Recirculation Pump Installation for Tankless Water Heaters
Add instant hot water throughout your home with professional recirculation pump installation in Metro Vancouver. Recirculation systems eliminate wait time for hot water with tankless water heaters, providing immediate hot water at every fixture while saving thousands of gallons of water annually. Our installers specialize in both integrated and aftermarket recirculation solutions.
Key Benefits
Installation Process
System Evaluation & Planning
We evaluate your home's plumbing layout, identify the farthest fixture from your tankless heater, and determine the best recirculation approach. We assess whether a dedicated return line exists or if we'll use a crossover valve system at the farthest fixture.
Recirculation System Design
We select the appropriate recirculation pump for your tankless model (Navien, Rinnai, and others offer integrated or compatible pumps). We design the control system: timer-based, temperature-based, motion-activated, or push-button. We plan pipe routing and electrical requirements.
Crossover Valve Installation (if needed)
If your home doesn't have a dedicated hot water return line, we install a crossover valve at the farthest fixture. This allows hot water to circulate through the cold water line back to the water heater, creating a recirculation loop without new piping.
Pump & Controls Installation
We install the recirculation pump (either integrated with the tankless unit or as a separate pump near the water heater). We install controls including timers, aquastats, motion sensors, or push buttons as selected. We wire the pump to dedicated electrical circuits.
System Balancing & Testing
We balance the recirculation system to ensure even hot water distribution, test all fixtures for instant hot water delivery, verify pump operation on all control modes, and optimize cycle timing for efficiency.
Programming & Homeowner Training
We program schedules that match your household routines (morning and evening hot water demand), explain how to adjust settings, and demonstrate all control options. We show you how to balance convenience with energy efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a recirculation pump work with a tankless water heater?
A recirculation pump continuously or periodically circulates hot water through your plumbing, keeping pipes filled with hot water. When you turn on a tap, hot water is available instantly instead of waiting for cold water in the pipes to clear. The pump uses either a dedicated return line or a crossover valve system that routes water through the cold line back to the heater.
Does a recirculation pump waste energy with tankless water heaters?
When programmed correctly, recirculation pumps add minimal operating cost. Smart systems with timers, temperature sensors, or motion activation only run when needed. The pump itself uses 25-100 watts. The tankless heater fires briefly to maintain loop temperature. Total added cost is typically $5-15/month, offset by water savings and convenience. Continuous circulation is less efficient; we recommend scheduled or demand-based operation.
Can you add a recirculation pump to an existing tankless installation?
Yes, we can add recirculation to any existing tankless installation. If you have a dedicated return line, installation is straightforward. If not, we install a crossover valve at your farthest fixture to create a recirculation path. Some tankless brands (like Navien) have built-in pump capability; others require an external pump. We assess your system and recommend the best approach.
Is a recirculation pump worth it for tankless water heaters?
For larger homes or homes with long distances between the tankless heater and fixtures, absolutely. Recirculation eliminates the main complaint about tankless systems: wait time for hot water. You save water (thousands of gallons annually), enjoy instant hot water comfort, and increase the value of your tankless investment. Most homeowners consider it essential for tankless systems in homes over 2,000 square feet.