5 Best Tankless Water Heater Recirculation Pumps 2022 (Top 5 Models Review & Buyer's Guide)
Are you tired of waiting around while your water gets hot? Or does it bother you that you waste gallons of water weekly while waiting to get the hot water heated up?
If yes, then you are in for luck with this article. Interestingly, you can save all your energy, money, and time, especially water, when installing a hot water recirculation pump.
Well, with an ideal hot water recirculation pump, you will be capable of using hot water whenever you want. This article will outline some of the best water heater recirculation pumps that you will find out there.
However, before we delve into all of that, let us take a closer look at what hot water recirculating pumps entail.
What Are Hot Water Recirculating Pumps?
For those unaware, the hot water recirculation system is regarded as a tiny water pump that is usually installed just above your water heater. It is positioned at the hot water line.
This hot water pump will help in keeping hot water for you in the hot water pipe. This means that you can now have instant hot water whenever you turn on the faucet in your home.
With the hot water recirculation pump, you never have to wait around for water to get hot. While you will get warm water the minute you turn on your faucet, everything gets hot in a matter of ten seconds. Wow!
These hot water systems are highly effective, and they help in decreasing water waste.
How Does The Recirculation Pump Function?
Now that you have an idea of what the recirculation pumps entail, it is time to know how they function—your hot water recirculation pump tasks by keeping your hot water safe in the plumbing system.
It does this through a tiny electric pump. It is this pump that sends all lukewarm water out of the path. They are sent out when it is sent back to the water heater, which is done via the cold water line.
Most of the recirculating pumps make use of sensor valves. The sensor valve is usually installed underneath the sink farthest from the water heater, and it opens and closes instantaneously according to the water temperature.
When the water in the valve goes around Ninety degrees, the valve closes instantly. However, the valve opens up when the temperature drops below a certain point while the recirculating pump activates.
More so, some of the recirculation pumps come with in-built timers. With these timers, the pumps get activated only at a particular time of the day. If you do not get a timer installed., the electric or water bill might increase.
Nevertheless, this is dependent on many diverse factors.
Best Tankless Water Heater Recirculation Pumps
Finally, the moment you have been waiting for is here. Since you are hyped already on getting a recirculation pump, the best of the best that we want you to choose from are:
1. Watts Premier Instant Water Recirculating Pump
- Connection: 3/4 Inch
- Max Pressure: 145 PSI
- Weight: 6.4 pounds
- Voltage: 115V
- Warranty: 1-year
One thing to know about the Watts Premier Pump is the best most popular amazon recomended tankless water heater recirculation pump that it is highly reliable and effective. It provides instant hot water to its users without any hassles. Now, you can save the water you use and get a decreased energy bill.
This pump comes with a timer and a sensor valves. Activation of the pump is controlled by a 24-hour programmable timer. Its twenty-four hours timer enables users to set it to deliver hot water whenever they need it. And when you are not home, you can easily turn it off.
Upon cooling of the hot water, a patented sensor valve opens and pushes the cool water into the water heater. When the hot water line temperature reaches 98F, the valve closes.
An outstanding product that is very easy to install. Each faucet has access to hot water without having to wait for gallons of cold water.
Pros
- It comes with automatic operations
- It aids in saving power
- This device uses thermal bypass technology
- Your electric bills will be reduced
- It works with a tankless heater
- Quite a bit of stillness
Cons
- Check before purchasing, may not work with all water heaters
- Some users have complained that it gets shipped with a defective hot water valve.
In all, it comes packaged with a long power cord of ten feet. And not to forget, its noise level is stated to be less than 30db. This means it is whisper quiet.
2. Grundfos Hot Water Recirculating Pump
- Connection: 3/4 Inch
- Max Pressure: 145 PSI
- Weight: 6.69 pounds
- Voltage: 115V
- Wattage: 25 watts
- Warranty: 2-year
The first thing to note about the Grundfos GRU-GRU-595916 pump is that it comes with an inbuilt timer and an aquastat. For those unaware, the aquastat is used for controlling the pump, though it is dependent on the temperature of the water.
