Laing LHB08100092 AutoCirc Recirculation Pump with Timer

The Laing AutoCirc Recirculation Pump doesn’t require a lot of energy to run, is easy to install and is virtually maintenance free. It’s going to cost you a bit more than some other recirculation pumps but what you’ll get in return is peace of mind, reliable performance and hot water at your beck and call. The AutoCirc is easy to install and goes about its job without making more than a peep. It’s extremely energy efficient so you’re not going to spend everything you save on water on electricity.

The Laing AutoCirc is extremely light at just over 3 pounds and is completely self-sufficient, turning itself on and off automatically as the need dictates. The main body is crafted from high strength stainless steel so it’s not going to start corroding a month after you install. Other features include:

• Low power requirements of 14 watts.
• 24 hour programmability.
• Easy to install for any accomplished DIYer.
• Estimated annual water savings of more than 15,000 gallons.

The Laing LHB08100092 AutoCirc Recirculation Pump is a solid overall value that will save you money, energy and time beginning the day it’s first installed.

Watts 500800 Instant Hot Water Recirculating System

The Watts 500800 Instant Hot Water Recirculating System is the kind of simple to install, easy to maintain device that gives conservation a good name. It provides your home with all the on-demand hot water it will ever need and it can typically be installed by a knowledgeable do-it-yourselfer in under an hour. It’s as quiet as any hot water recirculation pump on the market and – depending on how much water is typically consumed in your home – is capable of reducing your annual water consumption by as much as 15,000 gallons.

Should there be times during the day when the house is usually empty there’s no reason to be running the hot water recirculation pump. Fortunately the Watts 500800 can be programmed to automatically shut down during those times and then fire back up again at a specified time so that there’s plenty of hot water at the ready when you get home. Other features include:

• Trouble free connection to current plumbing.
• Hot water on demand at every faucet in the house.
• 10 ft electrical cord included.
• Approximate operating costs: 5¢ per day.

The Watts 500800 system comes with everything you need to install it, with additional sensor values for houses with more than one plumbing loop available upon request.

Grundfos 1/25 Horsepower Comfort Series Recirculator Pump

The Grundfos 1/25 Horsepower Comfort Series Recirculation Pump is a sophisticated, extremely well-engineered water conservation device that will not only save you money but improve the quality of your life at the same time. Chances are good that 10-15% of the water you pay for every month simply passes through your house without ever being used. It’s the water you allow to run down the drain while you’re waiting for the hot water to arrive. This Grundfos Comfort Series Recirculation Pump will put an immediate end to that situation. The body of the pump is comprised of high quality stainless steel and the entire unit is installed under the hot water heater discharge value. Once in place you’ll begin to see an immediate change in the way you experience showers, baths and other hot water related activities. The pump consumes virtually no energy and produces virtually no noise. Other features include:

• Annual water savings between 12,000 and 20,000 gallons.
• Programmable timer turns the pump off when the house is empty.
• Years of corrosion proof performance.
• Improved dishwasher and washing machine performance.

The days of watching money (water) disappear down the drain without being used are over when you install the Grundfos 1/25 Horsepower Comfort Series Recirculation Pump.

SHURflo 4008-171-E65 Revolution Pump

For those who want to save on their water bills and enjoy hot water on demand there’s the SHURflo 4008-171-E65 Revolution Pump. The SHURflo is an extremely versatile little pump that is not only perfect for smaller homes but can also be installed in an afternoon in most recreational vehicles. However you decide to deploy the SHURflo it will provide years of reliable service, saving you water and money.

The SHURflo activates automatically when water pressure in the line reaches a 25 psi and produces 3 gallons of piping hot water per minute. There’s no waiting for the system to prime itself and should the water be shut off for some reason running dry won’t damage the pump. Other features include:

• Robust 7.5 amp motor.
• Nearly silent operation.
• Unibody construction.
• Fully adjustable pressure switch.

The SHURflo 4008-171-E65 Revolution Pump is a perfect match for smaller homes and RVs. Like all the best hot water recirculation pumps it’s easy to install, doesn’t make any discernible noise, provides instantaneous hot water and will pay for itself many times over.

