A hot water heating system will typically only heat water in the tank when turned on; this means that the hot water, once turned on, must travel through your home’s pipes to reach your faucets. A hot water recirculation system, on the other hand, will move your hot water through your pipes quickly and eliminate the wait for the hot water to reach your faucet.
Circulating water heaters will also eliminate low water pressure, which is common in many water lines; a recirculating hot water line will move water quickly to your faucets. Water pumps are crucial to a home’s infrastructure and installing a hot water recirculation system will help prevent your pipes from freezing during the winter months.
Why Is There Cold Water in Your Hot Water Tap?
Coldwater coming out of a hot water tap is not an uncommon problem. Many factors can contribute to this. One of the more serious factors is a leaking water tank or any other technical malfunction which must be addressed by a professional immediately.
A less serious key factor can be that the hot water tank for your household is not big enough to accommodate all the users. Another possibility can be the weather; cold weather can impact the hot water tank. A recirculating hot water system can solve all the above-mentioned problems.
Types of Hot Water Circulating Systems
Dedicated Loop Systems
A dedicated loop system creates a loop from the water heater to the faucets and back again; the circulation pump is mounted on a pipe that is connected to the tank. Shorter pipes will connect the fixtures to the main pipe in a loop to a hot water valve. Unused hot water will be recirculated through the pipes and any time a faucet is opened, hot water will come out in seconds since the water will never just sit in the pipes and cool down. This ensures that less water is wasted because you don’t have to wait for the hot water to come out of the faucet.
Integrated Loop Systems
An integrated loop hot water system uses the existing cold-water pipe to send unused water back to the water heater. This system is retrofitted, and it is typically added as an upgrade to the existing plumbing, but it can be installed in new constructions as well as a less expensive alternative to a dedicated circulation system.
An integrated loop hot water system uses a sensor that switches the pump on if the water temperature falls below 85°F. A popular type of integrated loop system is an under-sink water recirculation system.
Benefits of Having a Recirculating Hot Water Line
Hot Water Recirculating Saves Time:
A recirculating hot water line will allow you to always have access to hot water as desired because the water in the pipes doesn’t cool down— hot water is just recirculating within the pipes.
Recirculating Systems Preserve Water
Water preservation plays a key role in helping us take care of the environment. A circulating hot water system can save you up to 15,000 gallons of water per year. This is great for the environment, but it also can save you money on your water bill.
Less Municipal Energy Consumption
Many municipalities encourage hot water recirculating systems because they can positively impact energy consumption on a city-to-city basis.
There Are Rebates Available
Many municipalities around the country encourage new constructions, as well as people upgrading their water systems in existing constructions, to install hot water recirculating systems.
Many cities have also launched rebate programs where you can receive a rebate of $100 for the purchase of a new hot water recirculation system. These rebates are offered to ensure the preservation of water and energy.
How to Choose a Hot Water Recirculating System
There are several decisions to make before choosing the right hot water pump and recirculating system that will best suit your plumbing needs. When it comes to choosing a hot water circulating system, you must first decide whether you want a Dedicated Loop System or an Integrated Loop System.
Once you have chosen the type of hot water circulating system, you must choose whether you want one that is connected to a sensor or a timer. A sensor will monitor your water temperature within your pipes and will adjust it accordingly. However, most people prefer to get a programmable timer because it tends to be more energy-efficient and will cater to your household’s hot water needs.
Once the system is installed, it is also highly recommended to insulate your water pipes, this will save you money and energy because it will trap the heat around your hot water pipes.
Conclusion
Many benefits come from installing a hot water recirculating system such as instant hot water on demand for every sink within your home. But there are many other advantages such as water, money, and energy savings that are attributed to hot water recirculating pumps.
Whether you are building a new home or retrofitting the plumbing for an existing home, it is high time to come enjoy the future and leave behind the days when you had to wait for hot water. Check out the Blackhawk Supply catalog for any plumbing supplies you may need. Don't hesitate to contact us!
