Guides ·
Hot Water Recirculation Pumps: How to Get Instant Hot Water at Every Faucet
Waiting a minute or more for hot water wastes time and thousands of gallons a year. A recirculation pump fixes it. Here is how.
Key takeaways
- Recirculation pumps bring hot water to faucets in seconds.
- They can save thousands of gallons of water per year.
- Timers, sensors or on-demand buttons keep energy use low.
In larger homes across Granite Bay, Folsom and El Dorado Hills, it is common to wait a minute or more for hot water at the far bathroom. All that cold water goes straight down the drain.
How a recirculation pump works
A small pump moves water through your hot water lines and back to the water heater, so hot water is already waiting near the faucet when you turn it on.
Types of systems
- Dedicated return line: the most efficient option, common in newer homes.
- Crossover valve systems: use the cold line as a return, so no new piping is needed.
- Built-in tankless recirculation: many Navien units include a pump.
- On-demand: press a button or use a motion sensor a minute before you need hot water.
Does it waste energy?
Not when it is set up correctly. Timers, temperature sensors and on-demand controls run the pump only when needed.
Is it right for your home?
If you wait more than 30 seconds for hot water, a recirculation pump will change your mornings. Call HOTCO at (916) 905-4468. We answer 24/7 and serve Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Granite Bay, Folsom, Sacramento and the rest of Placer and Sacramento Counties.
Frequently asked questions
- How much water does a recirculation pump save?
- A typical household can save thousands of gallons per year by not running cold water down the drain.
- Can a recirculation pump work with a tankless water heater?
- Yes. Many tankless units, including Navien models, have built-in recirculation options.
