What Is a Hot Water Recirculating Pump & Why You Might Want One in Your Home

5/6/2025

If you’ve ever stood at the sink or in the shower waiting for hot water, you know how frustrating it can be. Not only is it annoying, but all that waiting wastes water too. A hot water recirculating pump can solve that problem.

What Is a Hot Water Recirculating Pump?

A hot water recirculating pump keeps hot water moving through your pipes so it’s available right away when you turn on the tap. Instead of having to wait for cold water to flush out of the pipes, the pump makes sure hot water is already close to the faucet or shower.

There are two main types of systems:

Full recirculating systems with a dedicated return line. These use a separate pipe to send unused hot water back to the water heater.
Systems without a dedicated return line. These use your existing cold water line to cycle water back, which makes them a good option for existing homes.

How Much Water Gets Wasted Waiting for Hot Water?

This isn’t just about convenience. It’s also about conservation. According to the U.S. Department of Energy and other studies:

The average household wastes 1 to 5 gallons of water each time they wait for hot water at a sink or shower.
Most homes do this 20 or more times per day, depending on the number of people and water usage habits.
That adds up to over 10,000 to 15,000 gallons of water wasted per year for just one household.
Across the country, this results in more than 300 billion gallons of water wasted every year.

Installing a hot water recirculating pump can drastically reduce this waste and help conserve one of our most precious resources.

Benefits of a Hot Water Recirculating Pump

Faster Hot Water: The biggest benefit is that you get hot water much faster. In many homes, it can take 30 seconds or more for hot water to reach the tap. With a recirculating pump, it’s nearly instant — often under 10 seconds depending on the system and home layout.
Water Savings: As the stats above show, you can save thousands of gallons of water each year by not letting cold water go down the drain while waiting. That translates into lower water bills too.
Possible Energy Savings: Some systems use timers, motion sensors, or on-demand controlsactivation so they only run when needed. That helps reduce energy use and may lower your utility billsThis smart usage can help reduce energy waste and lower utility costs. In homes with long plumbing runs, this can make a noticeable difference over time.
More Comfort: No more cold water surprises in the shower or waiting before washing your hands. It’s a simple way to make your home more comfortable and convenient every day.
Less Wear on Pipes and Fixtures: Since the water keeps moving, there’s less chance for sediment buildup. That can help your plumbing system last longer and reduce maintenance costs.
Long Lifespan and Reliable Performance: A well-installed hot water recirculating pump can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance. Many newer models are built for durability and feature smart controls for optimized performance.
Cost Savings Over Time: While the upfront cost of a recirculating pump system varies by type, the water and energy savings over the years often offset the initial investment. Plus, some utility companies offer rebates for installing water-saving devices.

Is It Right for Your Home?

You might want a recirculating pump if:

You often wait more than 20 seconds for hot water
You want to reduce water waste
You care about comfort and convenience

Many homeowners find the investment pays off over time with savings and daily comfort.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re curious about installing a hot water recirculating pump, your Home Plumbing Heroes are happy to help. Contact us today to talk with a plumbing expert and find out which system would work best for your home.

515-657-6634 Schedule Online

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