Watts Premier Instant Hot Water Recirculating Pump System
- 6.4 lbs.
- 7.6 x 7.6 x 8.3 inches
- Aluminum
- 120 Volts
- 6 liters Per Minute flow rate
Grundfos GRU
- 6 lbs.
- Single Phase Motor
- Flow range: 0 – 9 U.S. GPM, Head range: 0 – 6-Foot
- 10 x 10 x 10 inches
- 115 Volts
- 9 Gallons Per Minute Flow Rate
- Bronze, Stainless Steel
Acquaer 115V 3-Speed Instant Hot Water Recirculating Pump
- 7.41 lbs.
- 8.62 x 7.87 x 5.91 inches
- 115 Volts (AC)
- 11 Gallons Per Minute Flow Rate
- Cast Iron
Hot water recirculating pumps effectively deliver hot water on demand and reduce waste by ensuring you get heated water without any wait. The mechanism maintains the flow of how water toward the tap while pushing cold water toward the heater. Normally, the heater would only start to work after the faucet is turned on. With a recirculation pump, you are provided with hot water almost instantly allowing you to dramatically reduce water waste.
How Recirculating Pumps Work
The best under-sink recirculating pumps use mechanical energy which is powered by electricity and gravity to keep the water circulating. Generally, the pumps have a simple design and are able to be placed onto most standard pipes. These systems are often small and can be easily integrated into a plumbing system.
Types of Recirculating Pumps
The most common models of recirculating pumps are temperature-controlled and Interval pumps. Temperature pumps utilize a sensor that checks the temperature of the water going down the train after the tap is turned on. If the temperature falls below a certain level, the valve will activate and send water back to the pump.
The pump will then start and push the water through a filtration system before reheating it. This model can be programmed to turn on and off at specific intervals, consuming minimal energy in the process. Many of the pros and cons of a hot-water recirculating pump depend on your particular situation and the problem you are trying to solve as a homeowner.
In addition, for consumers wondering what size circulator pump they need, pay close attention to the key features and recommended applications when making a purchase.
Circulator pump installation
Any good plumbing contractor will know how to install a circulator pump but there are also many DIY resources online for those looking to do the work themselves. If you ever run into common issues such as the circulator pump not moving water, not working, being noisy, or not turning on… you may want to reach out to a certified plumber for assistance.
In essence, the circulator pump is used for the sole reason of saving water, time, and money. Here we have compiled the 7 Best Hot-Water Recirculating Pumps that we believe are worth a look at.
#1: Best Overall
Watts Premier Instant Hot Water Recirculating Pump System
Key Features:
- 6.4 lbs.
- 7.6 x 7.6 x 8.3 inches
- Aluminum
- 120 Volts
- 6 liters Per Minute flow rate
The Watts Premier gets the highest mark for its quick and easy installation and quality design. Its built-in 24-hour programmable timer and 6 liters per minute flow rate make it a reliable and powerful pump that can get the job done immediately. Watts's workmanship ensures that your investment will reap benefits as this pump has the capacity to save you up to 15,000 gallons per year.
Its compact and durable design ensures that it is maintenance-free and even features thermal Bypass technology. You can rest easy as the pump is extremely quiet and can be used easily with all types of pipe. We believe this is the best value pump on the market today for a variety of reasons one of which being the fact that you can precisely when the pump is being used due to the programmable timer.
The 3-step installation process ensures ease of use for DIY homeowners. However, it would also be a simple installation process for a plumber or boiler contractor. Watts provides all the needed manuals and videos for those looking to do the job themselves. For a quality hot-water recirculating pump that you can rely on, the Watts Premier is the ideal choice and takes the number 1 spot.
#2: Runner Up
Grundfos GRU
Key Features:
- 6 lbs.
