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Tired of looking at an expensive water and electric bill due to hot water? Ready to start saving money every month plus do your part to keep the Earth green? Then you need a hot water recirculating pump. Hot water waste is expensive!
Luckily – installing a hot water recirculating system can make a big difference in the amount of water you use each month plus lower your heating bill. Best of all it is good for the environment!
We did the leg work and put together a list of the 5 best Hot Water Recirculating Pumps reviews – plus a buyer’s guide – so you can find the perfect pump for your home.
Keep reading to learn more about the top rated hot water recirculation pump so you perfect circulating pump for your home so you have instant hot water!
Top 5 Recirculating Pumps
| Our Pick | Pump | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Top Pick | Laing LHB08100092 | 4 |
| Runner Up | Watts 500800 | 4.2 |
| Back Up | Grundfos GRU-595916 | 4.1 |
Top Pick: Laing LHB08100092
Pump Type – Timer
Water Savings – 17,000 gallons per year
Temperature – 85 degrees
Power – 115V and 14 watts
Installation – Farthest faucet from heater
Weight – 3 pounds
Pros
- Only uses 14 watts of power
- No need for a difficult to install return line
- Almost impossible to hear (less than 30 db)
Cons
- Needs to be installed away from your water heater
- Must have an open power outlet under the sink
Runner Up: Watts 500800
Pump Type – Timer
Water Savings – 15,000 gallons
Temperature – Varies
Power – 120 volts
Installation – Sink and pump sensor
Weight – 6.4 pounds
This Watts Recirculating pump is perfect for older homes in need of a hot water boost. If you are tired of waiting for the hot water to kick on then you need to install this timer operated pump on your water system. Protect the Earth – and your water bill in 2023 by saving up to 15,000 gallons of water – plus extra money on your heating bill! Installation requires a few wrenches and 30 to 45 minutes of free time.
Pros
- Saves up to 15,000 gallons of water per year
- No advanced tools needed to install
- Eco friendly for the green homeowner
Cons
- Initial investment of about $200
- Does not work with heat trap water heaters
BOKYWOX Circulator Pump
Pump Type – 3 Speed
Temperature – Varies
Power – 110 volts
Installation – Hot water system
Weight – 8.91 pounds
Few things in life are more frustrating than a cold shower with no water pressure. The W15GR-15A Automatic Household Booster Pump is a good choice for homeowners with a large house that are looking to boost pressure and hot water in multiple places sinks and shower heads. The pump features a powerful 120W motor and attaches to 1/2″ piping.
Pros
- Increases water pressures across the house
- Saves money on hot water bill
- Inner copper coil provides consistent pumping
- Easy to install for new homeowners
Cons
- Some reports of overheating after long usage
Grundfos GRU-595916
Water Savings – Unknown
Temperature – 36 f to 150 f
Power – 1/25 Horsepower
Motor – 115 volt
Installation – Bathroom sink
Weight – 6.1 pounds
One of our favorite timer based pumps is the Grundfos. This steel and aluminum timer recirculating pump can save your family thousands of dollars – and countless gallons of hot water every year. The pump is installed under these furthest bathroom sink from your water heater with a few basic tools.
It works by returning on used hot water to your water heater tank via the cold water line. Keep in mind that the pump requires a dedicated 115 V outlet. After installing this pump you may notice hot water coming from your faucets much faster than before – usually in less than 60 seconds.
Pros
- Built to last – made of stainless steel and tungsten carbide
- Programmable timer for extra energy savings
- No installing return lines
Cons
- Requires a comfort valve to properly function
BACOENG Hot Water Circulation Pump
Temperature – 32 – 230℉
Power – 0.13 HP
Motor – 110 volts
Installation – Hot water system
Weight – 5.65 pounds
Adding a hot water recirculating pump like the BACOENG to your hot water system can save money on both your electric and water by routing hot water to your faucet and cold water back into the hot water heater. This water pump is installed on the hot water intake and outflow lines and has advanced features like 1/2″ deep threading to help prevent leaks.
