Hot water recirculating pumps

[jim97219]

Getting hot water to the kitchen takes a couple of minutes given the location of the hot water heater in relation to the kitchen. To alleviate the problem, I'm comtemplating installing a hot water recirculator. There are several out there, Autocirc, Redytemp, Grundfos, Chilipepper. Some use the cold water pipe as a return while others use a separate return pipe. Given I've got the basement ceiling torn up, running a separate return pipe wouldn't be too big of a deal.

I'd like to know:
-what experience has anyone had with these?
-will it alleviate my problem as well as the manufacturers advertise?
-is one brand better than another?
-is it worth the hassle of putting in the separate return pipe or do the ones that use the cold water pipe work just as well?
Thanks in advance!

Jim

[majakdragon]

No experience with these but most I have heard of use the cold water for the return line with a check valve installed. Some are a demand type (which I would prefer) so you don't have the pump running constantly. You just turn it on when you want water at one certain location as in your case. Good luck.

[Ed Imeduc]

Dont forget the cost to reheat the water to hot again. I guess you cant do it with a finished basement but have angled the hot water line up to that last out let Come off the bottom of the hot water there and drop down to the floor with just a 3/8 copper line. Run it back to the bottom of the hot water heater. Hey no pump but you still have to pay to reheat the water.

ED ;)

[Rainbird]

If you have the ceiling open, running a return line is the way to go. The cold water return is best for people who don't have that option.

That said, if you still want to consider cold water return, check out the Metlund demand system (link below). It is a quality built product and you will pay more. I have it in my house and recommend it.

http://www.gothotwater.com/

[michiganguy]

If you are using untreated well water, you may get a problem with lime or

other minerals which would otherwise settle-out in the bottom of the water

heater tank. If so , worst case scenario is to invest in a good water condit-

ioner system. If your'e on a good municipal water system, it shouldn't be a

problem.

[Pendragon]

I know this is an old post, but I was wondering what ever become of it.

Did you get a recirc pump? If so, which one, does it work, and did your electric/gas bill go up?

I was looking at the AutoCirc one Home Depot carries ($219, plus the new supply lines needed to connect it).

[jim97219]

Pendragon,

Sorry about not replying but I didn't read it after a week or so. I've not done anything regarding that pump. Well, I did have a line put in but that's it. I came to the conclusion that to have the pipe in place should I ever decide the cost was enough. Someday, should I ever get married or have a housemate that is a cook, then I might spring for it.
Jim

[Ejbogusch]

Grundfos is a very sturdy brand and is used heavily in commercial applications. I like these pumps so much I installed one with a timer on my home. I set the time to go on 15 minutes before I get up and take a shower then off again and once again to come on for a few minutes around dinner time. Increase in energy cost was not noticeable since I used the timer exclusively.

[justalurker]

I've had a Laing Autocirc for about 2 years. EZ install as my farthest sink (from the WH) is the kitchen sink. Already had an electrical outlet underneath for the DW and plenty of room.

Took about 20 minutes to install and that was going slow.

Long story short ... hot water almost instantly at the kitchen sink and faster at the sinks closer to the WH. Water bill went down enough to notice and the electric bill never changed.

Check it out ... http://www.autocirc.com/