Hot water recirculation systems provide near-instant hot water access, so you don’t have to wait for the water to heat every time you use a faucet or appliance. A hot water recirculation system creates a loop between the water heater and the faucet, and unused water quickly loops back for reheating.
When you think of it critically, you realize that we waste a lot of water and time waiting for hot water to drip from a faucet. Studies show that a person wastes 30 gallons per day unknowingly. That said, with recirculation systems, you can save energy costs. Let us see how this pump works.
One of the reasons hot water delays when you turn on the faucet is the distance it travels. Remember, the water needs to travel through long plumbing pipes before you use it. Also, the unused water remains in the lines. Therefore, the faucet will first receive cold water then hot water when you turn on the heater.
Generally, the hot water recirculating system is a pump that creates a loop that retains hot water in the pipes. You could be wondering what happens when the pump is not in use? In essence, you have to unplug this pump during vacation or when you move houses.
As it is, there are two types of hot water recirculating systems:
Pros: It is always on, so you’ll always have instant hot water, You can install an on/off timer to save money, It has a dedicated return line to the water heater,
Cons: Harder to install in an existing home, More lines and parts which can be harder to repair,
In the conventional hot water circulating system, one pipe carries the hot water. It circulates water to the far bathroom or fixture and back to the water heater. At the same time, the circulating pump pulls the water from the outermost installation back to the water heater. In the process, the pump creates a loop.
The water circulation in the pipes is a continuous process that allows hot water availability when you need it. Some of the hot water recirculation systems come with timers to set the hours it operates. That saves you energy costs.
The other types of hot water recirculation systems have a few differences from this one. For instance, the next one does not have a dedicated hot water pipe.
Pros: It is not constantly on, so it wastes less energy, Easier to install in an existing home, Very minimal maintenance and repair needs.
Cons: You usually have to turn it on manually, Doesn’t have a dedicated return line to the water heater.
Since instant hot water recirculating systems do not require a dedicated return line, they are easy to install even in retrofits. This type of hot water recirculation pump comes in two varied versions:
One version of the pump is situated over the water heater, and it has a check valve under the sink that’s outermost from the heater. Usually, the hot water recirculation pump will push the hot water through the valve located under the sink. This will, in turn, create the hot water loop.
You can choose to run the water heater loop using a timer or leave it plugged for the entire day. While using a timer, the hot water loops run only during hours you want them to, usually when you need hot water.
The check valve connected under the sink most extreme from the heater helps complete the loop around your house. The water heater requires power to run, so you should install it near a socket.
This entire system comes with all the components you need to install at home. The great thing is that instant water heaters need minimal maintenance. Furthermore, you may install them with practically all manner of plumbing pipes.
Even so, the instant hot water pump pressurizes water directed to the cold side every first time. For that reason, the far-away sections will receive warm water initially. But you shouldn’t be worried so much about that. Because the hot water then comes gushing in almost immediately.
This type of hot water recirculation system relies on human intervention to turn on. In a sense, you need to turn it on when you need hot water. The previous version we discussed above either runs constantly or is controlled by a set timer.
Still, there are some similarities as far as functionalities are concerned. For instance, it can have a valve under the outermost sink from the water heater or have a specific pipe to carry the hot water. The idea is to provide water when needed throughout your entire home.
Once you turn on the recirculation system, it pressurizes the cool water in hot water lines and returns it to the heater. In the process, it will create a loop just as the waters heat up.
Instead of the cold water running to waste as you wait for the hot water, it is maintained in the loop as it goes back to the water heater.
Typically, this heater will shut off once the hot water is hot enough (reaching the required temperature). It allows the hot water to run out through the faucet instead of making its way back in the loop.
This system runs well because once it detects hot water at the pump, it immediately shuts off and stops hot water from entering the cold pipes.
Starting up this system is relatively easy. You may switch a button or run it using a wireless remote within your home. How cool is that? Some advanced systems even have motion sensors that detect the water flow. Depending on the water flow, they may automatically turn on or off.
One of the selling points of the hot water recirculation system is that it is efficient. It’s better than the regular hot water system as evidenced by the following benefits:
If you have a standard hot water system, you could be surprised to know that you save time with the hot water recirculation system. It might not be much, but as a whole family, you get to save awful lots of time.
Can you imagine how boring it is to stand there waiting for hot water to run? I get the feeling. And it is not just showering even when you need to wash your hands, especially in the cold weather. It is okay to pull a stunt in the icy water, but the feeling isn’t mutual for most people.
