5 Best Hot Water Recirculation Pumps | Reviews and Recommendations

Fed up waiting for your water to get hot? Or are you worried about the gallons of water that you waste each week as you wait for the hot water to heat up? You can save time, money, energy, and water by installing a hot water recirculation pump. The best hot water recirculation pumps should deliver you hot water whenever you want it in an efficient, energy, and money-saving manner.

Today, we offer you our best hot water recirculation pumps reviews, recommendations, and tips. At the end of this article, you will also find a hot water recirculation pumps’ buying guide, together with the answer to the most frequently asked questions coming from users.

best-hot-water-recirculation-pump-reviewsFind the perfect pump for your home, with a little help from Water Filter Answers.

We’ve reviewed the 5 best hot water recirculation pumps available on the market today.

Take a look at our comparison table where you can compare the key features of each model.

Then, check out each detailed review we offer for each product.

The 5 Best Hot Water Recirculating Pumps Reviews

In our opinion, these are the 5 top hot water recirculation systems on the market. See how each hot water recirculation pump reviews after the table.

Model Timer Type Price Rating
Grundfos Comfort System Yes Water Heater Mounted $$$ 4.5
Laing Autocirc Yes Under Sink $$$ 4.2
Watts 500800 Yes Water Heater Mounted $$ 4.4
Grundfos UP15-42F No (extra purchase) Water Heater Mounted $ 4.4
Taco 006-B4 No (extra purchase) Under Sink $$ 4.5


Grundfos-595916-review-picture1. Grundfos Comfort System – OUR TOP PICK

Rating: 4.5
Price: $$$

This Grundfos Comfort System hot water recirculation pump is a premier model that incorporates automatic features that only the top models have. What’s more, it only uses 25 watts of power (less than most lightbulbs) and is backed by an awesome two-year warranty.

The Comfort System was designed to take all the hassle out of installing a hot water circulating system. When retrofitting a new system, the included bypass valve makes installation possible without a return line and no need for an electricity supply under the sink. Installation is straightforward and can be achieved in less than a couple of hours.

Grundfos Comfort System Tech Specs and Features

The pump is installed at the hot water discharge on top of the water heater, with the valve installed under the sink at the furthest fixture from the heater. The system pumps water through the cold water line, back to the water heater.

The quiet motor can be left to run continuously, or controlled by the timer or aquastat (this turns the pump off when the desired temperature is reached). These automatic functions are designed to save energy and water by limiting the times when the pump is on. The 24-hour programmable timer can be set to only run at peak times when everyone is home.

Key Features

  • Cast iron pump
  • 1/25 HP
  • Flow: 0-17 GPM
  • Head Range: 0-19. 5 Ft.
  • Maximum System Pressure: 145 PSI
  • UL/CSA Listed
  • Includes Rubber Gaskets
  • Temperature range: 36-230° F
  • 4.4. stars out of 5 customer reviews

Being a Grundfos hot water recirculation pump, you can be assured of the build quality and reliability. The two-year warranty is the best we have encountered in recirculating pumps and is actually double what most other manufacturers offer.

Bottom Line

This is our favorite hot water pump on the market. The automatic features like the timer and aquastat, combined with the excellent warranty and efficient Grundfos motor, make this one of the best hot water recirculation pumps around.

Grundfos UPS15-58FC Circulator Pump, Red

  • Cast Iron Pump
  • 1/25 HP, Flow: 0-17 GPM, Head Range: 0-19. 5 Ft.
  • Max System Pressure: 145 PSI

Laing-LHB08100092-AutoCirc2. Laing Autocirc – THE EASIEST INSTALLATION

Rating: 4.2
Price: $$$

The Laing Autocirc is specifically designed for potable water systems. It’s perfect for retrofits and doesn’t require any recirculation pipe. It’s actually installed under the sink (or furthest faucet point from the water heater) which makes installation among the easiest of the various recirculation pumps.

As with all top pumps, this one comes with automatic modes. The Autocirc is controlled using a timer and thermostat. The thermostat has a temperature sensor that automatically switches the pump on when the water temperature dips below 32ºC or 89.6ºF. The pump is then automatically turned off when the temperature gets to 35ºC or 95ºF. These controls make sure there is always hot water right when you need it.

