Tankless water heaters have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their energy efficiency and endless hot water supply. One common concern among homeowners, however, is whether or not a recirculating pump can be installed with a tankless water heater. In this article, we will explore the benefits and challenges of installing a recirculating pump with a tankless water heater and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Understanding Recirculating Pumps
To understand the compatibility of a recirculating pump with a tankless water heater, it is crucial to first understand what a recirculating pump does. A recirculating pump is a device that continuously circulates hot water through the pipes of a home, ensuring instant hot water at any faucet. This is particularly useful for homeowners who want to avoid wasting water while waiting for it to heat up.
Challenges with Tankless Water Heaters
While recirculating pumps can be installed with traditional tank-style water heaters without much difficulty, tankless water heaters present a few challenges due to their specific design. One significant challenge is the need for a minimum flow rate to trigger the tankless water heater to turn on. Recirculating pumps typically provide a continuous flow of hot water through the pipes, which may not meet the minimum flow rate requirement of the tankless unit, causing frequent cycling on and off and potentially damaging the heater in the long run.
Potential Solutions
To address the challenges associated with installing a recirculating pump with a tankless water heater, there are a few potential solutions available:
- Dedicated Recirculation Line: One solution is to install a dedicated recirculation line that connects the furthest fixture from the tankless water heater to ensure adequate flow and prevent the heater from cycling on and off. This allows for instant hot water without relying on the continuous flow provided by the recirculating pump.
- Demand-Based Recirculating Pumps: Another option is to use demand-based recirculating pumps. These pumps are designed to activate only when hot water is requested, minimizing the need for continuous circulation of hot water. Some tankless water heater manufacturers offer compatible demand-based recirculating pumps specifically designed to work effectively with their units.
- Timers: A more straightforward solution is to install timers on the recirculating pump to control when it operates. By programming the timer to activate during peak usage times (such as mornings and evenings), homeowners can enjoy the benefits of instant hot water without unnecessarily running the pump throughout the day.
Consultation with Professionals
Determining the best solution for installing a recirculating pump with a tankless water heater largely depends on the specific characteristics of your home’s plumbing system and the capabilities of your tankless unit. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a professional plumber or a manufacturer representative who specializes in tankless water heaters to assess the feasibility and compatibility of a recirculating pump installation.
Installing a recirculating pump with a tankless water heater is possible but requires careful consideration of the unique challenges presented by these systems. While dedicated recirculation lines, demand-based pumps, and timers can provide solutions, consulting with professionals who have expertise in tankless water heaters is crucial to ensure a proper and effective installation. By taking these steps, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of energy-efficient tankless water heaters with the convenience of instant hot water throughout their homes.