7 Best Hot Water Recirculating Pumps: Tested & Compared
You’ve probably seen the best hot water recirculating pumps in hotel bathrooms. They offer several benefits, including increased efficiency, cost savings, and convenience.
The hot water recirculation pumps are installed in your home’s plumbing lines. It will drive the cold water to the heater when the faucet isn’t open. By doing so, you will have instant hot water upon opening your water faucet.
To help you find the ideal pump for your home, I’ve researched and compiled a list of the seven best hot water recirculating pumps with reviews and a helpful buyer’s guide. Let’s find the perfect pump together.
Comparison Of Best Hot Water Recirculating Pumps
MODEL | FEATURES | COST | RATING |
Taco 006-B4 | 0 – 10 GPM flow range, 0 – 9 ft head range, 115v | CHECK PRICE | 4.5 / 5 |
Grundfos GRU-595916 | 0 – 9 GPM flow range, 0 – 6 ft head range, 115v | CHECK PRICE | 4.6 / 5 |
Watts 500800 | 0 To 15.5 GPM flow range, 0 – 6 ft head range, 120v | CHECK PRICE | 4.5 / 5 |
Laing LHB08100081 | 0 – 8 GPM flow range, 0 – 6 ft head range, 120v | CHECK PRICE | 4.4 / 5 |
Grundfos 52722355 | 0 – 34 GPM flow range, 0 – 36 ft head range, 115v | CHECK PRICE | 4.8 / 5 |
Grundfos 59896155 SuperBrute | 0 – 20 GPM flow range, 1 – 15 ft head range, 115v | CHECK PRICE | 4.6 / 5 |
Laing AutoCirc E10 Series | 0 – 4 GPM flow range, 0 ft head range, 115v | CHECK PRICE | 3.8 / 5 |
7 Best Hot Water Recirculating Pumps
By installing the best hot water recirculating pumps, you can significantly reduce your monthly water consumption and save on your heating expenses, all while doing your part for the environment. Large commercial buildings and hotels often install these pumps to save money on water bills.
Here are my top seven picks for the best hot water recirculating pumps:
Taco 006-B4
Product specifications
| Flow Range | 0 – 10 GPM |
| Head Range | 0 – 9ft |
| Voltage | 115v |
| Fluid Temperature (Min-Max) | 40 – 220 F |
| Connection Size(S) | ¾ Inch Sweat (Threaded And Union Available) |
| Max Pipe Distance | 300 Feet |
The Taco pump is one of the best hot water recirculating pumps and has the most robust designs available. You can select your material and connections from bronze, cast iron, or flanged steel. For example, the Taco bronze circulator pump is available with sweat, threaded, or union 34-inch connections.
The 1/40 horsepower motor has a flow range of 0 to 10 gallons per minute (GPM). It is ideal for solar open-loop systems, hot water circulation, and potable water applications.
You will never have to remove the pump again once it is installed. Remove the cartridge with a single screw containing all the moving parts and seals. If the pump fails, you can easily replace the cartridge while keeping your lines intact.
However, this pump generates a lot of heat. If you check it while it’s running, you’ll notice it’s significantly hotter than the other best hot water recirculating pumps. This is normal, and you should only be concerned if it becomes noisy.
Reviews from customers:
Grundfos GRU-595916
Product specifications
| Flow Range | 0 – 9 GPM |
| Head Range | 0 – 6ft |
| Voltage | 115v |
| Fluid Temperature (Min-Max) | 45 To 150 F |
| Connection Size(S) | ¾ Inch Threaded |
| Max Pipe Distance | 250 Feet |
The Grundfos pumps are compact and powerful. Installing them doesn’t take up much room, and the threaded connectors make it simple. The comfort valves needed to connect the supply lines at the farthest faucets are included in the set.
Without specialized tools, this system may be configured and operational in less than 30 minutes.
Before turning on the pump after installation, ensure all the air has been removed from the pipes. To ensure the pump is full and that no air will get into it, open as many hot water lines as possible until they stop sputtering.
This pump also has a 24-hour timer, which you may choose to turn off and leave the pump running continuously. However, if that’s the case, the water bill will increase. Nevertheless, it might be a minor price to pay for the quick hot water.
Reviews from customers:
Watts 500800
Product specifications
| Flow Range | 0 To 15.5 GPM |
| Head Range | 0 – 6 Ft |
| Voltage | 120v |
| Fluid Temperature (Min-Max) | 40 To 150 F |
| Connection Size(S) | ¾ Inch Threaded |
| Max Pipe Distance | 250 Feet |
The Watts system is a small pump that attaches to the tank using a connector with a 34-inch thread. Also, the comfort valve will allow you to install it under the sink closest to the water tank.
