Do Tankless Water Heaters Needs Recirculation Pumps?

Tankless water heaters are great for homeowners looking to gain a water heater that’ll last longer than traditional water heaters, be far more energy-efficient, require less maintenance, and save space in the process, especially when large volumes of hot water aren’t always necessary.

Although they don’t have many cons, a common problem homeowners face with tankless water heaters is the amount of time it takes for the hot water to warm up, then reach the faucet. While you wait for the water to warm up, money goes down the drain in the form of cold water.

Luckily, there is a solution: adding a recirculation pump! The team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wilmington and Brunswick County has decades of plumbing knowledge to break down how the recirculation pump can benefit your home’s water heater and hot water supply. We’ll also discuss what else should be considered when installing a recirculation pump.

What is a Recirculation Pump?

A hot water recirculation pump’s main purpose is to ensure that hot water is always available, wherever and whenever you need it from your home. It provides your home with the instant hot water traditional water heaters are known for, all while keeping all the benefits of having a tankless water heater.

Do Tankless Water Heaters Come with Recirculation Pumps?

Some tankless water heater models come with a recirculation pump, while others do not, mostly to reduce the cost of tankless water heaters for consumers. While they will work without one, purchasing a tankless water heater with an integrated recirculation pump is always recommended first.

If you already have a tankless water heater without a pump installed in your home, you can explore your options to have one retroactively added to your system instead of purchasing a whole new water heater.

Full Recirculation Pump System vs. Recirculation Pump Comfort System

There are two different ways to install recirculation pipes:

• Full Recirculation Pump System – Going this route adds additional piping to your system, allowing for a “hot water loop” to be created, ensuring the water doesn’t end up sitting and going cold in your pipes and instead is recirculated, ready for the next time you turn on the tap. Due to the amount of pipe that needs to be installed, this can be best for new construction projects!
• Recirculation Pump Comfort System – With the comfort system, this cost-effective solution is easily installed inside your pump without the need for any additional piping. It uses the existing cold-water line and gives your water heater the ability to send the water back, preventing it from going cold and being wasted the next time you use your system. In the end, it speeds up the entire process.

Bottom Line: Recirculation Pumps Are a Must

Typical homes see one-way plumbing, but adding a recirculation pump can help you benefit in several ways:

Get Hot Water Faster

If your kitchen sink or shower is far from the water heater, you’ll spend even more time waiting for the hot water to come out. When you have a recirculation pump installed, you’ll notice the hot water getting hot faster AND coming to you quicker, which is a win-win in our book!

Prevent Water Waste

Over the years, tankless water heaters have become a great choice for households looking to reduce their energy consumption. With the help of a water heater recirculation pump, your household can also prevent water waste by cutting back on the over 30 gallons of water wasted every day just waiting for hot water to reach your faucet.

Save You Money

Even when you have your pump installed by a professional Wilmington plumber, you’ll be able to make your money back quickly due to the reduced water and energy and water costs. Homeowners save anywhere from $50 - $100 annually, allowing the average homeowner to recoup their initial investment in just a couple of years!

Request Your Hot Water Heater Recirculation Pump Installation Services

If you’re thinking about adding a regulation pump to your home’s plumbing system and water heater, it’s important to turn to a professional for help to ensure the installation is done correctly. If done wrong, repairs may be needed, which will cost you extra, plus you could face water damage, which is never fun.

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wilmington and Brunswick County, we have decades of local experience and utilize national processes to inspect your home’s hot water system and make the necessary recommendations on what tankless water heater or recirculation pump is best for your home. We’ll back the installation with our workmanship guarantee, providing you peace of mind that your new recirculation pump can serve your space for years to come.

Need to learn more about our tankless water heater services? Ready to schedule your recirculation pump installation? Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wilmington and Brunswick County is here – reach out to our team today!