Not all water heaters are compatible with recirculation systems. Check your user manual to learn more about your particular water heater.

Simply provide us with the details of your water heater and explain the problem. We’ll get you on the schedule and restore hot water to your home, including service to your hot water recirculation system.

Hot water recirculating systemwithout dedicated return line

Integrated loops involve a pump installed at the furthest fixture from the water heater, as opposed to installing the pump at the water heater like in a dedicated loop system.

Backflow preventers offer protection through their multiple failsafe features in case of backflow. One example is the double check valve assembly (DCVA) which has two check valves and an atmospheric vent for protection, with a backup valve in case of failure. The vent creates an air gap to prevent backflow from backpressure. If the vent becomes blocked, a relief valve opens to release pressure and prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the main supply. The DCVA's combination of check valves, vent, and relief valve provides a failsafe design to protect the main water supply. Other types of backflow preventers similarly offer multiple failsafe features.

hot water recirculating systemwith built-in timer

In a dedicated loop, the pump connects at the bottom of the water heater on the return (or the cool side of the recirculation system). It continuously sends water through the circulation pipes. When someone needs hot water, it opens a valve, and a smaller pipe allows the hot water to reach the desired fixture in seconds.

There are different types of backflow preventers with varying mechanisms. The best backflow preventer for an application may depend on local regulations or specifics of the plumbing system.

Water heater recirculation systems can definitely be efficient when installed thoughtfully. Homeowners who must run the shower for several minutes before the water heats up will notice a difference right away. The system can also prevent the hot water from running unnecessarily, saving homeowners on both their water bill and energy bill.

An electricity-powered subversive pump creates a continuous flow of hot water through the system’s piping until it’s requested.

Hot water recirculating systemdiagram

Furthermore, getting hot water quickly prevents homeowners from running the water to wait for it to get warm, reducing water waste. Depending on the fixture in question and its flow rate, running water for 5 minutes waiting for the water to get cold can waste 10 gallons every time (assuming a fixture with a 2.0 GPM rate). If this occurs every day, that leads to about 300 gallons of wasted water every month (over 3500 gallons annually).

Wattshot water Recirculating System

When used wisely, recirculation systems can also improve efficiency. Heated water decreases in temperature when traveling long distances, especially if the pipes don’t have proper insulation. In order to get the desired water temperature to distant fixtures, homeowners may need to increase the unit’s temperature at the thermostat, increasing energy costs. A recirculation system eliminates the need for higher temperatures, and it can actually decrease energy use by 15 - 25% .

Check valves and backflow preventers are two different devices. Backflow preventers are specifically designed to prevent contaminated water from mixing with potable or municipal water sources.

A backflow preventer’s function (Figure 2) is to stop water from flowing in the opposite direction. The only purpose of a backflow preventer is to stop contaminated water from flowing into a source of potable water. Backflow preventers are installed at cross-connection points, such as where municipal drinking water enters a residential or commercial building or where the water supply attaches to appliances like a washing machine or dishwasher. Check with the local regulations to understand exactly where backflow preventers are necessary in a plumbing system.

Even the most efficient hot water systems struggle to get hot water to remote fixtures quickly. That’s where recirculation systems come into play. Learn more about hot water recirculation systems and how they can positively impact your hot water availability.

Hot water recirculatingpump

A recirculation system refers to a plumbing system that promotes the regular flow of hot water throughout the entire house in an attempt to speed up hot water production at remote parts of the house. Recirculation systems are especially common in larger homes and multifamily dwellings.

While having similar functions, backflow preventers and check valves are distinctly different devices by application. A backflow preventer is necessary to prevent contaminated water from flowing into potable or municipal water sources. Check valves are also one way valves, but cannot offer the high level of protection that backflow preventers do. This article overviews the primary differences between backflow preventers and check valves and describes different types of backflow preventers.

Hot water recirculating systemcost

The main reason that a homeowner will want a recirculation system is that it increases convenience by providing virtually instant hot water. Homeowners notice a significant difference, especially in areas that take awhile to get hot water.

At U.S. Water Heating Solutions, we offer comprehensive hot water heater services as well as basic plumbing services in select areas. We service both residential and commercial plumbing systems. We can even offer warranty services if your unit is still under warranty.

A backwater valve stops sewage from flowing back into a building whereas a backflow preventer valve prevents contaminated water from mixing with drinking water.

A backwater valve is used to prevent sewage from flowing back into a building. A check valve stops media from flowing through it in the reverse direction. These two valves differ in their application.

Hot water recirculatingpump installation diagram

A recirculating system can benefit both a tankless water heater and a tank water heater. Some people mistakenly assume that since a tankless hot water heater produces hot water on demand that all fixtures receive the water instantaneously, too, but the water still has to travel to the desired fixture.

A check valve cannot be regarded as a safe substitute for a backflow preventer, especially when safeguarding drinking water.

Backflow is the reversal of a fluid's flow due to back pressure or back siphoning. If backflow occurs, it can cause issues for certain applications. For example, if contaminated water backflows into a clean water supply.

The system keeps hot water near your appliances. When someone opens the valve to one of the fixtures along the system, the hot water is ready to travel to the desired fixture more quickly than in the case of a conventional hot water heater.

A recirculation system works by keeping water flowing through plumbing pipes made to reach the furthest points in the plumbing system. A pump ensures the continuous water flow. In dedicated systems, the pump is located at the water heater. For integrated systems, the hot water recirculation pump is located at one of the furthest fixtures in the house.

A hot water recirculation pump will cost a new homeowner anywhere from $250 - $3000 depending on the distance the water must travel and the materials required.

A recirculation system consists of a dedicated hot water line loop and a recirculating pump. A circulation pump must be a subversive pump designed to operate under water. To avoid expedited corrosion due to the constant rushing water running through the pipes, use plastic pipes that don’t corrode when possible.

Like a backflow preventer, a check valve stops media from flowing through it in the reverse direction. Check valves, however, do not offer the degree of protection that backflow preventers do and therefore are not suitable for protecting drinking water sources. If foreign material enters the check valve, it may block it open. In this case, there is no failsafe; the check valve will leak. Also, when check valves close too quickly, they become vulnerable to water hammer, which will damage the valve. Despite this, check valves are applicable for many applications. Read our water check valve and hydraulic check valve articles to learn more about specific applications. To learn about these valves in general, read our check valve overview article.

Do you want to install a recirculation system to your water heater, or does your current system require repair? We can help!

Hot water recirculating systemwith dedicated return line

Cold water enters your home’s water heater through a cold water line, and the unit turns the system into hot water.  The hot water heater then must transport water from the unit to the different fixtures throughout your home. Closer fixtures receive the hot water much more quickly than fixtures positioned far away from the water heater.

A sensor turns the system on when water temperatures fall below a certain temperature (usually 85°F) and turns it off when water temperatures exceed a certain temperature (usually 100°F).