Hot Water Re-circulation Systems: How do it work?

Hot water re-circulation systems are plumbing systems which are designed to move hot water to appliances (eg. Dishwashers, washing machines) and fixtures (eg showers, faucets) quickly without needing to wait while the water gets hot. Since the water pressure is low in many water lines, these systems do not rely on water pressure to move the hot water around your home.

Two Types of Water Recirculation Systems – Dedicated Loop and Integrated Loop.

1. Dedicated loop system:  This type of water recirculation system requires that you attach a circulation pump connected to the bottom of your water heater tank.

The hot water pipe is extended in a loop throughout the home, passing near each appliance and plumbing fixture. Beneath each fixture, the loop is connected to the fixture by a short pipe to the hot water valve. Whenever a valve is opened, it takes only a very short time for hot water to reach the valve because there is always hot water circulating through the hot water loop.

Note: if you are selling your home and the home is unoccupied, you should unplug your pump because you don’t want to pay to operate the system in an empty house.