What is a dedicated hot water return line?

A dedicated return line system uses a return pipe from the last sink back to the hot-water tank or tankless heater. The homeowner needs to know if he or she has a hot-water tank or a tankless system, and a one-pipe or dedicated return line, in order to select the correct recirculation components.

Can you use PEX on a recirculating pump?





Since PEX is typically a home run install, this means you’ll need to install a device on each fixture you want to have recirculated. If, for example, you only hook up the bath tub, you won’t see any benefit at the sink if they are each a separate home run.

How do you install a recirculating pump with a dedicated return line?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You could put them in the vertical. So spring-loaded check valve on the feed we always put arrows on them so we know what direction. So the blue comes down goes up into the service valve.

How do you plumb a hot water recirculating system?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Now open a hot water faucet preferably a tub faucet elsewhere in your home in order to drain out all of the hot water. After it stops flowing leave the faucet in the on position until.

How do I know if I have a dedicated hot water return line?

The return line connects to either the water heater inlet or the drain valve at the bottom of the heater. Normally there will be a check valve between the end of the return line and the connection with the water heater to prevent water from being drawn backwards through the return line.

How does a hot water recirculation line work?





This system creates a loop from the water heater to the faucet and back again. The unused hot water is drawn back through this loop by the pump, so when you turn on your hot water faucets, you get hot water quickly. Water is not left in the pipes to get cold and you waste less water because you don’t have to wait.

Does a recirculating pump need a return line?

Not every domestic hot water recirculation system requires a return line. For residential and light commercial applications, there is another way to save water and maintain hot water at the last fixture.

Do recirculating pumps damage pipes?

Recirculating Hot Water Can Corrode Pipes.

Will a hot water recirculating pump keep pipes from freezing?

Install hot water recirculating pump.



Installing a hot water recirculation system helps ensure that you always have hot water in your taps and prevents pipes from freezing during the winter.

Where should a circulating pump be installed?



Standard good practice among heating techs is to install the circulator pump on the return side of the loop where cooler temperatures can extend its life.

Will hot water circulate without a pump?

Joseph Stoddard responds: In the situation you describe, you can get acceptable results without a pump. The hot water “passive recirculation” loop is a technique I learned from an old plumber years ago. I’ve successfully used this technique a number of times when the bathroom is located above the hot-water heater.

Can you use a hot water recirculating pump with a tankless?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Products this recirculation product line shares the same performance technology and safety values as standard Rheem mid efficiency tankless models. All this while also offering hot water on demand.

Are hot water recirculation pumps worth it?



A hot water recirculating pump will save you money, especially if you have a larger family. A family of 4 with normal water usage can expect to save $50-$75 a year. Since pumps cost about $200 each, the recirculating pump will pay for itself in 3-4 years. .

Are hot water recirculation systems efficient?

Nope. They might save a bit of water but they use a lot of energy. There’s nothing better than a long hot shower.

Does a recirculation pump increase pressure?

The hot water recirculation pump works by: Increase water pressure at the water heater. This propels the water to your faucet or shower much quicker. Returns the unused hot water in the pipe back to the water heater or boiler.

How do you size a hot water return pipe?

Size the Recirculation Return Line. A sizing calculator (i.e. System Syzer) can be used to size the return line. For 1.87 gpm we would choose a ¾” copper pipe. The friction loss for this diameter supply pipe will be about 1.4 ft per 100 ft., according to the System Syzer.

Does a tankless water heater need a return line?



Always use a 3/4″ line if you can. A 3/4″ line can hold twice as much water as a 1/2″ line which means you will get hot water even faster.



Tankless Water Heater
Dead-end Plumbing
D-C-Tankless Description Installation Instructions
D-C-Controller Description Installation Instructions

What is the maximum distance allowed in between hot water source and the fixture that requires hot water?

50 feet

The 2015 International Plumbing Code section 607.2 has the following language: 607.2 Hot or tempered water supply to fixtures. The developed length of hot or tempered water piping, from the source of hot water to the fixtures that require hot or tempered water, shall not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm).

Can you use a hot water recirculating pump with a tankless?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Products this recirculation product line shares the same performance technology and safety values as standard Rheem mid efficiency tankless models. All this while also offering hot water on demand.

How do you hook up a recirculating pump to a tankless water heater?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: The first step is to install three quarter inch coupling on the hot water outlet wrap the male threads around the outlet with teflon tape. And or pipe dope.

Are hot water recirculation pumps worth it?

A hot water recirculating pump will save you money, especially if you have a larger family. A family of 4 with normal water usage can expect to save $50-$75 a year. Since pumps cost about $200 each, the recirculating pump will pay for itself in 3-4 years. .

Do hot water recirculating pumps run continuously?

While the system is capable of running continuously, it doesn’t always do this. Most hot water recirculating pumps come with sensors or timers to regulate operation. Sensors can detect the temperature of the hot water in the pipe, only running the recirculation pump when the temperature drops below a specified level.

Are recirculating pumps bad for pipes?

High velocity due to an oversized pump is the number-one cause of pinhole leaks in recirculation pipes. In addition, when the city water company adds chlorine to the water, it becomes worse. Chlorine is a disinfectant added to water to kill bacteria. However, it is kryptonite to piping—all kinds of piping.

How long do hot water recirculating pumps last?

How Long Do Recirculating Pumps Last? Most pumps – assuming you did not get a lemon – will last 10 to 15 years. The biggest factors that impact their life expectancy are the amount of water you use every day and the quality of the manufacturing.