8 Best Recirculating Pumps for Tankless Water Heaters in 2023
Are you tired of waiting for hot water every time you turn on the tap? Are you looking for a solution to ensure that you instantly get hot water to that distant tap, or it to be readily available at all times? If so, consider investing in a recirculating pump for your Rinnai, Navien, Rheem, or other tankless water heaters.
A recirculating pump is an essential component that helps to provide hot water on demand. It works by circulating water through your plumbing system and keeping it at the desired temperature. It replaces cold water from the line with hot water, so you get hot water all time without getting exposed to chill water. This way, you no longer have to wait for hot water to reach your faucet or showerhead, as it is already there.
In this blog, we will introduce you to the 8 best recirculating pumps for tankless water heaters in 2023. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the most efficient, reliable, and affordable options on the market, so you can make an informed decision regarding upgrading your plumbing system. So, whether you’re looking for a recirculating pump for your home, office, or commercial space, you’ll find everything you need to know right here. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of recirculating pumps!
Review of 8 Best Recirculating Pumps for Tankless Water Heaters
1 Watts Premier 0955800 6GPM recirculation pump
- Max Flow: 6 Gallons per minute
- Voltage: 115 volts
- Inlet/Outlet size: 1/2 inch
- Maximum pressure: 50 psi
- Warranty: 1 year
The Watts Premier recirculating pump is a top-of-the-line choice for those looking to improve the efficiency of their tankless water heater system. With its advanced high-speed motor, the pump delivers hot water quickly and effectively to your farthest tap – making it a must-have for a big modern home.
One of the critical features of the Watts Premier is its ability to create a hot water loop efficiently. It allows hot water to circulate through your pipes, so you don’t have to wait for the water to heat up every time you turn on the tap. This results in significant improvement in comfort. Its 6GPM output capacity ensures efficient and fast hot water delivery within seconds to multiple fixtures simultaneously.
Also, the recirculating pump works with a variety of tankless water heaters. There won’t be compatibility issues if you have electric or gas-powered tankless water heaters. This versatility makes it a popular choice among homeowners and contractors alike.
The Watts Premier recirculating pump is just as impressive with energy efficiency. Driven by a high-quality motor, the pump uses less energy and thus has a low energy bill. Additionally, the pump is equipped with a timer that you can set to turn off the pump when it’s not in use, further reducing energy consumption.
2 Bokywox RS15-6SG recirculation pump
- Max Flow:5.28 gallons per minute
- Voltage: 110V/60Hz
- Power: 46W
- Inlet/Outlet: NPT 3/4 inch
At number 2 on the list is the Bokywox RS15-6SG, a highly reliable and efficient pump that is perfect for tankless water heating systems. A powerful motor can thrust out up to 5.3 GPM water output at its core.
One of the best parts about this pump is its heavy-duty construction. The stainless steel 304 pump head, aluminum motor shell, and PE impeller ensure the pump is durable and will last for years. Besides, the pump is treated with a special anti-rust treatment that offers high-temperature & corrosion resistance, and anti-fraying, ensuring that it will perform well even under challenging conditions.
Bokywox RS15-6SG is also known for being a quiet performer. It has a low 25dB noise level, making it perfect for use in homes and other residential settings. The pump’s simple design makes it easy to install, and it comes with a 1.25m (4.1FT) cable, making it easy to set up and connect to your tankless water heating system.
3 KOLERFLO Water Recirculating Pump
- Inlet/Outlet: NPT 3/4 inch (19.05 mm)
- Voltage/Frequency: 110-120V, 60Hz
- Max Pressure: 145 psi
- Max Flow: 5.28 GPM
- Pump Housing: Aluminum
Are you looking for a more energy-efficient and quiet water-recirculating pump for your water heating system? Say hello to the Kolerflo water recirculating pump! The pump operates quietly and offers excellent energy efficiency, making it a perfect choice for homes and buildings. That’s not all, though, as the powerful pump is designed to provide instant hot water in just 15 seconds. No more waiting 2-3 minutes for your shower to heat up.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg regarding the highlights of the Kolerflo Water Recirculating Pump. With its three-speed control and high flow rate, the Kolerflo pump can prevent pipes from freezing during cold winter months, especially in areas with harsh winter weather. In addition, it will also keep your floor warm by circulating hot water through pipes that run under the floor.
Made with high-quality materials such as aluminum, and stainless steel, this pump is built to last. The impeller is made of corrosion-resistant composite, and the shaft is made of 45# steel, making it durable and long-lasting. It has a carbon axial bearing that provides stability and reduces friction.
