[Jfassino]

I’m interested to get feedback from anyone that installed a water re-circulation system in their home after construction. We would like to have hot water at the faucet quicker and not run so much water down the drain waiting for warm water. I understand with new construction a dedicated return line is installed as a part of the system. For an existing home the cold water line is used. Several plumbing contractors said the retrofit system doesn’t work well.

We appreciate your feedback.

[coffeebean]

The Watts re-circulating pump was already installed in our previously owned home. I cannot live without it. The hall bathroom is furthest from our hot water heater and it takes nearly 2 minutes of running the water to get hot water there. With the Watts, warm water is immediate and full hot water is only 10 seconds away.

My kitchen is midway between the end of the line and the hot water heater. I have the Watts gizmo under that sink too. Instant hot water is wonderful, especially when the ground water is so cold in winter.

If you ever turn off your water at the main, turn off the Watts recirculating pump too. If you don't, the motor will burn up because it uses water to "lubricate" it. I learned this the hard way. We replaced that pump faster than your head could spin. I guess I'm spoiled.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Watts-Ho...S-WH/330385466

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by Jfassino

I’m interested to get feedback from anyone that installed a water re-circulation system in their home after construction. We would like to have hot water at the faucet quicker and not run so much water down the drain waiting for warm water. I understand with new construction a dedicated return line is installed as a part of the system. For an existing home the cold water line is used. Several plumbing contractors said the retrofit system doesn’t work well.

We appreciate your feedback.

Installed ours two years ago, one of the best additions we ever did. Not sure what level of plumbing contractors you talked to but those in our neighborhood that added the system are very happy. Less that 15 seconds for hot water to get to the shower. The plumber that did ours is Tim Herndon Plumbing, (352) 201-8237. Tim Herndon Plumbing Inc.. They are also one of the contractors that The Villages has under contract for their needs.

[dtennent]

Originally Posted by JoMar

Installed ours two years ago, one of the best additions we ever did. Not sure what level of plumbing contractors you talked to but those in our neighborhood that added the system are very happy. Less that 15 seconds for hot water to get to the shower. The plumber that did ours is Tim Herndon Plumbing, (352) 201-8237. Tim Herndon Plumbing Inc.. They are also one of the contractors that The Villages has under contract for their needs.

How much did it cost you? Did you have a lot cosmetic repair?

[Altavia]

Originally Posted by Jfassino

I’m interested to get feedback from anyone that installed a water re-circulation system in their home after construction. We would like to have hot water at the faucet quicker and not run so much water down the drain waiting for warm water. I understand with new construction a dedicated return line is installed as a part of the system. For an existing home the cold water line is used. Several plumbing contractors said the retrofit system doesn’t work well.

We appreciate your feedback.

Do you have a tankless hot water heater?

[CarlR33]

Originally Posted by Altavia

Do you have a tankless hot water heater?

If you look at the suggested Watts heat re-circulator it’s not for a tankless water heater setup.

[Battlebasset]

We took the Teco tankless gas water heater deal about a year ago. Our shower is the most distant point from the tank. Before it took about 1.5 to 2 gallons before you could step into it, and I had turned up the temp to 130 degrees.

Now it's about .5 to 1 gallon max. Able to lower the temp to 120 degrees, which reduces the burn hazard and saves gas. The recirculation feature will burn gas, so I installed a wi-fi control that will shut it off outside of the times we normally need hot water. I can always bypass with an app on the phone if I want it on at a different time.

Because it's all one unit, I can turn the power off when we leave for an extended time, and turn off the water.

It also comes with an anti-freezing feature so on these cold nights, if I leave it on, it will fire up and circulate if the temp goes too low. So no concerns about freezing.

[Jfassino]

Originally Posted by Altavia

Do you have a tankless hot water heater?

Yes

[sunnyFLORIDA5828]

Our Watts had been installed for over five years now. Bottom line for us, it enhances our quality of life. A very small price to pay for comfort and convenience. Have had zero problems. My wife cannot live without it. Happy wife….,,,,

[Altavia]

Originally Posted by Jfassino

Yes

The typically installed tankless hot water heater are not rated for recirculation. They typically needs a dedicated return line.

A simple recirculation pump will void the warranty and increase energy costs.

Not aware of any easy, low cost options.

I've measured the wasted water to be less than 2gal.

Tankless Water Heater: Is a Recirculating Pump Worth the Money?

[La lamy]

If it's worrying about the extra cost of running the water for 60 seconds to it to get hot, I would assume that cost is way less than installing a new re-circulation system. I wouldn't bother.

[Sledneck]

is this an option at the design center when building a new home?

[GB407]

Originally Posted by Sledneck

is this an option at the design center when building a new home?

Yes, it is. It is a surprisingly expensive one. I think it was 6k.

[thevillages2013]

Originally Posted by Jfassino

I’m interested to get feedback from anyone that installed a water re-circulation system in their home after construction. We would like to have hot water at the faucet quicker and not run so much water down the drain waiting for warm water. I understand with new construction a dedicated return line is installed as a part of the system. For an existing home the cold water line is used. Several plumbing contractors said the retrofit system doesn’t work well.

We appreciate your feedback.

It’s all about the flow rate on your faucets/valves. Take the water saver shower heads off, throw them in the trash and get a shower head that allows a normal water flow. You will be amazed at how fast hot water gets from one end of the house to the other

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by JoMar

Installed ours two years ago, one of the best additions we ever did. Not sure what level of plumbing contractors you talked to but those in our neighborhood that added the system are very happy. Less that 15 seconds for hot water to get to the shower. The plumber that did ours is Tim Herndon Plumbing, (352) 201-8237. Tim Herndon Plumbing Inc.. They are also one of the contractors that The Villages has under contract for their needs.

We also use Tim Herndon Plumbing.