve the efficiency and convenience of your home’s water supply. With a recirculating pump, hot water is continuously circulated throughout the pipes, ensuring hot water is readily available at each faucet without the need to wait for it to heat up. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to install a hot water recirculating pump, ensuring that you have a constant supply of hot water whenever you need it.

Recommended Pump: Watts 500800 Hot Water Recirculating Pump

One of the top recommended recirculating pumps for installation is the Watts 500800 Hot Water Recirculating Pump. This pump is specifically designed for existing homes, where running a new hot water recirculation pipe may be challenging.

The Watts 500800 pump features a heavy solid brass pump housing, ensuring durability and longevity. The integrated controls and timer allow for easy customization of the pump’s operation, making it efficient and convenient to use.

The pump kit includes a bypass valve, two flexible stainless steel sink connection hoses with adapters, and an instruction book, providing all the necessary components for a successful installation.

Precautions And Professional Help

Before diving into the installation process, it’s essential to take some precautions and consider the need for professional assistance. If you have any doubts about your ability to install the recirculating pump or if permits are required in your area, it is highly recommended to contact a qualified plumber for assistance.

While the installation process itself is relatively straightforward, it is crucial to ensure the power and gas to the water heater are turned off before beginning any work. Additionally, it is necessary to shut off the water supply to the water heater by closing the water valve directly above the water heater or the main water valve for the entire home.

Consider the following precautions:

If unsure about the installation process or permits, seek professional assistance from a qualified plumber.
Before starting any work, make sure to turn off the power and gas to the water heater.

Shut off the water supply to the water heater by closing the water valve directly above the water heater or the main water valve for the entire home.

Remember, safety should always be your top priority when working with plumbing installations.

Installation Steps: Above The Water Heater

The most common type of installation for a recirculating pump is above the water heater. To begin the installation process, follow these steps:

Drain or flush the hot water from all of the home’s piping by opening the lowest hot water fixture and letting the water drain out.

Connect a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater. Using a flat head screwdriver, open the valve and drain the water to a nearby drain or utility sink.
Use a wrench to loosen the nut and remove the hot water outlet pipe from the water heater.
Connect the recirculating pump to the hot water outlet threaded nipple on the water heater. Ensure that the pump is installed correctly, with the arrow on the housing pointing in the direction of water flow.

Connect the hot water supply line to the pump outlet nipple, ensuring a secure connection by tightening the nut with a wrench or using Teflon tape.
Once all connections are secure, turn on the water to complete the installation.

Installing The Sensor Valve

The properly functioning of the recirculating pump relies on the installation of a sensor valve. The sensor valve should be installed at the farthest sink from the water heater. This valve is responsible for opening when the water temperature in the hot line drops to approximately 95 degrees. By opening, it allows the pump to circulate the water and guarantee that hot water is readily available at every faucet.

To install the sensor valve, follow these additional steps:

Locate the sink that is farthest from the water heater.
Shut off the hot and cold water valves for the sink.

Replace the flex water lines from the stop valves near the wall with flexible stainless steel braided lines, if necessary.
Install the sensor valve in the hot water line, ensuring to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Repeat this process for any other sinks that may require additional sensor valves. This includes cases of branched piping or when the goal is to increase water flow and reduce lower temperatures.

Additional Tips And Considerations

While installing a hot water recirculating pump, it is important to keep in mind the following tips and considerations:

Use dielectric unions: To minimize corrosion and facilitate disassembly if needed, it is recommended to use dielectric unions between the hot water heater connection and copper piping.

Choose the right pump: The Watts Hot Water Recirculating Pump (model 500-800) is suggested in this installation guide. However, there are other reputable brands and models available in the market that may also suit your needs.
Understand the pump controller: The pump controller included in the Watts 500800 pump kit offers multiple settings. This allows for continuous operation or timed operation, depending on your preference and usage patterns.
Consider the type of water heater: It is essential to note that recirculation pump systems are not recommended for tankless or instant water heaters. This is because they already have their own built-in circulation systems.

Affordability: The cost of a hot water recirculating pump is generally less than $200. This makes it a relatively affordable upgrade that can effectively save water and energy in the long run.

By following these installation steps and considering the recommended precautions and tips, you can efficiently install a recirculating pump in your home. This ensures a constant supply of hot water and increases overall convenience and efficiency.

Use dielectric unions to minimize corrosion and facilitate disassembly
Choose a suitable pump model from reputable brands
Understand the pump controller settings for preferred operation

Consider the compatibility of recirculation pumps with your water heater type
Hot water recirculating pumps are an affordable upgrade, costing less than $200.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should a recirculating pump be installed?

A recirculating pump should ideally be installed in the hot water supply line going out of the water heater into the house. This placement allows for efficient circulation of hot water throughout the entire house, ensuring quick access to hot water from any tap. By placing the recirculating pump on the left side, it is strategically positioned to enhance the flow of hot water and optimize the overall performance of the system, providing convenience and comfort to the users.

How do you recirculating a pump?

To recirculate a pump, it is necessary to first install temperature sensors that can monitor the water temperature. These sensors serve the purpose of detecting when the water temperature drops below a certain level. When this occurs, the pump is activated to initiate circulation. Additionally, a check valve is installed to prevent water from flowing back into the return plumbing line. By utilizing this mechanism, water that is already in the plumbing line is redirected back to the water heater, effectively reducing the amount of time it takes for hot water to reach the faucet. Overall, the combination of temperature sensors and check valves allows for efficient and timely recirculation of water.

Do recirculation pumps waste water?

Recirculation pumps do not waste water. In fact, they are designed to minimize water wastage by maintaining a continuous flow of hot water through the pipes. With a recirculation pump, hot water is readily available without the need to let the faucet run and wait for the water to heat up. This not only saves water but also saves time and energy, making it an efficient and convenient choice for households. So, rather than wasting water, recirculation pumps help conserve it while providing instant access to hot water whenever needed.

Is a recirculating pump necessary?

A recirculating pump can greatly improve the convenience and efficiency of your hot water system. By instantly pushing any unused hot water back into the tankless heater, it eliminates the need to wait for hot water to reach your fixtures, providing instant access to hot water whenever it is needed. This not only saves time but also reduces water wastage by eliminating the need to run the tap to wait for hot water to arrive.

Moreover, the reheating process ensures that the water remains consistently hot, preventing any sudden cold water shocks during showering or using hot water fixtures. Overall, installing a recirculation pump can enhance the overall comfort and efficiency of your home’s hot water system, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking instant hot water and reducing unnecessary water waste.

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