This pump has a water flow rate of zero to nine gallons per minute and will effortlessly get you hot water. It is highly compatible with your tankless water heater. Note that it makes use of only twenty-five watts of power.
Interestingly, this is less than most of the light bulbs people have in their homes. You will love the fact that it comes with a warranty of two years. The pump is made from stainless steel, aluminum, and bronze.
Since it has a super quiet motor, you surely will not be bothering your neighbors. It has a flow rate of nine GPM and can work with any heater, whether tankless or regular. Aside from its aquastat and timer, this lovely pump can help save energy.
Pros
- It consumes a low amount of energy.
- It is simple to install.
- A two-year warranty
- It runs quietly.
- It is a maintenance-free pump.
Cons
- This pump cannot function without its comfort valve.
- It might end up heating the cold water if you have mixer taps.
In all, the Grundfos GRU-595916 is another best recirculating pump for tankless water heaters, and it is highly durable as its stainless steel does not get rusty.
3. The 110V KOLERFLO Recirculating Pump
- Connection: 3/4 Inch
- Max Pressure: 145 PSI
- Weight: 5.61 pounds
- Voltage: 115V
- Wattage: 46 watts
- Warranty: Not disclosed
It must be noted that the KOLERFLO 110v recirculating pump is made available in a very stylish teal green color. It is a powerful pump that has a rate of 93/67/46W. It is capable of handling a maximum pressure of 145 psi.
As a priced water pump, it is easy to install as all you will need is a wrench. You will use the wrench to connect the water supply line with the pump. In a matter of fifteen seconds, you will feel the hot water rush through.
If you live in a cold region, this is the water pump to purchase. For those with pipes that run under their floors, when you install this pump on your tankless heater, the floor will get warm as well.
Its pump housing is aluminum, while its impeller is resistant to corrosion. More so, the flow range of this pump goes up to roughly eight gallons per minute. Interestingly, it decreases cold water waste when it provides greater efficiency at a reduced level of consumption.
Pros
- It comes with a three-speed control. It’s
- It helps to save water.
- It functions quietly.
- It works perfectly with tankless heaters.
- It is resistant to corrosion.
Cons
- Its non-stainless version can get rusty.
- You need to adequately get it primed for the pump to attain its full potential.
In all, the KOLERFLO 110V recirculation pump is not only easy to install, but it is also affordable.
4. BOKYWOX 120W Booster Recirculating Pump
- Connection: 3/4 Inch
- Max Pressure: 145 PSI
- Weight: 5.21 pounds
- Voltage: 110V
- Wattage: 46-120 watts
- Warranty: Not disclosed
The interesting thing to note about the BOKYWOX recirculation pump is that it is usually advertised as one of the best food-grade automatic booster pumps you can buy. In other news, it is regarded as an automatic recirculating pump.
More so, it is highly suitable for medium-to-hot water, plus it comes with a high ratio of 1:1. One good fact about this pump is that you can make use of it directly in your drinking water pipelines.
A booster pump like this boasts a very powerful motor that comes with stable performance and low noise. The average noise level of this pump is 25dB. Furthermore, it comes with a cast iron head as well as an aluminium housing.
Interestingly, it is normally treated with a special anti-rust treatment, and it is resistant to corrosion.
Pros
- It is simple to install.
- It is a highly efficient pump.
- It is capable of resisting high fluid temperatures that can be up to 212F.
- It does not have any leakage.
- It has a quiet motor.
Cons
- It is not good for potable water.
- Some users have stated that upon installation, the water tastes like lubricating oil. However, it disappears when it is used roughly four to five times.
In all, the BOKYWOX booster pump can be used on your gas heater and even your air conditioning system.
5. Happybuy RS15-6 Water Recirculating Pump
- Connection: 3/4 Inch
- Max Pressure: 145 PSI
- Weight: 5.21 pounds
- Voltage: 110V
- Wattage: 46-120 watts
- Warranty: Not disclosed
It must be noted that the Happybuy recirculating pump is available in diverse models. These models are different when it comes to their sizes, efficiency, and power. However, the major feature they all have in common is the NPT 3/4-inch outlet and inlet.