Before powering the pump after connection, you must purge the air from the system. A three-setting timer will function in 15-minute intervals. Further, you can choose whether the pump should always be on or off.
The 1-year warranty offered by the industry is not very extended, but it covers the entire pump and assembly if a qualified specialist installs it. The pump motor and gaskets are insured if installed improperly, but labor, burn-out damage, and comfort valves are not.
The little pump offers a sizable flow rate with a max flow rate of 15.5 GPM and a head range of 6 feet. Given that it has a 10-foot power cord, you can install it farther away from the outlet than is customary. The main issue with this equipment is that not all water heater tanks can use it. Sadly, Watts only works with a few models even though it claims to be compatible with all brands.
No list of compatible water tanks is available either. However, determining compatibility is the most effective way to determine whether your water heater tank includes a heat trap. It will be much simpler than calling Watts for a compatibility check.
Reviews from customers:
Laing LHB08100081
Product specifications
| Flow Range | 0 – 8 GPM |
| Head Range | 0 – 6 Ft |
| Voltage | 120v |
| Fluid Temperature (Min-Max) | 40 To 230 F |
| Connection Size(S) | ½ Inch Sweat In-Line |
| Max Pipe Distance | Up To 200 Feet |
Laing has a low-flow pump explicitly designed for recirculation systems. It is timer-compatible, but you need to buy it separately—in-line brass installation with a sweat fitting for 12 piping (threaded female output).
This pump is not intended to provide on-demand services. This low-flow pump will be most helpful in instant hot and always-on systems. Other models are available from Laing if you require an under-sink installation.
Since the water is constantly flowing through, there isn’t much pressure. When operating at up to 8 GPM, you can install a check valve and pump timer on the in-line side for a more on-demand-style pump system.
The warranty is complicated, and you must pay attention to the dates. The pump warranty is for two years from the day of manufacture or one year from the purchase date, whichever comes first.
You essentially have a one-year warranty. However, if the pump manufactures 18 months before you purchased it, your warranty will be valid for only six months.
Reviews from customers:
Grundfos 52722355
Product specifications
| Flow Range | 0 – 34 GPM |
| Head Range | 0 – 36 Ft |
| Voltage | 115v |
| Fluid Temperature (Min-Max) | 35 – 230 F |
| Connection Size(S) | ½ Inch Flange |
| Max Pipe Distance | Up To 600 Feet |
This Grundfos model outperforms the previous model. You can move up to 34 GPM hot water with a 1/6 horsepower motor. It extends the head range by allowing up to 36 feet of vertical flow. If you don’t want to mount it directly to the water tank, place it closer to the floor or the side.
The only drawback is that it intends for flange mounting. There are no sweat or threaded options. The 12-inch flange mount is easy to install and includes rubber gaskets for a secure, waterproof fit.
The cast iron pump has usage times pre-programmed as well. You can change the timer, but it will require some electrical knowledge to change the wiring. The warranty covers the pump assembly for two years, beginning with the installation date rather than the purchase date. Before installing it, read the warranty agreement to follow all the guidelines for filing a claim.
Grundfos makes the best hot water recirculating pumps, but its customer service is a bit of a pain. If you need to file a claim, ensure everything is in order before making the call.
Reviews from customers:
Grundfos 59896155 SuperBrute
Product specifications
| Flow Range | 0 – 20 GPM |
| Head Range | 1 – 15 Ft |
| Voltage | 115v |
| Fluid Temperature (Min-Max) | 36 – 230 F |
| Connection Size(S) | ¾ Inch Flange |
| Max Pipe Distance | 300 Feet |
Your research isn’t complete without Grundfos since you’re looking at lists of the best hot water recirculating pumps. With its third entry, Grundfos joins the fray once more. The manufacturer understands how to construct a high-quality, long-lasting pump assembly.
The SuperBrute is not the most potent model or has the most powerful engine. However, with a stainless steel and bronze body, it may be the most powerful.
A brass pump housing, graphite impeller, tungsten, and stainless steel rotor round out the features. The 2-year warranty will meet your expectations, while the pump will continue to exceed them for up to another 20 years.
The pump is intended for heating systems but works well for hot water recirculation. With a max flow rate of 20 GPM and the ability to handle water temperatures up to 230 degrees, you won’t have trouble getting hot water to your faucets in seconds.
Installation should occur above the water heater tank, with a comfort valve installed on the sink farthest from the tank. The return line will close the loop and provide instant hot water. Be aware that warm water will come from the cold tap for up to 12 seconds when you first turn it on.