The hot water recirculation systems save a lot of water. One study revealed that an average person wastes about 1-3 gallons of water as they wait for hot water. And if you think of it, the farthest fixture might be quite a long distance for the plumbing pipes to cover.
You waste a lot of water each time you turn on the shower or faucet and wait for several minutes for hot water. Individually, the average cost of waste might not be astronomical, but it is wasteful, especially when considering the environmental impact of this action.
The hot water recirculation system comes with a timer or sensor to set it during the hours you need to use hot water. For instance, you may put it to turn on in the morning and evening hours when you or family members usually take showers. Or you could set it to turn on when most people are at home.
A hot water recirculation system installation will save you money. The truth is the amount may not be much if you consider the initial cost set up, but it’s worth noting. Additionally, the maintenance costs may also tally with the little that you save from installing the system.
Even so, it makes more sense in the long run. You get to save a substantial amount if you rope in the family usage over long periods. And this is quite significant if you and your family and heavy hot water users.
What are some of the disadvantages of installing a hot water recirculation system?
It is worth noting that all appliances have both pros and cons. For the hot water recirculation system, efficiency is a significant advantage that outweighs most of the disadvantages we’ll discuss below.
The purchase cost could rise to $400. If you factor in hiring a plumber, the total costs may go up to $1000. However, if you are up for it, you can DIY the installation because the process is pretty simple. You can do it in under 30 minutes.
Research shows that the cost of hot water is the second biggest spending after air condition in American domestic energy usage.
There are two varieties of hot water recirculation systems. If you get one that does not have a dedicated hot water line, there’s a brief moment you get lukewarm water. This may occur for sections most far from the water heater.
But all the same, the lukewarm water is not cold water, so you can consider it a tradeoff. Plus, you may choose to install the other type of system. A hot water recirculation system with a dedicated circulation line is ideal for new construction.
.As a side note, some of the other cons are specific to maintaining the hot water recirculation system installed. Some users complain that their systems sensor valves need changing after every two years.
Some brands don’t install sensor valves directly in the pump. This might call for an entire pump replacement in case of any sensor damage.
Maintenance costs are unavoidable when it comes to domestic gadgets. It would help if you didn’t worry about the minor issues because most will crop up after you’ve used it for a particular period.
In the long run, hot water recirculation pumps are worth the investment. For one, the advanced technologies in use allow for great timing. Furthermore, considering that the devices will last more than ten years make them worthwhile.
Even with a high initial cost, it is a good investment. The hot water recirculation pumps are easy to access in your local hardware stores. Most people purchase them online through the various online shops or brick-and-mortar shops that sell online.
When it comes to operations, the recirculation pump is relatively easy to operate. First of all, the installation process is accessible while the functions are just a touch of a button. With advanced systems, you get a remote control system located in various sections of the house. So you can turn it on whenever you are in the place.
Again, since this idea is about creating an environmentally friendly product, it also integrates renewable energy. You can seamlessly integrate your water recirculation pump with solar or wind energy if installed in your home.
That way, you save more on energy costs at home.
If you have new construction, you may consider it in the final plans. All you have to do is to select the most suitable fit for your retrofit or new construction.
To choose the best hot water recirculation system, you need to consider the following factors:
If you have a unique building, you have an opportunity to include a recirculation pump with a dedicated line. A dedicated line requires new plumbing lines to be installed, which means the initial setup costs might increase.
However, if you only need one for retrofit, then a dedicated line pump is not necessary. Once you factor in the prices for either retrofit or new construction, it’s easier to plan for the installation.
All hot water recirculation systems are not made equal. Just as various companies are offering the product, so does the quality vary. However, because of standardization, the price may vary slightly or with designs.
Nevertheless, consider quality yet pocket-friendly pumps for your home. You also need to consider the ease of use. Does it come with a motion sensor or timer? Does it have remote control access for ease of use around the home?
It is better to pay more for advanced technologies. Also, search for easily integrated renewable energy sources if you use one at home.
The lifespan may vary depending on how you use and maintain the pump, and it’s good to know the lifespan upfront. That allows you to estimate the cost in the long run. This can be bundled with the warranty to ensure the pump doesn’t die on you in the second year. Otherwise, periodical maintenance will ensure you enjoy its services for longer.
Hands down, the hot water recirculation system is better than a standard water heater. Once installed, it allows for quick access to instant hot water without water wastage. The loop created means that water is circulating through the pipes from the water heater to the fixtures and back.