Types Of Best Hot Water Recirculating Pumps

Hot water recirculation systems are closed systems although there is some room for variation under the closed system umbrella. Some are simply on all the time while others will automatically activate when the water in the system reaches a certain temperature and still others can be programmed to turn the device off when you anticipate that no one will be home.

• The temperature activated pump – This type of recirculation pump monitors the temperature of the water in the system and when it falls below a certain point – say for instance 80° Fahrenheit – the pump is activated. Conversely if the water temperature rises above a certain point – let’s say 95° Fahrenheit – the system will shut down so as not to waste energy. These types of hot water recirculation pumps are very popular.
• The time activated pump – This is a programmable pump that turns the pump off automatically for period of time based on your settings. A great idea if the house is typically empty during the day when everyone is at work and/or school. Just program the pump to shut down at 10 am for instance and to restart automatically an hour or so before you or others typically get home. This way you have hot water waiting for you but you don’t have to pay to have the pump in operational mode all day long.
• The ‘always on’ pump – These are usually the least expensive recirculation pumps and that makes sense. After all, features cost money to develop and implement. It must be said though that the always-on pump is fast going the way of the dinosaur and within a few years will likely be phased out altogether.

How to Install a Best Hot Water Recirculating Pump

Here are the 11 steps involved in a typical installation of a Grundfos-type hot water recirculator:

1. Shut off the cold water pipe running into the water heater. It is usually located at the top of the heater. Open a hot water faucet somewhere to make sure the flow has stopped.
2. Disconnect the flexible hot water supply line where it attaches to the water heater. Be careful though. Residual water is bound to spill out, so have a rag handy to catch it.
3. If you have a programmable pump set up the times you want it to turn on and off now. It will be a bit more difficult to do so after the pump is installed.
4. Now screw the recirculation pump into the hot side of the water heater where the flexible hose was. Be sure the timer face is visible when the pump is tightened down.
5. Connect the loose end of the flexible line to the ‘out’ valve on the recirculation pump and tighten it down securely. Then reopen the cold water valve you closed earlier.
6. Go now to the sink in the house that is furthest away from the hot water heater. Shut off the water supply to both faucets using the valves under the sink.
7. Screw the water supply tubes hanging from the sink onto the 2 outlets on top of the check valve. The hot line should be to the left and the cold to the right.
8. Connect the 2 tubes on the bottom of the check valve to the valves on the sink’s water supply lines above the shut off valves. Make sure to attach hot to hot and cold to cold.
9. Mount the check valve to the wall under the sink in a way that does not create crimps in any of the lines. There will be holes on the check valve to accept mounting screws.
10. Turn the water back on to both the hot and cold lines. Check for leaks and tighten any connections as necessary. Then run the water until all the air is out of the lines.
11. Once you are sure the check valve is properly installed return to the hot water heater and plug in the hot water recirculating pump.

Pro and Cons of  Recirculating Pump

In the interest of providing both sides of the issue here are the pros and cons of installing a hot water recirculation pump in your home.

Pros

• Hot water on demand – Even those not particularly concerned about water conservation can appreciate the difference having hot water on demand will make. No more waiting around for the water to heat up.
• Smaller water bills – It’s estimated that 10-15% of the water we pay for is the water that comes out of the faucet or shower head and goes straight into the drain while we’re waiting for the water to heat up. End the madness with a hot water recirculation pump.
• They’re affordable and easy to install – Installing one of these pumps typically takes a couple of hours. Also, a recirculation pump will cost about the same as a pair of high-end athletic shoes and last a lot longer while improving your life a lot more.
• They’re adaptable – Most recirculation pumps are compatible with most plumbing systems found in today’s houses. Even older homes.
• No work permit required – You can install the pump yourself on your own time without having to apply for a construction permit.
• DIY – You can do this type of installation yourself without any special equipment or training. You just need to be careful and methodical and not try and rush through the process.

Cons

It’s hard to find fault with this type of device but we’ll give it a try.

• It will cost money to run – Some hot water recirculating pumps will ignore this fact. But it’s true and it’s why you should look into a programmable pump that will automatically shut off at certain times.
• Cold water delay – This type of system may cause a delay in the delivery of cold water. If it does occur it should not be serious.
• Initial cost – The pumps reviewed above average about $200 each. That’s not enough to break most people’s bank, but it is $200.