Laing LHB08100092 AutoCirc Recirculation Pump Tech Specs and Features

The 24-hour programmable timer can be adjusted so that the pump is only in operation when it is needed. Timers are an essential component of an efficient recirculation pump system.

A final note on this pump is that it draws very little power. It can work with as little as 14 Watts of power, which is quite amazing. The silent motor can save serious amounts of household water, which is great for the environment and also your pocket.

Key Features

  • Under the sink or faucet recirculation pump
  • 14 watts of power
  • 115 volts
  • Dimensions: 0.1 x 5 x 7.5 inches
  • Weight: 2.98 pounds
  • Does not require a return line
  • Comes with 6 ft. long power cord
  • Noise level less than 30 DB
  • Built-in 24-hour timer
  • Saves the average family of four up to 17,000 gallons of water annually

If you’re looking for a pump designed for tankless water heaters, then Laing also makes the Laing LHB08100081 Low Flow Circulating Pump with Cord, which is perfect for these installations.

Bottom Line

The Laing Autocirc isn’t cheap, but it comes with some quality features. The installation of this system is also about as easy as it gets for recirculation pumps, as it doesn’t need a return line. Laing recirculation pumps are high-quality pieces of gear.

Laing LHB08100092 AutoCirc Recirculation Pump with Timer

  • The auto circ pump ACT E1 is installed under the sink or faucet…
  • Requires only 14 watts of power; Does not require a return line
  • Packaged complete with a 6 ft. long power cord. Noise level – Whisper…

watts-500800-review3. Watts 500800 – THE BEST VALUE

Rating: 4.4
Price: $$

Watts recirculation pump 500800 is a very popular model due to the features it offers at such a competitive price tag. Watts manufacture a range of plumbing supplies and their products are always billed as offering great value.

This model is one of the easiest recirculation pumps to install. Watts states that installation should take 1 hour, but this is a little optimistic, especially for first-timers. A big bonus with the installation of this model is that it doesn’t require any additional piping. It simply mounts on the top of a water heater with 3/4″ connections (it’s not suitable for use with tankless water heaters). The sensor valve is then installed under the sink of the furthest faucet from the water heater.

Watts Premier Instant Hot Water Recirculating Pump System Tech Specs and Features

The pump comes with all the necessary components, meaning you just need the tools. The kit includes:

  • Pump + 24 programmable hour timer
  • 2 adapters + rubber washers
  • Valve mounting screws
  • Sensor valve
  • 2 x 12″ supply lines
  • 10 ft. electric cord

The 24-hour timer is a great feature, especially at this price. The timer has dual settings and is completely programmable. Simply set the times when your home is busiest and the hot water is being used the most, and the pump will do its thing. Getting a pump that includes a timer is essential in my opinion, as it will save a lot of energy in the long term. Besides being better for the environment, this will save you money too.

The Watts 500800 runs really quietly and you won’t notice any vibrations through the floors or walls. The motor is actually a Grundfos, who make some of the most reliable water pumps around. The unit comes with a one year warranty, which is about standard for recirculation pumps. If you need a better warranty then check out the Grundfos Comfort System, that we reviewed earlier.

Key Features

  • 0.5 inches bypass valve
  • Material: cast aluminum
  • Voltage: 120 volts
  • Weight: 8.5 pounds
  • Dimension: 6.2 x 6 x 5 inches
  • 1-Year Limited warranty
  • No vibrations
  • Save up to 15,000 gallons of water per year
  • Do not use with tankless water heaters

You can trust Watts to deliver some of the best water-related products. As you remember, Watts WH-LD is one of the best whole house water filters on the market today. Watts also makes water softeners and also some of the most efficient countertop water filters the industry has to offer.

Bottom Line

This is a really attractive pump due to the value for money that it offers. It’s actually made by Grundfos but lacks the price tag that their models come with. That means it’s a reliable performer that won’t let you down. However, it doesn’t have that two-year warranty that Grundfos models come with. This Watts hot water recirculating system reviews really well on sites like Amazon and delivers Watts professionalism from A to Z.