- Single Phase Motor
- Flow range: 0 – 9 U.S. GPM, Head range: 0 – 6-Foot
- 10 x 10 x 10 inches
- 115 Volts
- 9 Gallons Per Minute Flow Rate
- Bronze, Stainless Steel
As a runner-up, the Grundfos GRU justifies its greater price with the slightly more compact size yet higher flow rate in comparison to the Watts premier pump. Grundfos is a stalwart in the industry and is known for the quality of materials used in the construction of its products. The aluminum stator housing ensures its durability and the Wet Rotor design of this water pump eliminates and prevents the corrosive effects of fresh water.
The special thing about this hot-water pump is also that it is maintenance-free, has low energy consumption, easy to install, and has quiet running. Improved performance and efficiency make this pump a desirable choice for hot domestic water and the circulation of liquid in cooling and air-conditioning systems. For anyone having issues with long waits for hot water this quality under-sink recirculating pump will ensure home comfort but also energy savings and responsible water conservation.
#3: Best Budget
Acquaer 115V 3-Speed Instant Hot Water Recirculating Pump
Key features:
- 7.41 lbs.
- 8.62 x 7.87 x 5.91 inches
- 115 Volts (AC)
- 11 Gallons Per Minute Flow Rate
- Cast Iron
If your project is on a tight budget, the Acquaer 115V saves you money in a few ways. It not only boasts a higher flow rate per minute but also a durable yet lightweight design clocking in at just over 7.40 lbs. Its ease of use and straightforward installation makes it a no-brainer for homeowners that want to do it themselves. In addition, this hot-water recirculating system also boasts built-in automatic thermal overload protection ensuring the prevention of the motor from overheating and burning.
The Acquaer is suitable for domestic hot water circulation, solar water heaters, tankless water heaters, floor heating systems, and HVAC circulation. It is even an excellent circulation pump for boilers. Considering this device can save you up to 15,000 gallons per year and shorten your waiting time drastically, we believe this is a great value for money.
Your hot water pump is warranted for two years against any quality problems. If any issues happen in that time, you can get a refund or a replacement. Acquaer’s stellar customer service track record also makes this a solid choice in terms of value for money.
#4: Best Value
VEVOR HOT-WATER RECIRCULATING PUMP
Key Features:
- 110V
- 93 Watts
- 4.8 lbs.
- 6.7 x 6.3 x 5.9 inches
- 40 Liters Per Minute Flow Rate
An excellent low energy easy installation hot-water recirculating pump perfect for residential homes, cabins, and remote villas. Its solid aluminum construction with a stainless-steel pump head makes it lightweight, durable, and rust and corrosion proof ensuring years of use. Weighing in at only 4.8 lbs., this relatively compact unit and a great option for the price point. Featuring an adjustable speed switch, low running noise, and effortless installation, Vevor has ensured this recirculating pump is user-friendly whether you are a homeowner or boiler contractor.
The pump is particularly versatile as it can be used in the water heating system, solar water heaters, electric water heaters, and domestic pipelines. It's high efficiency and large flow will ensure that you are getting the perfect level of water pressure without consuming too much energy. The maximum pressure of this water circulatory pump is 10 Bar(145 psi) and a flow reaching 5.28/7.66/9.5 GPM. For those looking for an affordable pump capable within a small residential setting. This hot-water recirculating pump from Vevor could be worth a look.
#5
GRUNDFOS SuperBrute
Key features:
- Cast Iron
- 115 Volts
- 15.5 Gallons Per Minute Flow Rate
- 5.25 x 4.19 x 6.5 inches
- 6.91 lbs.
At #5 we have another solid pick from Grundfos. When it comes to quality and durability, this water recirculation pump delivers tenfold. Its sturdy cast iron housing differentiates itself from other pumps on the market that sometimes use cheaper materials. With the ability to produce hot water within seconds, it boasts a 115-volt motor and 85 W power input. It is specially designed to work with heating systems but is also suitable for the circulation of liquid in cooling and air conditioning systems. cans. Virtually silent when fully installed and running, this unit also boasts ease of installation. You can rely on it to deliver hot water during the coldest months.
