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Question:

Hot water recirculation pumps?

We usually wait 4 - 5 minutes for hot water in our master bath. I've been looking into ricirculation pump systems. This would have to be a retro-fit system since some of the lines run through concrete slab making adding a return loop on the line non-feasible. I have found some people comment on simply using a by-pass valve system without a pump (ie. Hot Water Lobster). We do have hard water which I've also read that can present a problem with pumps dieing quite quickly. While I'd like it, I don't need 1 second hot water, but I can't stand wasting gallons waiting for 4-5 minutes. A reasonable 15-30 second wait would be a huge improvement. Has anyone had reasonable success with the bypass valve without the pump or should I plan on getting the pump too? Thanks in advance!

Answer:

A by-pass without a pump is going to do nothing. The pump moves the water from the heater to your sink. They do have the under counter heaters, but you need to have them plumbed for gas or have electrical run to them.
get a under the counter water heater. it will fit under your vanity if you have one and give you several gallons of hot water until the other water line brings in hot water.
If the water isn't moving, it is not going to change the situation. This is what you would have with a by-pass valve. You need the return loop. Is it possible to run it through the attic? Some companies are making a switch that is pushed when hot water is needed so the pump is not running continuously.
Without a basement, you're only moving water from the first to second floor? I'm guessing it's a large home and the baths are somewhat remote from the water heater. You should consider the pump, but perhaps a second water heater. Do you have a closet you could put a small electric unit in? I don't think that a 4-5 gallon under counter unit will do it. Good luck.
Get the pump, the valve is useless without it. Why anybody would advise you to put a tankless heater under the sink to remedy one faucet when the recirc system will do it for all your fixtures is beyond me.You will not need a return line with the rscirc system. They work good!

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