Even though the initial setup cost might be high, you have an excellent system for the entire family in the long run. It is a tradeoff when you consider longevity.
The two types of hot water recirculation systems have minimal differences. They work in an almost identical way.
The significant difference is that one has a dedicated hot water line while the other doesn’t. The dedicated line is best suited for new construction. All in all, getting a hot water recirculation pump is worth every penny. Go ahead and get one if you haven’t already. It will save you time and money in the long run.
Of course, it helps if you learn how to DIY-install the hot water recirculation system because it will save you installation service money.
When running a recirculation system with a storage tank water heater, you’ll need an expansion tank. See our article Tankless Water Heater Setups that Require Expansion Tanks.
Original post: https://homeinspectioninsider.com/hot-water-recirculating-system-work/
Installing a gas water heater as a DIY homeowner can be risky if not done correctly. Some of the highest risk aspects associated with DIY installation of a gas water heater include:
To minimize these risks, it’s always advisable to hire a professional licensed plumber to handle the installation of a water heater. They have the expertise, tools, and knowledge to ensure that the installation is safe, code-compliant, and free from the risks associated with DIY installation. Additionally, professional installation often comes with warranties and peace of mind.
A new water heater can potentially cause smelly water and a rotten egg smell in the hot water if there is an issue with the water quality of the water source.
Here are some reasons why you may experience a rotten egg smell in your hot water, especially after the installation of a new water heater:
It’s important to note that these issues can also happen in older water heaters as well, and not only in new ones. To address this problem, you should have a licensed professional inspect the installation, complete a water quality test, check for the presence of sulfur bacteria or high levels of sulfates, and test the water source. They will also check the anode rod and the plumbing. Based on their findings, they will recommend the necessary steps to eliminate the smell and prevent it from reoccurring.
NOTE: Water quality is a fluid and dynamic state that changes continually. As water quality changes, the needed solutions must also change and adapt if perfect water quality is desired.
When well water is present and/or iron-eating bacteria is present, an aluminum anode rod is typically considered to be a better option than a magnesium anode rod.
Here’s why an aluminum anode rod is considered to be a better option for homes with well water:
It’s important to note that even though aluminum anode rods are more resistant to corrosion in well water and water with iron-eating bacteria, it’s still important to regularly check and replace them to ensure that the water heater tank is protected. Additionally, you should consult with a plumber or water treatment professional to determine the best course of action for your specific well water or iron-eating bacteria situation.
Magnesium and aluminum anode rods are both used in water heaters as a means of protecting the tank from corrosion. However, they have some important differences as explained here.
Here are some important differences to consider regarding magnesium and aluminum anode rods in your water heater:
In summary, the main difference between magnesium and aluminum anode rods is that magnesium anode rods are more efficient in soft water and have a shorter lifespan, while aluminum anode rods are more efficient in hard water and have a longer lifespan. The choice of which one to use depends on the water hardness of the area and the budget.
When you have well water, your water heater and other water appliances require extra care to ensure that they function properly and last as long as possible.
Here are a few key things for owners of homes with well water to keep in mind:
By following these best practices, you can help to ensure that your water heater and other appliances are in good working order and that they last as long as possible. More importantly, you can ensure your family has safe healthy water for all your needs.
Hot water from the home's faucets and sinks can cause serious injury to members of the family. Underestimating the risks posed by burns and scalding wounds only makes members of the household more vulnerable to injury. The following facts about scalds and burns can help illustrate the dangers of improperly heated water in the home.
1. Kids and seniors face the highest risk
Seniors and kids under the age of 5 are especially vulnerable to serious scald injury. A thinner dermis poses an extra threat of deeper burns in children, while limited flexibility can sometimes put seniors in danger with regards to nearby hot water.
2. Overheated water is a common problem at home
Ironically, many homeowners that balk at the idea of burn-related injuries in the home are at the greatest risk. Over 40 percent of inspected urban homes were found to have water heaters set at or above 140 degrees. Setting water temperatures to 120 degrees will increase safety and heating efficiency simultaneously.
3. Serious burns can occur in seconds
Burn wounds caused by a home's water supply can occur quickly. In fact, 140 degree water can cause a third-degree burn after just five seconds of exposure.
4. Cool water is better than ice for temporary treatment
Resist your instinct to ice a serious burn or scald, as treating the injury with ice actually risks worsening the burn. A wet compress or a flow of cool water will do the trick until you can schedule a medical visit.
