Hey there! Let me quickly share my experience with hot water circulation pumps and why they are totally worth it. I live in a 1951 rowhome that we are renovating. One of our biggest annoyances was the long wait for hot water in our main bathroom. The water heater being in the basement at the back of the house meant cold water had to travel a long way to reach the bathroom we used the most. It took forever for the water to warm up, especially with a low-flow faucet we had installed. The waiting time was driving us crazy and we were wasting a lot of water – about 15-25 gallons daily!
After some calculations, I decided to invest in a recirculating pump and a “comfort valve” for around $90. The comfort valve allows the pump to move cool water from the hot side back to the water heater until the water is warm. The pump kicks in when the pressure on the hot side drops, ensuring a constant supply of warm water throughout the house. I had to do a bit of DIY work to install the pump and valve, but it was totally worth it.
The pump runs quietly and efficiently, reducing our hot water waiting time from 4-5 minutes to just 42 seconds. It has made a significant improvement in our daily routine, especially in the mornings when we need hot water quickly. The pump also has a wireless switch for added convenience, allowing us to control it easily.
Overall, for a total cost of around $175 including parts and fittings, the hot water circulation pump has been a game-changer for us. It’s a great project that doesn’t break the bank and provides instant hot water whenever we need it. So, if you’re tired of waiting for your water to warm up, consider installing a hot water circulation pump – just avoid using shark bites for installation! Cheers to quick and easy hot water access!