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hot water recirculating system
quicker hot water when you need it

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Hot Water Recirculating systems in Boise, Idaho 

​You turn on the hot water, holding your fingers under the tap until the water turns warm.  Some fixtures may even require several minutes before hot water is delivered.   Water heaters are seldom centrally located in homes, which affects how quickly your water heats up. Hundreds of gallons of water go down the drain, which can add up to big implications for your water bill and the environment while you wait for hot water to be delivered.  If you don't like the idea of wasting water or are tired of wating for hot water, consider installing a hot water recirculating system.

 Installing or having a hot water recirculating system installed will guarantee you feel warm water cascading when you turn on the tap or shower.

The theory behind these systems is simple.  A recirculating pump is installed in the plumbing lines.  This creates a loop that circulates the water in the in the hot water pipes back into the water heater for reheating, rather than letting this water go down the drain as you wait for warm water.This means that as soon as you turn on the hot water, warm water is already present in those pipes.

There are many options when it comes to hot water recirculating systems.  Boise Valley Plumbing can guide you through each option and help you select the best design for your home or business.

Traditional Hot Water Recirculating Systems:

For years, recirculating hot water pumps have been used in quality hotels, gyms and restaurants.  Now they are becoming more common in private residences as well.  The advantage of reduced energy costs and having hot water on demand makes the use of the recirculating system a good investment.

Recirculating hot water systesms can be used continuously, or for additional energy savings thay can be set for specific hours via a timer.  If the hot water is not used, it simply returns back to the tank.  The primary cost savings comes from less water going down the drain before the warm water reaches your faucet.  In Boise, Idaho the savings can be substantial during the winter.

A standard hot water heating system only heats water at the tank, and from there it has to travel through your pipes to reach an outlet. This results in a delay between turning on the hot water and getting hot water out of the faucet.
To reduce waste and increase efficiency, a hot water recirculating system will keep the hot water moving through your pipes (in a loop) so that the water is ready to use as soon as you turn the faucet on. Keep reading to see if this system is right for you.

In a traditional hot water recirculating system, there is a dedicated return line for the hot water pipes that goes from the furthest bathroom or fixture back to the water heater. 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, because the water in the hot water pipe is kept warm.

 If you have a dedicated return line, then this is a great system to use. You can even get pumps that have timers built in, so the pump only runs during the hours you really need it rather than all the time--offering you savings on energy costs.
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Types of Hot Water Recirculating Systems

Instant Hot Water Recirculating Systems:
This type of recirculating system does not require a dedicated hot water return loop, so it can be installed and used in any house. These come in many different varieties, so be sure and ask a qualified plumber who is familiar with recirculating systems to explain the differences. The two main pump locations are over-the-water-heater and under-the-sink.

Over-the-water-heater: 
The pump is located above the water heater and a check valve is located under the sink furthest away from the hot water heater. The pump pressurizes the hot side of the system and, through the bypass valve under the sink, it pushes the hot water into the cold water system, creating a hot loop.

 This loop can run constantly, or it can be used with a timer that may even be built into the unit. With the timer, you can just run the pump on during those times of day when you need quick hot water. 

Connecting the recirculating system check valve to the system under the sink furthest away allows the system to provide quick hot water all along the line, because the hot water is circulating throughout the house. The instant hot water recirculating systems usually comes with everything you need to install it. Keep in mind, though, that you will need power near the water heater to plug in the pump.  These systems are recommended for all types of pipes and are virtually maintenance-free.
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​Under-the-sink: 
This style is installed underneath the sink furthest away and pushes the hot water into the cold line so you will have hot water to all your fixtures, as needed. Most models come with timers and often built-in sensors that will turn on when the water gets below a set temperature. This type of under-the-sink hot water recirculating pump will require power under your sink to operate.

On-Demand Hot Water Recirculating Systems:
This type of recirculating system is similar to the instant recirculating system, but rather than running constantly or at preset timed intervals, it requires the user to activate the pump when hot water is needed. It can be a traditional style with the pump at the water heater with a dedicated return line, or it can be an under-the-sink pump that is installed in the farthest sink and provides hot water throughout the house.
When the pump is activated, it will pump cooled water in the hot water pipes back into the cold water pipe and push it back toward the water heater, creating a temporary loop as the water heats up.

So, rather than that cooled water being wasted by going down the drain as you wait for hot water to arrive, it is kept in the loop and sent back to the water heater for heating. When the water arriving through the hot water pipe reaches the desired temperature, the pump shuts off, and the hot water runs out the faucet rather than looping back through the cold water pipes. 

This is a very efficient system, because when the hot water is sensed at the pump, it automatically shuts off and stops pushing the water from the hot line into the cold side. Pushing a button may give the impression that you still have to wait for hot water, but the system can be activated by wireless remote or with buttons in multiple locations throughout the house, making it very convenient.
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Some systems also offer motion sensors that sense the flow of water automatically, turning on and shutting off automatically.
Either way, having hot water on demand is a great option for saving water and conserving energy.

Disadvantages to a Hot Water Recirculating System

Hot water recirculating systems can have a higher initial cost. A new unit can be equal to many months of water usage bills.  Installing a water recirculating pump will require you to add some piping to allow water to flow continuously through the hot water system.  Typically, the pump in installed in close relation to the water heater holding tank, but they can be installed near faucets as well.

A hot water recirculating system may be a big investment for smaller households, but it can be a great way to save money in a large household or property.

Call Now For A Free Consultation & Estimate (208)639-0784

Schedule a free estimate today (208)639-0784


Boise Valley Plumbing
Boise, Idaho  83705

208-639-0784

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