5. Scalding injuries are mostly preventable
While hundreds of thousands of scald wounds occur each year, 75 percent of burn injuries in children are preventable. Families taking a proactive approach toward preventing burn injuries will see rapid results in the form of fewer burn accidents.
6. Going tankless can eliminate scald injuries
Often performing maintenance on an aging water heater simply increases risks of a scalding accident. Electric tankless water heaters have more precise, reliable heat controls to help prevent burn injuries.
SOURCE: https://webflow.com/design/hot-water-safety
They get too hot, the water inside turns to steam. Steam takes up far more room than the water it once was, and the expansion rips the water heater apart. And make no mistake, there have been some spectacular water heater explosions. The MythBusters have addressed (if that’s the right word) this issue several times:
If this happens in your home you probably won’t show the same level of enthusiasm as these fellows, though. Here’s another less, ah, flamboyant link:
Water Heater Explosions – Should You Be Concerned? | Water Heater Hub
Naturally, there are safety devices to prevent this, mainly a thermostat to turn off the heat source (gas or electric) before things get anywhere near too hot. The next safety device is the T&P valve, the temperature and pressure valve, designed to open if the temperature or pressure gets too high. In order to make the video above, the MythBuster guys had to disable the thermostat and remove the T&P valve.
Of course, no homeowner would ever do that, but over time the T&P valve can get stuck, then fail when it is needed. It needs to be tested, maybe about once per year; if it keeps leaking after the test, have it replaced. There’s no end of websites discussing water heaters and required maintenance, just search “water heater t&p valve.” Here’s one chosen at random (NOT an endorsement!):
Water Heater Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve Discharge Pipe
Original reporting: https://www.quora.com/What-happens-when-a-hot-water-heater-explodes-why
Nine recently confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Hopkins, MN reminded me of an old blog post that I thought would make for a timely re-blog, along with some updated information. First, here’s the story about the recent cases in Hopkins: http://www.startribune.com/mdh-hopkins-warehouse-and-fountain-under-investigation-as-possible-source-of-legionnaires/393567731/. As mentioned in the story, Legionnaires’ disease resembles a severe case of pneumonia and is spread by inhaling the fine spray from water sources containing Legionella bacteria. In your home, the source of that bacteria could be your water heater, especially if you turn your water heater temperature down to the “vacation” setting when leaving for extended periods of time. The people who are most at risk for Legionnaires’ disease are those over 50, smokers, or those with certain medical conditions.
According to LegionellaPrevention.org, legionella bacteria can grow at temperatures from 68° F to 122° F, but the ideal growth range is between 95° F and 115° F. When it comes to preventing legionella bacteria growth, hot water is better. Legionella bacteria cannot multiply at temperatures above 122° F, and are killed within 32 minutes at 140° F. So crank up the water heater as high as it will go, right? No, of course not. That would create a scald hazard. Water heater manufacturers put a warning on water heaters saying the water temperature should not exceed 125° F to help prevent “severe burns instantly or death from scalds”. Their words, not mine.
So what’s the perfect temperature for your water heater?
Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer. The American Society of Sanitary Engineering Scald Awareness Task Group released a white paper many years ago on this topic, which essentially says that there is no perfect temperature to set your water heater to. Part of the reason is that traditional tank-style water heaters don’t keep the water in the tank at an exact temperature; there is a temperature “band” that tank water heaters maintain. At the beginning of a heating cycle, a water heater set to 120°-ish might start at 115° F, and might get up to 125° F at the end of its heating cycle. There’s more to it than just that, but the point is that water heaters do not produce constant temperatures.
If the water in a tank is kept below scalding temperatures, there is a potential for Legionella bacteria growth. Ideally, the temperature in a water heater tank should be cranked way up to 140° F or higher, but now we’re back to the scald hazard thing. One solution is to have a hot water tempering valve installed for the entire home.
This valve would be installed right at the hot water outlet of the water heater. It would allow the water heater to be cranked up to a scalding 140° F, which would be sufficient to kill bacteria and would extend the capacity of the hot water tank, while at the same time reducing the temperature of all of the hot water throughout the house. Click the following link for more information about these devices: http://media.wattswater.com/F-MXV.pdf . While these devices won’t guarantee safe water temperatures at every fixture, they’ll get you a lot closer.
If you want more hot water out of your water heater and you want to reduce the risk of Legionella bacteria growth, hire a plumber to install one of these mixing valves at your water heater and turn the temperature up on your water heater. I should also mention that point-of-use thermostatic mixing valves should ideally be installed at the faucets for the highest level of safety… but I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen a home fully outfitted with those.
