Are you wondering how to install a recirculating pump on a water heater? Well, installing a recirculating pump will help you conserve water in your home. The cold water comes out in your hot water faucet, especially if you forgot to turn on your heater.
Commonly, people need to flush out the cold water for the hot water to come out, but that will take a while and wastewater, right? So, to help you manage this water not go to waste, you can install this type of recirculating pump.
The recirculating pump does not only saves you from wasting water but also delivers hot water as soon as possible. That’s why many homeowners want to install this pump in their houses. So if you are planning to install a pump in your water heater to save water and more accessible access to hot water, then let’s start!
Steps To Install A Recirculating Pump On A Water Heater
A recirculating pump circulates the cold water to return to your water heater. Unused hot water stuck at the pipe, leaving it to cool down. Due to this, the consumers need to run the remaining cold water from the line to flow the hot water. Will it be okay for you to do this every time you need hot water? That’ll be time-consuming, and your water bill will undoubtedly increase. Read further to learn how to install a recirculating pump on a water heater.
There are different types of recirculating pumps on the market. It would be best if you chose your preferred model and suit your needs at home. Nowadays, hot water recirculation pumps can be set in timers, where you can set the time you want it to run or turn it off. On the other hand, some pumps can be controlled using wifi sockets and remote or press buttons, making them more accessible. You can install this pump in tankless water heaters too!
If you decide that installing a recirculating pump will help you produce instant hot water at home and save water from wasting, you should learn how to install it or at least have knowledge of it before you purchase one. You can install a recirculating pump in your home, but that’ll be challenging if you have no idea how the pipes are. You must contact e professional to perform the task. Meanwhile, if you are comfortable and confident about doing this job, let’s begin!
Step #1. Turn off the power source
If your water heater is gas-powered, you need to turn off the supply. Locate the shutoff valve from your gas supply to your water heater, turn it off, and then turn off your water heater. Meanwhile, if your water heater is powered by electricity, you need to turn off the main utility breaker. On the other hand, if you have a separate utility breaker to your water heater, flip it to turn off the supply. A separate breaker for devices is more convenient as you don’t need to turn off the whole electric supply in the house.
Step #2. Drain water
First, you have to drain the remaining water from the pipes. Turn off the water supply in your water to prevent water from going inside the tank (if your water heater has it) or tankless. Then, you need to drain the water stuck inside the pipes. Locate the lowest fixture with a hot water tap, and let the water flow until it runs out.
Next is, you must drain the water out of the tank. Connect a garden hose or a washing machine hose into the drain valve and let the other end go outside where you can drain or flow the water out. Open the drain valve and allow water to flow until it’s empty. Take note that you should let your water cool before you drain the water to prevent physical injury. Close the drain valve after the tank is emptied. You may also be interested to know about how to maintain and drain a water heater.
Step #3. Connect the recirculating pump
Now, you have to connect the recirculating pump. Go towards your water heater and locate the hot water discharging pipe at the top of your water heater. Use a wrench to loosen the nut, remove the connection, and install the water pump between the nipple thread and hot water discharging pipe. Connect it tightly using a wrench to prevent leakage. If your female threaded nipple has a rubber gasket, you do not need to put a Teflon tape on it. Meanwhile, if your water heater has a copper, PEX, or CPVC pipe, you will require to cut or solder them.
Step #4. Install sensory valve
Please turn on your water supply, fill your tank, open the farthest hot water faucet in your home and open it to release the pressure. Then, close the tap if water comes out. Now, we will install the sensory valve. Turn off the sink water valves under the sink, then disconnect the flex water lines. Connect the cold and hot water supply line to the top of the sensor valve and the news flex lines to the sides of the sensor valve. Attach them tightly, then plug in the sensor valve to the outlet. If your sensor supports the press button, you can attach the button to the right side of your sink for easy access. Test your recirculating pump.
It’s A Wrap!
Now that your question on how to install a recirculating pump on a water heater? in this article. Upon reading this, I hope it helped you and allows you to have knowledge on installing the pump into your water heater and under the sink. On the other hand, you prefer installing another sensory valve in other sinks, especially if you have a bigger house. You may also want to read about how to remove scale from water heater and how to reset water heater.