A common problem (which I am experiencing) is that my recirculating pump seems to be too weak to move hot water to the furthest faucet in my house. Two questions: 1.) are some pumps stronger than others? and, 2.) would it help to use two pumps running in one system? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!
Recirculating pump for long distances?
- Thread starter Zardoz
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Have you considered it is not the length of the line, but the cold weather currently? Are your pipes insulated adequately? What is your water heater set at now? Does it normally get you hot water but is not during the cold spell we are having?
I'm in So Cal and notice my hot water is not as hot instantaneously, but I chalk it up to the cold spell.
If you have incremental settings, (mine had the ability to turn on every 15 minutes) increase the amount of time your pump activates.
I'm in So Cal and notice my hot water is not as hot instantaneously, but I chalk it up to the cold spell.
If you have incremental settings, (mine had the ability to turn on every 15 minutes) increase the amount of time your pump activates.
Yes, I have but I can’t establish a good reference point since we just moved in this past October and I installed the pump a month later. And also, my WH is in a utility room that’s not insulated. You’re probably correct in your assessment. Thanks.
You will see an increase in your heating bill, whether gas or electricity, but you should have constant hot water. It will become the cost/convenience controversy.
We had a similar situation when we bought our current home, WH and master bath were 75 feet apart. I never considered a pump, I had room to install a small WH (3 gal) in series right under the master bath. Problem solved! And I think it's more efficient than having a pump running circulating the water. There is no noticeable change in water temperature during use.
Besides insulating the pipes, did you use a sensor valve at one or more sinks, or a dedicated return line for hot water circulating system? If you used a sensor valve, is it located at your farthest faucet?
How far is the farthest hot water outlet and how hot is your hot water ?
Are the pipes under a concrete slab or are the hung in a crawlspace ?
Are the pipes under a concrete slab or are the hung in a crawlspace ?
Two sensor valves. First and second furthest. I don’t think systems with dedicated return lines use/or need the sensors.
Approximately 60’. Runs through a slab that this week is below 50°. Concluded that theres too much of a run to keep the water hot. Better than nothing tho.
No, systems with a dedicated return line do not use or need sensor valve. That's why I asked if you used sensor valves OR a dedicated return line.
And yes, I think the cold slab is your issue.
How hot is your water ? You might need to turn the temp up at the water heater thermostats or thermostat.
60’ isn’t too far.