Watts Premier Instant Hot Water Recirculating Pump System with…

  • WATTS RECIRCULATING HOT WATER PUMP: Provides hot water at every faucet…
  • BEST SELLING RECIRCULATING SYSTEM: Conserve up to 15,000 gallons of…
  • EASY INSTALLATION: Install in less than 1 hour. This unique product…

taco-006-b4-review4. Taco 006-B4 – EASIEST TO MAINTAIN

Rating: 4.5
Price: $$

When it comes to the best hot water recirculation pumps, Taco pumps are particularly popular with plumbers. They are held in high regard due to the reliability that their motors offer. They might not be flashy, but they are dependable. The Taco 006-B4 uses a 1/40 HP motor that runs quietly and works efficiently.

Taco 006-B4 Bronze Circulator Pump Tech Specs and Features

The standout feature of this pump is the unique cartridge design. The cartridge contains all of the moving parts and it is completely replaceable. This means that if the pump needs servicing or the circulator needs replaced, then you only need to replace the cartridge.

The cartridge costs around 1/2 of the price of the unit, so this neat feature can save you money down the line. Being able to remove and replace the key components makes servicing this unit an absolute breeze.

Key Features

  • Flow Range: 0-10 GPM
  • Head Range: 0-9 Feet.
  • Temperature range: 40F – 220F
  • Pressure: 125 psi.
  • Voltage: 115 volts
  • Dimensions: 5 x 4 x 7 inches
  • Weight: 4.55 pounds
  • Connections: 3/4 sweat.
  • Quiet, efficient operation
  • Direct Drive low power consumption
  • Replaceable cartridge design
  • Field serviceable

However, there is a trade-off. The Taco 006 lacks a built-in timer feature. This would have to be bought and fitted as an extra (something that’s not difficult to do) and is something you would have to budget for (should you want one). The Taco brand timer is quite expensive, but third party timers are significantly cheaper.

Bottom Line

If the reliability or maintenance of a hot water circulating system worries you, then this pump is the answer. The replaceable cartridge design is one that other brands should follow. It’s a really solid performer that is built to go on and on. Of all our hot water recirculation pumps reviews, this is the one that plumbers swear by.

Taco 006-B4 Bronze Circulator Pump 3/4-Inch Sweat

  • Flow Range: 0-10 GPM; Head Range: 0-9 Feet.
  • Minimum Fluid Temperature: 40F.
  • Maximum Fluid Temperature: 220F.

Grundfos-59896155-review5. Grundfos UP15-42F – THE BUDGET CHOICE

Rating: 4.4
Price: $

The UP15-42F uses a 1/25 horsepower motor to give an impressive max water flow rate of 15.5 gallons per minute. It is therefore capable of pumping large amounts of water around the house.

Grundfos 59896155 SuperBrute Recirculating Pump Tech Specs and Features

Grundfos is famous for the quality of its pumps and this is no exception. The cast iron casing houses a heavy-duty bronze and stainless steel pump. Despite being quite a powerful pump, it is very quiet. It is also designed with efficiency in mind, and only draws 25 Watts of power.

Key Features

  • Voltage: 115 volts
  • Dimensions: 5.25 x 4.19 x 6.5 inches
  • Weight: 6.89 pounds
  • Material: cast iron
  • Water consumption: 155 gallons
  • Stainless steel rotor can and bearing plate
  • Corrosion-resistant impeller

The reason this pump is much cheaper than the others is the lack of any automated features. However, a timer and heat sensor shut-off are available as extra purchases. These add-ons could potentially save a great deal of energy, water, and money in the long term. Both of these add-ons would raise the price to a $$ rating.

Bottom Line

Grundfos pumps are durable and efficient. This is the cheapest in their range, but it can be relied upon to work smoothly for years and years. This is also the cheapest of our hot water recirculating system reviews. You won’t get a reliable system for much less than this.

Grundfos 59896155, UP15-42F, SuperBrute Recirculating Pump 1/25 HP,115…

  • Ceramic shaft and radial bearings
  • Carbon axial bearing
  • Stainless steel rotor can and bearing plate

Why Get The Best Hot Water Recirculation Pumps?

Fed up waiting for the faucet water to get hot? Most of us have this problem, and it’s not just an issue with patience. Running the hot water faucet while waiting for hot water wastes an incredible amount of water. That’s bad for the environment and bad for your wallet.

