If you’re having issues getting hot water across your household, look for a hot water recirculation system. Hot water recirculating pumps saves you on energy and water cost, cuts down the workload on your water heater, and overall delivers hot water fast to every faucet in the house.
These systems are plentiful on the market, so the following hot water recirculating system reviews should provide enough information for you to decide which device fits for your needs.
Purpose of a Recirculating Pump
While hot water dispensers providing a convenient and quick source of hot water at the push of a button, the main purpose is to provide you with hot water all the time. It may not seem like a big deal, but not having to wait for hot water is a big advantage. Especially if you have a huge house or a building. In that case, you may even need to wait minutes for the hot water. But with a recirculating pump, you can have hot water in no time!
How They Work
A full recirculating hot water pump system creates a loop between the water heater, your faucets, and the water heater again. When you turn on your hot water faucets, you will get instant hot water, as the system draws back the unused hot water through the loop back to the faucet. Once the hot water made a complete loop, the sensors shut off the system.
Things to Know Before Buying a Pump
The best hot water recirculating pump should meet some minimal criteria to improve your life. Here is the list of things to consider before buying a hot water recirculating system.
1. Timers
With a timer built-in, you can schedule your water recirculation pump to turn off whenever you want to. Therefore, having a timer can often really come in handy. But, even if your water circulation pump doesn’t feature a timer, you can easily fit one into it.
2. Durability and Construction
All the systems that work with water eventually break down. However, good construction and high-quality materials can extend the lifespan of a pump. That is why you should aim for high-quality stainless steel. Such systems are very durable and can last very long.
Normally, an average pump would last from 3 to 5 years. However, recirculation pumps made of stainless steel last from 10 to 15 years.
If you want to prolong the life of your hot water recirculating pump, you should also upgrade your home with a whole house water filter that removes the impurities, dirt, and sediment that might affect the functionality of your pump.
3. Housing Material
Aside from the durability of the materials, you must also take the use of the water pump into consideration. If your water recirculating pump is made of iron, for instance, it is not viable for portable use. And the main reason for that is that iron often causes rust inside the system. Therefore, if you need a pump for potable water use, you should go for an aluminum pump.
4. Priming
Most hot water recirculating pumps nowadays don’t have to be primed at all. They can easily work with some air in the lines. On the other hand, there are some certain pumps that have to be primed. For instance submersible pumps, well pumps can’t work with air present in the lines.
5. Interference With Flow Rate
Flow Rate is measured in gallons per minute (GPM), while pump size is in inches. The flow rate represents the amount of water that flows through the pump. The most common pump size for most houses is 0.75 inches. Furthermore, most hot water pumps can deliver up to 10 GPM.
If some pumps keep an average flow rate below 7 GPM, it doesn’t mean they don’t work well, it means they are best for smaller families and homes.
The flow rate of 10 GPM will probably be enough for most houses. But still, if you have a huge building, you may want to consider systems with a bigger flow rate.
6. Maximum Hot Temperature Feature
This is one of the most important features of every hot water pump. The temperature sensors will help the system know when to open and close the valves. The temperature sensor range is also adjustable. Most hot water pumps will already have a wireless remote. This way you won’t have to walk to the pump every time you want to change settings.
7. Extended Warranty
Warranty is a very important factor in buying any product. That is why, before buying a hot water pump, you should research the warranty for it. It is also desirable if the water pump has a warranty that covers the pump motor and the system separately. Secondly, you should note what the warranty requires of you.
For instance, some of them may require that you install the system professionally. Any product should also have at least a 1-year long warranty.
8. Noise Level
We can all agree that loud noise can be a huge downside. Therefore, you should aim for the hot water recirculating systems that are not too loud. Another factor that should be taken into account is the vibrations. The vibrations can often cause a lot of noise and can be very annoying after some time.
Lastly, it needs to add up to your water and energy conservation efforts.
Our Comparison Table
13 Hot Water Recirculating Pumps – Fully Reviewed
13. Chilipepper Model CP9000 On-Demand Hot Water Recirculating Pump
Special Features
| Type: | Corded Electric | Under Sink |
| Material: | Stainless steel hoses | brass fittings | plastic container |
| Design: | Requires 110V electric outlet | connects with standard flexible stainless steel hoses |
| Life Expectancy: | A few years |
| Performance: | On-demand design to only work when needed |
| Warranty: | N/A |
The Chilipepper Model CP9000 is the best on-demand hot water recirculating pump for many users thanks to its wireless remote that offers a 100ft range.
It auto shuts off once the water has reached the set temperature, and as it’s an on-demand unit, it saves on water consumption over time.