Reviews from customers:
Laing AutoCirc E10 Series
Product specifications
| Flow Range | 0 – 4 GPM |
| Head Range | 0 Ft |
| Voltage | 115v |
| Fluid Temperature (Min-Max) | 40 – 230 F |
| Connection Size(S) | ¾ Inch Threaded |
| Max Pipe Distance | N/A |
The Laing AutoCirc E10 is also one of the best hot water recirculating pumps with all tankless water heaters. This system is installed beneath the sink and requires no additional hardware. The motor rotates by an electromagnet, which prevents corrosion.
This pump must be installed by a professional, but it is a quick DIY project that will take you less than 30 minutes to complete. As soon as the supply valve is opened, you do not need to purge the system after installation because water will fill the pump.
Tankless water heaters and potable water system lines require a low flow rate of 4 GPM. There is no head range due to the low flow rate. However, this application does not need a head range because you are installing it under the sink. Once installed, you will have instant hot water with little to no mixture on the cold side.
However, it will take a few seconds for the cold water to reach its coldest temperature.
Unlike other best hot water recirculating pumps, this Laing model comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty that is not dependent on when the pump is manufactured.
Reviews from customers:
Types of Hot Water Recirculating Pumps
Several types of best hot water recirculating pumps are on the market, but I’ll focus on the three main options.
1. The Traditional System
In a traditional hot water recirculation system, every water fixture has a return line that runs back to the water heater. A pump is set up near the heater that draws water from the farthest fixture and pumps it into the heater so that it’s ready to be heated. It’s a tried-and-true system that has been around for a while.
2. The Instant System
If your home doesn’t have a dedicated return line, you should consider the Instant System model. These best hot water recirculating pumps are highly versatile and can be installed in almost any house. You have two options: the under-sink pump and the over-water heater pump.
The over-water heater pump pushes hot water into the pipes, and a check valve at the farthest fixture creates the necessary pressure. However, the fixture with the check valve will have a brief moment of hot water from the cold faucet when opened for the first time.
As for the under-sink pump, it goes underneath the sink that is farthest from the heater, but it requires a power source nearby. Regardless of your choice, the Instant System is an excellent solution for any household without a dedicated return line.
3. On-Demand System
The on-demand system is similar to the instant one, but with one key difference – it requires user activation. It works by pushing cold water from the hot water lines back into the cold water lines, ultimately ending up in the water heater.
Once the newly heated water reaches a specific temperature, the pump automatically turns off, making this system highly efficient and self-monitoring.
Although it may seem outdated because it requires manual activation, wireless remote controls allow you to turn on the hot water pump without leaving the comfort of your couch.
How does a recirculating pump work?
A recirculating pump operates by pulling water from the hot water supply line and returning it to the cold water supply line through a dedicated recirculation line.
The recirculating pump is typically installed near the water heater, and a timer or a thermostat controls it. When the pump is on, it circulates hot water from the water heater through the recirculation line, usually equipped with a check valve to prevent backflow. The hot water then flows through the pipes to the fixtures that require hot water, such as sinks and showers.
As hot water is used, the pump replaces it with cold water in the supply line. The recirculating pump pulls this colder water from the supply line and returns it to the water heater, where it is heated, and the process starts again. This allows hot water to be available instantly at the fixtures rather than waiting for the water to heat up.
By circulating hot water in the pipes, the pump reduces wasted water while waiting for hot water. Also, it saves energy by reducing the time the water heater needs to operate to maintain a constant hot water supply.
How to install a hot water recirculating pump?
Before we dive into installing a hot water recirculation pump, let me inform you that all the best hot water recirculating pumps on our list are user-friendly. You can easily install them, regardless of your experience level.
While we’ll briefly discuss the installation process, I advise you to follow the instructions mentioned in the manual carefully.
You’ll need a recirculating pump kit, channel-type pliers or pipe wrenches, a screwdriver, a bucket, and a towel to install the pump.
Additionally, the pump will require a 120-volt outlet, and you may need to take out some extra plumbing work, depending on the pump’s configuration and your home’s plumbing setup. Here is the step-by-step installation process of the best hot water recirculating pumps:
- Turn off the shut-off valves on the cold-water pipe running into the water heater. Ensure that the water flow is completely stopped.
- If the flow fails to stop, you must shut off the house’s primary water supply.
- Detach the flexible water supply line on the hot water heater. Keep a towel close, as residual water may come from the pipe.
- Tighten the pump onto the hot side of the heater, facing the timer in a direction that’s easily accessible.
- Reconnect the hot water pipe to the top of the pump and tighten everything up with channel-type pliers, ensuring no kinks could restrict water flow.
- Head to the sink farthest from the heater and install the check valve.
- Shut off the faucets’ water by closing the supply valves and controlling the cold and hot water supply tubes.
- Then, you will have to disconnect the faucet supply tubes from the shut-off valves found under the sink.