The Kolerflo pump comes with a 46 W power rating, perfect for hot water and ethanol, with a maximum ratio of 1:1. It operates at 110-120V/ 60Hz power.
Easy to install, you can connect the pump to the pipeline with a wrench, saving you the cost of hiring a plumber. This pump is also environmentally friendly, running quietly and using less energy.
4 BOKYWOX LRS12-9G
- Voltage: 110V/60Hz
- Power: 120W
- Max Head: 29.5FT
- Max Flow: 6.87GPM
- Outlet/Inlet: NPT 3/4″
The LRS12-9G is another excellent option from BOKYWOX that you can consider. It offers an array of impressive features and suits residential and industrial settings.
One highlight of this recirculating pump is its flow switch, which automatically starts and stops it based on water usage. It makes it incredibly convenient to use, as you don’t have to manually turn it on or off every time you need hot water.
Another significant aspect of this pump is its low noise levels. With an average noise level of only 25dB, the BOKYWOX LRS12-9G won’t disturb your daily life.
In terms of performance, the BOKYWOX LRS12-9G offers a max flow of 6.87GPM and a max head of 29.7FT, making it a powerful and efficient pump. It’s also built to last, with a stainless steel head, aluminum motor shell, and PP impeller treated with anti-rust and anti-corrosion treatments.
However, we found some things we weren’t much pleased with. For instance, the BOKYWOX LRS12-9G flow monitor switch could be slightly more sensitive. The pump sometimes doesn’t turn off automatically when the water flow is reduced. However, you can resolve the issues by briefly turning the pump off and on or by turning on a tap to get the flow going again.
Overall, the BOKYWOX LRS12-9G is a great choice for a recirculating water pump that offers excellent performance and convenience. With its low noise levels, automatic flow switch, and powerful performance, it’s a solid option for anyone looking for a pump that will meet their needs.
5 PROZRTED HBS24-12
- Max Flow: 6.1GPM
- Lead-free grade copper pump body and connectors
- NSF certified for drinking water
- 1/2″ NPT
- 2-year limited warranty
- Energy-saving input power: 55W
Next up in the lineup is the Prozrted HBS24-12. It is a high-speed intelligent recirculating pump that offers three modes: Smart, Energy-saving, and Manual. It is smart because it boasts smart memory that can remember the last settings when powered off and works well with a smart plug.
Prozrted can be used with tankless and tanked water heaters and save up to 10% of your water bill. It consumes 55W of energy and has a high flow rate of 6.1GPM, which should suffice large households with multiple taps that need fast, hot water simultaneously. It has a maintenance-free, digital permanent magnet brushless motor and two advanced built-in temperature sensors. Furthermore, the pump comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
The product is NSF certified for drinking water, and its lead-free copper material is treated to prevent rust.
However, the instructions could be clearer to follow, so be mindful that the mounting bracket may also be useless. Additionally, the wall plug (AC/DC inverter) may seem unnecessarily large, and there needs to be a built-in audible leak/pressure alarm. On the other hand, the pump operates quietly and quickly, the included hardware does not leak, and the three different modes and three variable speeds make it flexible enough for most users.
6 Grundfos UP15-42F High Flow recirculating pump
- Max Flow: 15.5 GPM
- Power: Phase 1, 115Volt, 85W
- Inlet/Outlet: Two 3/4 Inch
- Max Pressure: 145 PSI
Number 6 in our list is the highest flow rate pump on this list. The Grundfos 59896155 SuperBrute Recirculating Pump offers an exceptional 15.5 GPM output to furnish the needs of large households and hotels, and industrial setups. It is compatible for use in heating systems and cooling and conditioning systems.
With sturdy cast iron housing, this pump is built to last. It is powered by a single-phase, the 115-volt motor with a maximum power input of 85 watts. The pump also features two 3/4-inch bolt holes for easy installation and is maintenance-free with low energy consumption.
The Grundfos 59896155 SuperBrute Recirculating Pump is equipped with several features that make it an attractive option for those needing a reliable pump for their heating system. It also has pre-programmed usage times to help save power and be operated using an optional timer and aquastat that senses the water temperature.
One potential downside of the Grundfos 59896155 SuperBrute Recirculating Pump is that it can be noisy. Overall, if you require a reliable pump for intense simultaneous usage across multiple fixtures, the Grundfos 59896155 SuperBrute Recirculating Pump is worth considering.