Instant hot water is a dream in most homes. The reason for this is that your water pipes are filled with cold, still, water when not in use. When you open the faucet you have to release all of the cold water in the pipes before the hot water reaches the faucet. Releasing all of this cold water down the drain can waste thousands of gallons of water over the course of a year.

According to Watts, the average home has 125 feet of 3/4″ water piping.

  • 125 feet of 3/4″ water pipes hold about 3.14 gallons of water.
  • If you empty the system 10 times each day (while waiting for the water to become hot), that equals 10 x 3.14.
  • In case you do waste 31.4 gallons of water each day, then you waste around 11,461 gallons of water is each year.

The cost-effective solution to all this water waste is a hot water recirculation pump.


What Is a Hot Water Recirculation Pump?

A hot water recirculation pump is a device you install in the plumbing lines. It pumps the cold water (that lies in your pipes) back into the water heater so that it is heated. By pumping the cold water back to the heater, there is no wasted cold water when you open a faucet. The water in the pipe is already hot.

There are a few different types of hot water circulating systems available. Let’s take a look at the three main options.

1. The Traditional System

With a traditional hot water recirculation system, there is a return line that runs from the furthest away water fixture point back to the hot water heater. The pump is situated next to the heater and draws water back from this fixture. The water is pumped into the water heater, ready to be heated.

2. The Instant System

These models are for homes that don’t have a dedicated return line. This means they are much more flexible with regard to installation. You can install them in pretty much any house.

There are two main choices with an instant recirculation pump. There’s the type that you install under the sink – just like an under-sink water filter – and the type that you install over the water heater.

When installed above the water heater, the pump pushes hot water into the pipes. A check valve installed at the furthest plumbing fixture from the heater creates the pressure needed to do this.

The drawback of these systems is that the fixture where the check valve is will briefly give hot water from the cold faucet when you first open it.

The under sink hot water recirculating pump goes under the sink that is furthest from the water heater. The drawback of this system is that it requires a power source under the sink (or very close by).

Both types of these hot water recirculation pumps (instant & traditional) offer features that can save money, energy and water. A common and very useful feature is a timer. This allows you to only run the pump during periods of the day when people need it. There’s no point running a pump when everyone is at work.

Another great feature is a temperature sensor. The sensor only turns on the pump when the water temperature falls below a certain level. Again, this is a great way of saving money.

3. On-Demand System

The on-demand system works quite like the instant one, but the difference is that the pump is activated by the user. It works by pumping the cold water that lies in the hot water pipes, back up into the cold water pipes. From here it then ends up in the hot water heater. When the newly heated water reaches the hot water pipes again, the pump is turned off when a specific temperature is reached.

This type of system effectively monitors itself and this makes it very efficient. It shuts itself off when the water is hot enough.

You might think that this kind of system is old fashioned as it doesn’t use a timer and needs to be manually turned on. However, wireless remote controls can be used which means you don’t have to leave the comfort of your sofa to turn on the hot water pump.

Check out our hot water recirculation system reviews to see how the different methods compare.


Pros & Cons of Recirculation Pumps

We cannot finish this best hot water recirculation pumps reviews and buying guide without offering you a short summary of the pros and cons of these devices. So here are recirculation pumps’ advantages and disadvantages. We hope they will help you make the best choice for your home!

Pros

  • They waste less water. You can potentially save thousands of gallons of water each year. This benefits the environment and also your bank balance.
  • You get hot water faster. In some homes, the wait for hot water is infuriating. Eliminate the wait with a hot water circulating pump.

Cons

  • They can cause a slight delay in the cold water line.
  • They use electricity. Though with most models the power usage is around the same as a lightbulb.

Check out our hot water recirculation system reviews to see which model offers the best balance of value, efficiency, and reliability.


How to Install a Hot Water Recirculation Pump

Installing a hot water circulating pump sounds very complicated, but in most cases it’s not. You can expect to install one in most cases in just a couple of hours.

The video below is very informative and gives a step by step guide of how to install the Watts 500800 system. This installation guide holds true for systems that are installed above the water heater and use a check valve. The installation of the under-sink type pump is actually even easier.

If you aren’t able to watch the video, we’ve summarized the steps too.

