https://youtu.be/TrsptRZtIzc

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.

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.

How do I circulate the hot-water in my house?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: This hot-water recirculating system has two basic components. There's the hot water recirculating pump which will be installed onto the hot water discharge line of your water heater.

What is the purpose of a hot-water loop?

Near the water heater area, a recirculating pump pulls the water from the furthest fixture back into the water heater, creating a loop. This loop keeps hot water going throughout the house so when a fixture is used, hot water is right there. If you have a dedicated return line, then this is a great system to use.

Is a recirculation pump 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 recirculation pumps save money?

With the average national cost of water rising rapidly, a hot water recirculation pump could easily save you upwards of $50 each year. Since these pumps cost between $200 and $250 each, you could pay back the investment within a couple of years.

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 do I know if my hot water recirculating pump is working?

Let the water run until it stops flowing. Then drain remaining water from Hot Water Heater spigot. Leave the faucet in the house open until the Hot Water Recirculating Pump Installation is complete. If the water does not stop flowing, check to make sure the water to the Hot Water Heater has been completely shut-off.

What is the purpose of a recirculation pump on a tankless water heater?

Sometimes called a circulator pump, it is a pump that periodically circulates water back to the water heater to be reheated. There’s a clue that this is not a cost-free technique. This prevents water in the pipe from cooling off, so it is hot when you turn on the tap or shower.

How does a hot water recirculating loop 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.

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.

What is looping in plumbing?

Put simply, a hot water plumbing loop means that the hot water pipe from one tap to the next continues around in a loop back to some location (normally the cold water inlet to the hot water system).

Does my house have a closed loop system?

If you see a backflow prevention device (like a check valve or pressure-reducing valve) connected to your main water shutoff valve, then you have a closed plumbing system.

What is a circulating closed loop system?

Closed-loop circulation involves fluid being pumped from the circulator through an external device, such as a water jacket or condenser, and then returning directly to the circulating bath. Open-loop circulation involves liquid being pumped to an open tank, and liquid from that tank being returned to the bath.

Do I need water softener loop?

Luckily, as we mentioned before, you don’t need a loop to install your water softener. However, not having a loop will be a disadvantage when the water company delivers your new water softener. When you don’t have a plumbing loop, your water softener will have to be attached to your house’s main water supply.

How do you know if your house is set up for a water softener?

See if You Have a Loop Setup



To determine whether your home has this feature, check your garage, mechanical room or utility closet, and your home’s exterior walls. Then, look for a horseshoe-shaped tube, which should come out of the pipes in the wall or arise from the pipes under the floor.

Should I install a water softener in my home?

The decision to soften is a personal choice that can affect your home and the environment. If your water’s hardness is greater than 7 grains per gallon or 120 mg/L, then you might need a water softener to ensure your appliances run well and to improve the taste, smell, or look of your water.

Where is the best place to install a water softener?

The ideal location for a water softener is on level ground, near the water’s point of entry into the house. If your home uses well water, the entry point is generally next to the pressure tank. If your home uses city water, it’s usually next to the water meter.

How do you plumb a water softener loop?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Go into the softener the softened water will leave through here and return right here and go up to the house. But you'll see this valve right here this is a bypass.

Can you drink water softener water?

While most softened water is perfectly safe to drink, the amount of sodium in the treated water will depend on the hardness of the original water. If the water hardness is below 400 ppm calcium before you soften it, then you can drink it with little concern.