Unlike other similar pumps that only do basic temperature checks this pump has 3 speed settings and runs almost totally silent which is important in small homes with thin walls.
Pros
- 3 automatic settings
- Runs almost totally silent
- Cast iron pump body prevents leaks and corrosion
Cons
- Some reports of problem pumps that fail after a few weeks
Buyers Guide
Picking the right hot water pump for your home can be confusing. If you need some help deciding on the best one for your home follow these tips.
How Do Hot Water Recirculating Pump Work?
Hot water recirculating pumps work by watching the water temperature (or time) and routing water appropriately. When the pump detects cold water in the line it sends it back to the water heater rather than into the sewers. Once the pump thermometer warms up from hot water it shuts off and starts to drain normally.
Do Hot Water Recirculating Pumps Save Money?
Yes! Your new recirculating pump will use electricity – usually $10 to $20 per year – but you will save much more than that on your water bill. Most normal size 4 bedroom houses in the USA save 10,000 to 20,000 gallons of water per year!
How Long Do Recirculating Pumps Last?
Most pumps – assuming you did not get a lemon – will last 10 to 15 years. The biggest factors that impact their life expectancy are the amount of water you use every day and the quality of the manufacturing. We recommend sticking with one of the “big name” brands like Grundfos or Laing.
Extending Pump Life Spans
Want your pump to last? Try to keep your line as clear of debris and particles. Also – the more water the pump has to process the quicker it will wear out so don’t run the shower before you plan to get in!
How to Install
Installing most pumps is easy and takes about 45 minutes and a few common tools. For exact instructions on your model it is best to check the owners manual or the company website. If that does not work try these steps to get started:
- Disable the water pumps and electricity to the outlet you will be working on.
- Tell your family and roommates not to use any of the other sinks for the next 30 to 45 minutes
- Attach the pump, piping and any temperature sensors to the sink farthest from your hot water heater
- Run the cold water return line back to the hot water heater
- Turn on the water, electricity and test your new pump
Why Install a Recirculation System and Pump?
Unless you are planning on moving in the next 3 or 4 years it makes financial sense to install a pump and save money on your bills!
Recirculating Pump Pros and Cons
The pros of installing a pump in your home outweigh the cons but it still important to know what you are getting into before buying a new under sink hot water pump.
Pros
- Good for the environment. By saving thousands of gallons of water and electricity you can do your part to go green in 2019
- Good for your wallet. Using less electricity and water means small utility bills and more money in your pocket.
- Faster hot water. Without a recirculating pump it can takes a few minutes to get hot water to some parts of the house
- Easy to install without a plumber. Most pumps can be installed with a little DIY elbow grease and a few tools.
Cons
- Needs an outlet nearby to run. This is not a problem as long as you have outlets under your sink.
- Must be installed under the sink farthest away from your hot water heater.
- Small investment. A good pump costs a few hundred dollars up front but will pay for itself over time.
Deciding on the right pump can be hard. First you need to pick what type of pump you need. Then you have to do the research and find the best make and model for your home and water usage. Don’t feel like doing the research? Don’t worry our team of plumbing experts put together a guide to point you in the right direction.
Which Type Is Right for Me?
Not quite sure which type of pump is best for your home? Most people choose to buy temperature pumps so that they have hot water available all day – especially if part of the family is home all day. If you live alone or family/roommates with set schedules it might be worth a timer based pump – just don’t try and shower while it is not running!
Where to Buy
We recommend buying your next pump on Amazon.com due to their pricing and shipping. If you need it right away here are some good stores to visit.
Amazon
Amazon is our favorite place to shop for home improvement items. They have a large selection at good prices, plus if you are a Prime member you can get expatiated shipping.
Home Depot
Home Depot is one of the biggest chains of retail hardware stores. They carry a range of recirculating pumps including the Watts and Rheem.
Lowes
Good deals on recirculating hot water pumps can always be found in the Lowes plumbing section. If you need a pump right away try shopping at Lowes.
Menards
Mendards is not in every part of the country so check your map but they often have good deals on pumps and other plumbing equipment.
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