Hot Water Recirculation Pump Installation Instructions

  1. Turn off the power to your hot water heater. Likewise, turn off the gas for gas systems, and make sure the pilot light is out.
  2. Find the valve that controls the water supply for your water heater. Turn this off.
  3. Run a faucet (preferably a tube) to drain the hot water pipes.
  4. Drain any remaining hot water from the tank using the spigot at the bottom. Close the spigot when the tank is empty.
  5. Disconnect the hot water discharge line at the top of the water heater.
  6. Insert a gasket into the female fitting of the recirculation pump and screw it onto the hot water discharge. Make sure the connection is tight by using a wrench.
  7. Connect the discharge line (that was connected to the water heater) and screw it onto the discharge outlet of the recirculation pump. Make sure the connection is tight.
  8. Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks.
  9. Connect your recirculation pump to a power supply.
  10. To install the sensor valve, select the faucet that is the furthest distance from the water heater.
  11. Turn off the hot and cold water supplies by turning off the stop valves under the sink.
  12. Using a wrench, disconnect the hot and cold water lines.
  13. Connect the sensor valve to the hot and cold water supply lines. The sensor valve has 1/2″ connections and most compression fittings are 3/8″. You will probably need to use adaptors or flexible hose that has the required fitting sizes. These are included with most models.
  14. Turn the water supplies back on and check for leaks.

Best Hot Water Recirculation Pumps: Bottom Line

Are hot water recirculation pumps worth it?

Yes, they are. Such a device helps you get instant hot water, save money, resources, time, and a lot of stress. They do generate high rates of return, especially because they have long lives and durable constructions. If you are a supporter of alternative, green energy, then you should know that you can find hot water recirculation pumps that work with solar panels or wind power.

Which Hot Water Recirculation Pump is the Best for the Budget?

While the upfront price tag of any product matters, we encourage you to analyze each model we presented you with on this list and check its tech specs and features against other similar products in the same price range. Pay attention to maintenance costs, cartridge costs, and so on. When you calculate the worth of such a system, you also need to calculate the savings in water bills, energy bills, plumbing, etc.

Before we take our leave, however, tell us if you used a hot water recirculation pump before or if you currently have one at home. Does it work as advertised? Are you happy with it? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!

Also, if you know of any models that deserve a place on our list of top hot water recirculating pump reviews then please let us know.

If you have any questions then get in contact and we’ll do our best to help.

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6 Comments
  1. would like to purchase Circulating Pumps in your store /company would be happy if you can get back to me again with the prices and dimensions you having available in a moment,and also do you take all types of Credit Cards as your payment required?Kindly get back to me here or on phone so that we will work together as one panther. All the best and stay blessed…..

  2. Where is your Amazon statement explaining you make money when people purchase from your links / reviews?

  3. The article is very badly written as it makes numerous omissions, errors, misstaments etc. If you don’t have someone available who understands why I have pointed out these problems, (a hint on just one item: the calculation of the water wasted waiting for the hot water appears to calculate the loss for the cold water line as well as the hot water). Also, for installations where a return pipe exists, or by choice is installed during construction, you make the statement that the pump “pushes hot water into the system”. This is either incomplete or just nonsense.

    If you don’t have anyone who can edit the material, I will provide the service if you reimburse me with a Grounfos, model 595916.

  4. I have a Rinnai tankless water heater. I plan to add a return line – 3/8 or 1/2 PEX. Also a simple internet controlled wall plug timer which seem very popular. Maybe run for 2 minutes either via program or manually with push button. Only 40 ft run. Pump will be the TACO or Grungfos w/o timer.

    Questions. Use a check valve? I think so. Also 3/8 vs 1/2 PEX, obviously minimal difference. Does it matter where the pump is? I’m thinking below vanity.

    Given the issues with the sensor valve, I don’t understand why experts don’t more often suggest adding a return line. I’m going through the attic.

    Thanks and comments please. Jim in MI

  5. In your review of circulating pumps, some are not recommended for potable water.

    https://waterfilteranswers.com/recirculation-pump-reviews/

    thanks,

    — glen

  6. I really appreciate your instructions for installing one of these hot water recirculating pumps. They don’t really come with a lot of info!

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