12. BACOENG Hot Water Circulation Pump
Special Features
| Type: | Shaft horizontal mounting |
| Material: | Cast iron | PP | ceramic | stainless steel |
| Design: | Built-in electronic sensors | single-phase pipeline pump |
| Life Expectancy: | Est. a couple of years |
| Performance: | High-flow with low consumption | anti-fraying |
| Warranty: | N/A |
This hot water recirculating pump is made corrosion-resistant so that it can last longer. It has a heavy-duty motor that won’t overheat even if you have it running continuously.
The unit is resistant to high temperatures, which grants it further durability over a few years. It sets up in just about anything from city buildings to boilers.
11. Laing AutoCirc Recirculation Pump w/ Timer
Special Features
| Type: | Under Sink |
| Material: | Lead-free brass pump housing |
| Design: | ½” NPT connection | spherical motor pump | no return line required |
| Life Expectancy: | Little over a year |
| Performance: | Built-in temperature sensor turns the pump on | off when temp reaches 95ºF |
| Warranty: | 2-year from manufacture date or 1-year from purchase date (whichever is sooner) |
Another unit seen as the best hot water recirculating pump is the Laing AutoCirc Recirculation Pump. It’s lead-free, and it features a permanent magnet motor for portable water filtration systems.
The pump is controlled by a thermostat and a 24-hour adjustable timer. It’s estimated that the pump can save an average family around 4,000 gallons of water annually.
10. Watts 500800 Instant Hot Water Recirculating System w/ Built-in Timer
Special Features
| Type: | Installs on a hot water heater |
| Material: | Cast |
| Design: | Pump with built-in timer | 10ft electric cord | (2) 12in supply lines |
| Life Expectancy: | A few years |
| Performance: | Sends hot water to every faucet or shower as needed | no vibrations |
| Warranty: | 1-year limited |
The Watts 500800 Instant Hot Water Recirculating System comes with a timer built-in that operates on 24-hour time. You can program it to your liking so that you only receive hot water when needed, which can save up to 15,000 gallons of water a year. It installs easily on your standard water heater, but be aware that it won’t work with tankless heaters.
9. Grundfos SuperBrute Recirculator Pump
Special Features
| Type: | 1-speed pump for a range of applications |
| Material: | Bronze | stainless steel | cast iron |
| Design: | 2 pole motor, single-phase | 115V | composite impeller |
| Life Expectancy: | A few years |
| Performance: | Intended for closed-loop heating applications |
| Warranty: | 2 years from installation date |
The Grundfos SuperBrute Recirculator Pump is the best hot water recirculating pump due to how fast it sends hot water to your faucets. You can run it continuously and still not waste energy.
It has built-in motor protection to prolong its life. It features whisper-quiet operation like a quiet sump pump for even the most sensitive of customers.
8. Taco 006-B4 Bronze Circulator Pump
Special Features
| Type: | Open or closed-loop applications |
| Material: | Bronze |
| Design: | ¾” sweat | high-capacity output compact design |
| Life Expectancy: | A few years |
| Performance: | Low power consumption | self-lubricating |
| Warranty: | N/A |
This Taco hot water recirculating pump is designed for either chilled or hot fresh water in both closed and open applications.
It is compact and easy to install, and it features a unique and replaceable cartridge so it can be serviced whenever it begins to wear out. This way, there’s no need to replace the entire circulator.
7. Grundfos Comfort Series Recirculator Pump
Special Features
| Type: | Under-sink and install on the hot water heater |
| Material: | Bronze | stainless steel | aluminum |
| Design: | Stainless steel circulator | 10ft power cord | comfort valve |
| Life Expectancy: | A few years |
| Performance: | Wet rotor design for quiet operation | low-watt 2 pole motor | low-flow |
| Warranty: | 2 years from installation date |
The Grundfos Comfort Series Recirculator Pump includes a line cord and a timer. It’s the best hot water recirculating pump that reduces cold water runoff at the faucet.
This can help improve the functionality of appliances such as dishwashers. With its stainless steel rotor canister and cladding, it resists corrosion for longer use.
Best Hot Water Recirculation Systems: Detailed Reviews
6. KOLERFLO 3/4 NPT RS15-6 SS Green
Due to its various features, RS15-6 is one of the best KOLERFLO’s products so far. With this water recirculating pump, you can have instant hot water at any time. Furthermore, installing this product is also a piece of cake!
The only thing you are going to need is a wrench to connect the pump to the pipeline. RS15-6 SS prevents pipes from freezing during the winters. That is why It is really good for cold winter areas.
