There are two basic types of HWR systems installed today into homes. The dedicated re-circulating line, which requires an additional line for the hot water to return to the water heater, is most common in new home construction. The other is a retrofit solution, which uses a pump at your water heater along with the patented under sink valve beneath the sink furthest away from the pump. Each system is becoming more popular due to the population’s increasing interest in saving water and adding convenience to their lives.
New Home Construction
This system requires a dedicated return-line to be installed from the end of the hot water supply line back to the water heater. A circulator pump is used to circulate water through the main hot water line and the return-line back to the water heater to keep hot water in the main line. A timer, aquastat, or both may be used to control the operation of the pump. The Grundfos UP 10-16’s, as well as the UP Bronze and Stainless model circulators are common in this application.
Retrofit Solution
The Grundfos Comfort System is a pump and valve combination that delivers you hot water in an instant to any faucet or bath in your home. The Comfort System uses a pump at your water heater along with the patented under sink valve beneath the sink furthest away from the pump. This patented combination creates a pressure differential that allows the cold and cool water in the hot water supply line to “by-pass” (at low volume) into the cold supply line through a thermostatically controlled valve that is mounted under the sink furthest from the water heater.
This combination works together to keep the water in your hot water line at temperature to provide “no-wait” hot water throughout your home. The timer on the pump makes it more efficient during downtime, like nights or mid-day. It’s quiet, maintenance-free, and keeps your water at a comfortable temperature. <-- Back | Next -->