The Grundfos Super Brute eliminates and prevents the corrosive effects of fresh water. You gain peace of mind as the unit is maintenance-free and boasts low energy consumption. Its pre-program usage time ensures you will save power and even has an operating pump that senses the water temperature with an optional timer and aqua stat, adding to savings. When making an investment in a hot-water recirculating pump longevity and quality are what is most important. We believe Grundfos more than delivers on all of these points.
#6
TACO 006 Circulator Pump
Key features:
- 4.55 lbs.
- 5 x 4 x 7 inches
- Cast Iron
- 115 Volts
- 10 Gallons Per Minute Flow Rate
The TACO 006 under-sink hot-water recirculating pump offers a simple and practical solution for circulating hot or chilled fresh water in open or closed-loop applications. Like many of the options on this list, its typical applications include hydronic heating, domestic water recirculation, hydro-air heating/cooling, water source heat pumps, various potable water, and much more. Clocking in at 4.55 pounds it’s a solid compact unit with a cast iron casing.
The TACO brand is highly recommended for quality and longevity with many units delivering decades of quality and reliability. Delivering hot water into the coldest months, you can also rest assured its energy consumption will not break the bank as it this product runs using a 0.025 (1/40) horsepower. You get peace of mind knowing that its self-lubricating and maintenance-free design ensures unmatched reliability. Boasting a flow range of 010 GPM as well as a maximum fluid temperature of 220F, this pump can deliver for you when you need it.
#7
JASSFERRY 115V
Key Features:
- 7.25 lbs.
- 6.5 x 5.5 x 5 inches
- Cast Iron
- 115 Volts
- 100 Watts
- 17 Gallons Per Minute Flow Rate
In our view, the JassFerry brand is an excellent alternative option if you are looking for the best hot water recirculating system for solar water heaters, boilers, and domestic water boost. Its remarkable under-sink sensor valve creates a pressure differential that ensures cold and cool water within the hot water supply line bypass at a low volume through the thermostatically controlled sensor valve, ensuring access to hot water quickly throughout the home.
With its revolutionary combination of energy saving, high flow, and anti-frying design you are guaranteed a pump that can deliver during the coldest months. The JassFerry 115V will ensure low consumption with long-running power without all the noise of other pumps on the market. Its durable cast iron body feels quality and even includes a 5-year warranty backed by JassFerry. We believe this is a great alternative option that can work wonders within a residential setting.
Watts Premier Instant Hot Water Recirculating Pump System
- 6.4 lbs.
- 7.6 x 7.6 x 8.3 inches
- Aluminum
- 120 Volts
- 6 liters Per Minute flow rate
Grundfos GRU
- 6 lbs.
- Single Phase Motor
- Flow range: 0 – 9 U.S. GPM, Head range: 0 – 6-Foot
- 10 x 10 x 10 inches
- 115 Volts
- 9 Gallons Per Minute Flow Rate
- Bronze, Stainless Steel
Acquaer 115V 3-Speed Instant Hot Water Recirculating Pump
- 7.41 lbs.
- 8.62 x 7.87 x 5.91 inches
- 115 Volts (AC)
- 11 Gallons Per Minute Flow Rate
- Cast Iron
Final Thoughts
Though each of these residential hot water recirculating pumps offers individual features that are quite remarkable, your final selection almost always depends on the problem that you are trying to solve. Be sure to always look at the customer reviews and pay attention to the recommended applications, quality of the material, and also warranties.
All of the water circulation pumps on this list are user-friendly and considered fairly simple to install, however, if you are going to hire a licensed plumber to do the installation be sure to reduce some of your costs by choosing the right pump first. Hopefully, this list is helpful in your search! Best of Luck.
Some products include additional wiring diagrams and instructions, which may not be appropriate for a homeowner simply looking to heat a small garage during the winter months. For the best all-around solution, we recommend choosing a product that fits your needs, so be sure to pay close attention to the recommended application as well as the user reviews!