Furthermore, you will find out that this pump has an impeller that is resistant to corrosion. It is highly portable for water use because it has an aluminium pump housing. For those interested in this pump, it is very easy to install.
All you need is a wrench, which you will need to connect the pump to the pump line. This means you do not even need a plumber. To get hot water from this pump, just wait for roughly fifteen seconds.
If you have pipes running through your floor, the Happybuy pump will keep your floor warm. You will love its humanised design as it helps in preventing the pipes from getting frozen during the winter.
Pros
- An estimate of one hour to install.
- Hot water rushes out instantaneously.
- It consumes very low energy.
- It comes with three-speed control settings.
- You can save roughly three gallons of water with this pump.
Cons
- It may leak as its flange face is very thin.
- The pump’s connections are not tapered, so it can affect some of the builds.
On a general note, the Happybuy RS15-6 is great for a vast range of applications. You can use it for suburban villas, city buildings, and even industrial equipment.Its well working and under budget tankless water heater recirculation pump.
Things to consider when finding the best recirculation pump for tankless water heater
On a general note, you will be overwhelmed when you want to purchase a tankless water heater recirculation pump. This is because the market is filled with diverse options.
While you can find diverse models and types, there are things to consider before you make a particular choice. Some of these things are:
- The timers
When there is a timer on the pump you want to buy, it means that you can easily schedule it to shut off whenever you want. You can set it to deliver hot water only when it reaches the peak usage time.
Most importantly, if you find a pump you love but it does not come with a timer, the good news is that you can get one fitted into the pump.
- Its durability
It must be noted that when we say durability, it means the materials. You must purchase a pump that is made out of very high-quality stainless steel. If you want your pump to last for more than five years, then this is the choice to make in quality.
- The pump housing material
While having a pump made with durable materials is vital, you should also take the use of your water pump into consideration. An example is that the pump housing that is made out of cast iron makes the pump unsafe for potable water use.
This is because the cast iron gets rust into the system. For those interested in running potable water through their pumps, you will need to look for those with an aluminium pump housing.
- Tankless water heaters versus traditional heaters
Have it in mind that tankless water heaters normally demand pumps that have more power. This means that if you have a water supply that is on a shallow well pump, the recirculating pump will find it hard to heat up your water.
Note that most of the hot water recirculating pumps do not have the needed power to function with an electric tankless water heater or even the highest quality gas tankless heater.
This means that you will need to take note of your water heater before you get a recirculating pump.
- The priming
Different from the submersible well pump that is primed just once, most of the hot water recirculating pumps do not need to be primed. This is because they can run with air in their lines.
Nevertheless, some pumps need to be primed before they will function if air is in the lines.
- Its noise level
If you didn’t know, water pumps can make disturbing and loud noises. And this will surely annoy those who live around you. It is best to check the pump’s noise level before buying it.
Although most of the recent recirculating pumps like the ones mentioned above run quietly,
- The size
The size of the recirculating pump will have to be very compatible with the space you have in your home. This means you must just purchase a huge pump.
- Its flow rate
You will have to check the flow rate and make sure it is enough for your needs and those of your household. If you have a good flow rate, then the water pressure will be equally good.
On a general note, since there are diverse types of recirculation pumps like the ones we mentioned above, it is vital that you choose one that will align with your needs. When choosing, you should have an idea of whether you want an inbuilt timer or one that is temperature-controlled.
While the timer and sensor valve are great items, you will need to pick the one you want. Or, you can get both when you buy the timer by yourself and attach it to your pump.
Final Words
Bear in mind that even though you can save water with these pumps, you need to install them properly and maintain them. Regularly check around for leaks and any signs of rust and corrosion.
We have provided you with five of the best tankless water heater recirculation pumps. Now, it is up to you to make a good choice.