RS15-6 SS Green is a great suit for people living in suburban villas and city buildings. With this product, you won’t experience any leakage or loud noise. It also has a high flow rate and is highly efficient. As it is made out of stainless steel, this recirculating pump is highly durable!
5. BACOENG 115V Flanged
The feature that makes this product stick out is high-temperature resistance. The liquid temperature, this pump can work with, ranges from 0 to 110 Celsius. However, the ambient temperature shouldn’t be more than 40 celsius.
The maximum working pressure of this water recirculating pump is 10 bar. The BACOENG 115V Flanged is super silent.
This hot water recirculating pump is very durable and won’t overheat even if running all the time. You may also check out another high-quality model: BACOENG 3/4″ 110V.
4. Patio Life RS15-9
Patio life RS15-9 is suitable for a wide range of applications. It can work with industrial equipment, boilers, air conditioning, and so on. Furthermore, this pump is environmentally friendly and extremely silent.
It is made out of aluminum and is absolutely corrosion-resistant. Plus, it has a flow of 8 gallons per minute.
The RS15-9 hot water recirculating pump offers high efficiency with low consumption. It is a perfect suit if you are living in a water-scarce area.
3. Laing 6050E4050 Act-4
This hot water recirculating pump is designed for light commercial or residential buildings. Laing 6050E4050 also features a wireless remote. The valve is equipped with a temperature sensor and is battery-operated. It also has a microprocessor that provides precise voltage and frequency for maximum efficiency.
Act-4 uses a unique technology called ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor). Therefore, it can achieve big energy savings while operating on only 20 watts. With this pump, you won’t experience any waste of water. It saves up to 12,000 gallons per year.
2. Bokywox NPT3/4
Bokywox NPT3/4 water pump offers many features that will make your life a lot easier. With this hot water recirculating pump you can have a high flow rate at an affordable price. It is made of high-quality materials so it doesn’t leak.
The maximum working pressure of this Bokywox pump is 145psi (10bar). Plus, it is very easy to install.
It also has high-temperature resistance and can be used in drinking water pipelines. However, this pump is not suitable for potable water.
1. Wayne RUP160
Wayne is a Top brand about sump pumps and shallow well pumps. The Wayne WUP160 has been specially designed for modern use. Which means that it has a 1/6 HP motor. Even though it may not be the strongest one out there, it offers an excellent flow rate. It can get rid of almost two thousand gallons per hour.
The WUP160 is made of high-quality materials and is absolutely resistant to corrosion. What’s more, the manufacturer also offers a 1-year warranty to ensure the quality of the product.
You won’t go wrong with this model as it can be utilized for your tanks, pools, sinks, and even flooded basements.
Installation Process
Step 1 – Shut Off the Water Supply
The very first thing you will need to do is to shut off the water flow to the water heater tank. After you have done that, go to the furthest faucet from your tank. Then turn on the hot water line and wait for the water to stop flowing.
Step 2 – Disconnect the Pipe
The second thing is to disconnect the hot water supply line at its entry point into the water heater. You may need a saw to do that if it’s a rigid pipe. But it could also be a flex pipe which is really easy to disconnect.
Step 3 – Set Up the Pump
The next step is setting up the pump. If you need to set up the temperature or a timer, now is the best time! If your pump has a wireless remote, this part will be a piece of cake.
Step 4 – Clean and Test
And finally, we have come to the last part of the process. In this step, you just need to open all the valves that are closed and clean up the area. After that, just test if everything works right and that’s it.
FAQ’s
How to Prevent Corrosion?
Hot water recirculating pumps are often affected by corrosion. That is why you should check the pump regularly. However, corrosion is often caused by excessive flow velocity. The parts that are most frequently affected are bends, tees, and elbows.
So, in order to prevent such problems we recommend that you buy a lower capacity pump. Another thing that could help in reducing the changes in pipe directions.
Do They Save Money?
If you get the best-rated hot water recirculating pump on the market, it will surely save money and energy to some extent. If you use them continuously, however, they have the potential of consuming more water and energy than normal. Nevertheless, these systems reduce water waste and some expenses associated with energy and heating.
How Long Do They Last?
A well-made hot water recirculating pump should last between 10 and 15 years. Its lifespan depends on the amount of water you use, the quality of water in your home, and the manufacturing quality.
Conclusion
Nothing can improve your hot water flow like a recirculation system. It’s no surprise that these are not the most budget-friendly units. However, having instant hot water makes them worthwhile. Check out Water Filters Advisor’s top choice for the best hot water recirculating pump on our list, but look at the other options as well! We are sure you will find something to meet your needs!
If you have thoughts about any of the products on our list, feel free to let us hear about them in the comment section.