7 VEVOR Three-Speed Recirculating Pump
- Input: 93W power at 110V, 60Hz
- Inlet/Outlet: NPT 3/4 inch
- Flow control: Three-speed control
- Max Flow: Upto 9.5 GPM
- Max pressure: 145 psi
The VEVOR 93W 110V Water Circulator Circulating Pump is a highly efficient and convenient solution for your electric water heater system. With its NPT 3/4 inch inlet/outlet and three-speed control, this pump can recirculate hot water at a maximum flow rate of 9.5 GPM.
The pump has a durable aluminum housing and a composite, corrosion-resistant impeller for unmatching durability and rust resistance.
One of the highlights of the VEVOR pump is its 3-speed circulating switch, which allows you to adjust the water flow according to your needs quickly. Whether you need a steady stream of hot water for your shower or a more powerful flow for your kitchen, this pump can handle everything.
Additionally, the VEVOR pump is super silent, making it an ideal choice for homes or offices where you must keep noise levels to a minimum. Its low energy consumption also makes it a more environmentally friendly option than other pumps on the market.
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient hot water circulation pump, the VEVOR 93W 110V Water Circulator Circulating Pump is worth considering. With its high-quality construction and powerful performance, you’ll enjoy hot water whenever needed without waiting or dealing with leaks.
8 Grundfos GRU-595916
- Power consumption: 25 watts
- Flow range: 9 GPM
- Max pressure: 145 PSI
- Input/output: 3/4-Inch FNPT
- TLC: Timer, Line Cord, 6-Foot
- Power: 115-120 VAC, 60 hertz
And but not least is the Grundfos again. This 9GPM recirculating pump is one of the best you can buy for your tankless water heater. It is designed to bring comfort and savings with instant hot water delivery at the lowest power consumption. The Comfort System includes a circulator pump and the revolutionary Comfort Valve, made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel, EPDM, pu, ptfe, graphite, and more, ensuring durability and longevity.
Speaking of energy efficiency design, the pump operates by sensing the water temperature, which adds to the savings. Its low energy consumption ensures you will not have to worry about a spike in your energy bills. Additionally, the pre-programmed usage times allow you to save even more power.
The circulator pump is easy to install and does not require additional wiring, making it a convenient option for those who do not want to go through the hassle of complicated installation processes. It is also maintenance-free, ensuring you will not worry about regular upkeep and maintenance.
With its quiet running design, this recirculation pump is perfect for those who do not want to be disturbed by noisy pump operation.
Understanding Recirculating Pumps
A recirculating pump is a device that helps to keep the hot water flowing through pipes in a plumbing system, reducing the time it takes for hot water to reach a fixture, such as a sink or a shower.
The pump works by continuously circulating hot water from the water heater back to the furthest fixture and then back to the water heater again. This creates a loop of hot water always available at the fixture so that when you turn on the hot water tap, the hot water arrives almost instantly without waiting to heat up.
Why do you need a recirculating pump for tankless water heaters?
Having a recirculating pump can bring several benefits:
- It saves time and water as you don’t have to wait for hot water to arrive and end up wasting cold water down the drain.
- It increases energy efficiency, as the pump helps reduce the time the water heater has to run to maintain a ready hot water supply.
- It can provide greater comfort and convenience, as hot water is always readily available.
Factors to consider when choosing a recirculating pump
- Compatibility: Check the specifications of your tankless water heater to ensure the pump you’re considering is compatible.
- Flow rate: Consider the pump’s flow rate and ensure it’s sufficient for your water heating needs.
- Power source: Recirculating pumps can be powered by electricity or your plumbing, so choose the one that best fits your setup.
- Plumbing requirements: Make sure the pump fits your plumbing setup, including the size of the pipes and the location of the pump.
- Noise level: Some pumps are louder than others, so consider the noise level if you install the pump in a living space.
- Energy efficiency: Consider the pump’s energy efficiency and ensure it meets your energy efficiency standards.
- Price: Recirculating pumps can range in price, so consider your shopping budget.
- Brand reputation: Research the brand and ensure it has a good reputation for quality and reliability.
- Warranty: Check the warranty offered by the manufacturer and make sure it meets your expectations.
Over to you!
All in all, a recirculating pump is a vital component of a tankless water heater system. It helps to ensure hot water is readily available and reduces wait time and energy costs. The eight best recirculating pumps for tankless water heaters in 2023 include models from well-known brands such as Watts Premier, Bokywox, and Grundfos, among others. Choosing according to your needs, budget, and performance requirements is essential.
When shopping for a recirculating pump, consider factors such as flow rate, head pressure, noise level, warranty, and price. With the right recirculating pump, you can enjoy the benefits of fast, consistent hot water delivery and improved energy efficiency.
