hot water return loop

thebackbar

Hello,

My plumber has recommended to install a hot water return loop, so that there will be hot water available instantly from the hot water taps.

Just wondering do many people do this ? is it worth it ?

thanks

Effects

I was told years ago that it costs a good bit to run. I did the electrics end of it in a big georgian house/office. I'm sure these days the pipes are better insulated.

MicktheMan

thebackbar wrote: »

1.Just wondering do many people do this ?
2.is it worth it ?

1. Don't know
2. No

antiskeptic

thebackbar wrote: »

Hello,

My plumber has recommended to install a hot water return loop, so that there will be hot water available instantly from the hot water taps.

Just wondering do many people do this ? is it worth it ?

thanks

The only advantage is getting instant hot water at your tap first use of the day / first use after a long period of non-use. For that convenience you've a pump to run continuously and the expense of a return loop to run to your tank. You'll experience more heat loss (insulation notwithstanding)

I've got it in work where there a long pipe runs so first use would mean a long wait. But wouldn't bother at home.

K.Flyer

It would have to be a long dead leg to warrant the installation of a DHW circulation loop.
If its not set up well it can be expensive to run and is not warranted in any standard sized house with a conventional plumbing installation.
The main advantage is the relatively instant hot water at showers and taps, meaning less wasted water. But that is countered by the heat loss and electricity to run the pump.
If you do want to go for it, I would suggest that the circulation pump is on a seperate timer with a boost button to coincide with the higher demand times on the hot water and to allow tweaking of the system.
If it is something that is for you, just make sure the installer knows exactly how it should be done.

Effects

Yeah, When I had set it up it was with a timer to come on for the main working hours in the office.

Dardania

A way of controlling it would be on a presence sensor in the rooms where it will be used (e.g. the bathroom)

Typically one has a half minute + delay after walking into the room before needing the hot water.

In commercial settings, I always saw it put on the return leg rather than supply leg, so that if the pump failed for whatever reason, you could still get hot water, with a long dead leg. Just be careful with the pump sucking all the water you need for your outlet / pump running dry. Maybe some built in dry run protection? Or use a small pump?

JimmyMW

How about a gravity hot water recirculating loop? Has anyone any experiance with these? System outlined in the link below
http://www.askthebuilder.com/gravity-hot-water-recirculating-loops/

Dardania

sounds like an interesting one.
Would wonder about pressures: e.g. are you precluded fro going beyond the head pressure of the cold water make-up tank?
Or doe sit presume an unvented cylinder

K.Flyer

JimmyMW wrote: »

How about a gravity hot water recirculating loop? Has anyone any experiance with these? System outlined in the link below
http://www.askthebuilder.com/gravity-hot-water-recirculating-loops/

This is more or less how a back boiler works to a direct cylinder with no circulation pump.
Pipe sizing, distances, and gradients are very important, but it is possible to achieve what is outlined in that link.

JimmyMW

K.Flyer wrote: »

This is more or less how a back boiler works to a direct cylinder with no circulation pump.
Pipe sizing, distances, and gradients are very important, but it is possible to achieve what is outlined in that link.

Yes those items seem to be key to the system functionality, I must try to source someone who will design this system correctly. I would appreciate any PM's of recommendations, thanks.

Calahonda52

Agree with the general thought here, the version I did had air-switch in the ensuites from an old booster pump so it just circulated the water long enough for it to come around