How to Install a Circulating Pump to a Water Heater
Installing a circulation pump for a water heater is a method for obtaining a constant hot water situation at most faucet locations that the pumps return pipe is connected. A circulation pump must have a complete path to fully circulate the hot water from the heater to as close to the exiting faucet as possible. Most hot water circulation pumps are used for either the bathroom sink, kitchen sink or the shower and bathtub faucets where instant hot water may be desired. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Check valve
- Hot water circulation pump (specific type pump)
- 120 VAC access for pump operation (duplex receptacle)
- Correctly sized piping and fittings for return water (Copper or CPVC)
- Insulating foam for pipes
Instructions
-
-
1
Shut off all electrical power and main water pressure to the hot water heater. This may entail the closing of the main water valve to the home depending on the plumbing situation in your own residence. Cut into the hot water line that is coming from the water heater. You will also need to cut into the cold water supply line that feeds the hot water heater. The check valve will be placed on this pipe so only cold water can flow into the water heater and the recirculated hot water cannot flow out and back into the cold water line.
-
2
Use the provided connecting flanges and install the pump in horizontal position. The flanges provided by the pumps maker will have a threaded insert for the existing piping to be screwed into and then the pump can be connected to the pipe flange with the bolts. Depending on the hot water feed pipes diameter will determine the size of the proper fittings for the pipe to flange connection. The flanges will have a high temperature seal or O-ring for making the connection waterproof. Generally due to the small size of the water pump, it will not need any extra support other than the water pipes to secure the unit in place. Most circulation pumps must run 24 hours a day and require a dedicated duplex receptacle to provide power.
-
-
3
Cut the hot water line that enters the sink area just below the faucet connection. The closer this joint is to the faucet, the quicker the hot water will flow from the pumping circuit. At this pipe joint is where the water will return back into the cold water line to be recirculated back into the hot water tank. The circulation pump will move the hot water down the normal hot water pipe to the sink but a return path for the water must be made. This is where the return line comes in to recirculate that water back into the water heater.
-
4
Insulate all the hot water lines in the circulation pumping circuit with the foam piping insulation.. This is most important as the hot water will quickly loose heat by exposure to the piping and being moved or circulated.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Follow all manufacturers recommendations for the correct orientation of the hot water circulation pump. Most pumps must be installed in a horizontal position and so the water will be forced into the intake side of the pump. The hot water circulation pump is not for the creation of added pressure but for the circulation or a constant flow of hot water to the specific faucets in which a return line comes from that particular hot water line. All plumbing situations are different for every home and specific pathways for running the return piping along with the pipe fittings should be determined by the homeowner.
Check with all local plumbing regulations as some localities may require the use of a plumbing permit for the installation of a hot water circulation pump.