- Attach the check valve to the faucet’s supply tubes, screwing it onto the top two outlets. Ensure the hot water line is on the left, and the cold is on the right.
- Connect the new water supply tubes from the check valve to the hot and cold shut-off valves, ensuring they are connected to the correct valves.
- Once the supply tubes are tightly connected, place the check valve on the wall using the kit’s screws.
- Turn on the water to both the sink faucet and water heater.
- Allow the water to run at the far sink until all the air is removed from the water lines.
- Before plugging in the pump’s power supply, it is essential to check for leaks. After confirming no leaks, set up the pump using the timer.
It’s a straightforward process that ensures the correct installation of the best hot water recirculating pumps.
Hot water recirculating pump pros and cons
When installing the best hot water recirculating pumps in your home, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. However, before you purchase, you must fully understand what you’re getting into. Let’s look at some benefits and drawbacks of the best hot water recirculating water pumps.
Overall, the best hot water recirculating water pumps have a lot of benefits, but it’s essential to consider these few cons before making a purchase.
What to consider when buying a hot water recirculating pump
In addition to my review of the best hot water recirculating pumps, I must guide you through key factors to remember when purchasing one. The market has different pump brands and models, each boasting superiority.
To ensure you make the correct choice, here are some crucial parameters to consider when buying the best hot water recirculating pumps.
Timer
Don’t you agree that a timer is crucial for a recirculating pump and any power tool? It can streamline the process and automate functions, freeing time for more critical tasks. The convenience of being able to schedule shut-off times is invaluable.
Plus, if your recirculating pump doesn’t have a timer, you can easily install one. This simple addition can make a significant difference in your work efficiency.
Durability
Everyone desires to purchase a product that lasts long. Therefore, choosing a recirculating pump constructed with solid materials like high-grade stainless steel is crucial.
Several premium quality recirculating pumps are available in the market that can last even for ten years or more, all thanks to the top-notch materials used in their production.
Pump Housing Material
Simply relying on durable material alone won’t be the ultimate solution to your problems. Specifically, when choosing a pump housing material, it’s essential to go for aluminum pump housing instead of cast iron.
This is because the latter is not suitable for potable water use and can cause rust within the system. It’s a no-brainer that rust contamination is undesirable for any water system.
Warranty
When shopping for products, it’s wise to search for those with a more extended warranty period since it typically indicates a better quality item.
Regarding the best hot water recirculating pumps, avoiding those without a warranty is best. The warranty is an excellent way to gauge the manufacturer’s confidence in their product.
Price
When purchasing any product, pricing is a crucial factor to consider, including the best hot water recirculating pumps. Nevertheless, from my expertise and understanding, I can confidently state that the most affordable products may not necessarily be of poor quality, and the most costly ones may not always be the best.
Typically, the best hot water recirculating pumps cost between $200 and $300. Therefore, I recommend searching for products that meet your needs and fit your budget.
Conclusion: Best Hot Water Recirculating Pumps
Installing a hot water recirculation pump is necessary to heat water without waiting and saving money on water bills. When it comes to the best hot water recirculating pumps, three names will consistently stand out after research: Laing, Taco, and Grundfos.
All the pumps I mentioned in the list offer excellent features and benefits. You can select whichever you like according to your needs and budget. Follow my buying guide when looking for a new pump and installation guide for installing the pump quickly.
I hope you found this article on the best hot water recirculating pumps helpful.
FAQs On Best Hot Water Recirculating Pumps:
What is a hot water recirculating pump?
To ensure you never waste cold water again, install the best hot water recirculating pumps in your plumbing system. This nifty device pumps the cold water back into the water heater, which is heated and ready to use the next time you turn on the faucet. By doing this, you’ll always have hot water ready to go without waiting for it.
Do hot water recirculating pumps save money?
Absolutely. Although the pump may consume electricity, typically costing around $10 to $20 annually, the amount you’ll save on your water bill far outweighs this expense. A typical 4-bedroom American home can save between 10,000 to 20,000 gallons of water each year.
How long do hot water recirculating pumps last?
If you’re wondering about the lifespan of the best hot water recirculating pumps, they typically last for around 10 to 15 years, provided that you don’t end up with a defective one. To ensure you get a reliable pump, opting for reputable brands such as Grundfos or Laing is advisable.
Which type of recirculating water pump is right for me?
If you’re wondering which type of recirculating water pump to choose, it depends on your specific needs. A temperature pump is usually the go-to option for those who want hot water available all day. However, a timer-based pump might be more suitable if you live alone or have family/roommates with set schedules.
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Michael Bowen
Michael Bowen is an ambitious entrepreneur who has been in the business of building homes since he was 19. Michael's commitment to honesty, integrity, and high-quality workmanship has earned him a reputation as one of the best in the business.
