Hot Water Circulation Pumps: What Are They and Which Benefits They Bring to Homeowners
Hydraulic equipment is one of the most widespread around the world. Circulation pumps are pieces of water supply equipment which are commonly used in homes and industrial construction to provide constant water circulation in a closed circuit. If considered in general, such pumps can be used for liquid, gas, or slurry circulation. But most commonly a hot water pump is the most popular type of equipment applied in households, condos, and office buildings to provide forced circulation of water from heating elements through the piping to provide a constant supply of heated liquid in plumbing and heating systems.
What Are Hot Water Pumps Used For
The main idea of a hot circulation pump is to move water masses in a closed circuit so as not to let them cool and thus, make the whole system operate in a non-stop mode. For this, the principle of centrifugal force is used in hot water circulation pumps. There are three main types of hot water circulators typically used in households today:
- Basic circulation pump provides continuous water circulation in pipes even if you do not need to get hot water to the tap right now. In this way, a basic hot water system circulating pump makes heated water run through the pipes and if not used, return to the heater again. This helps to mitigate water cooling processes during downtime.
- On-demand water circulation pumps start work simply when the user turns the tap on in the bathroom or a sink. This type of pump is considered to be energy-saving but it requires time to maintain the required temperature if heated water is required. Thus, it is more profitable to use it in a cold water circulation system.
- Programmed circulation pumps are the most technologically advanced type of equipment which besides their basic construction elements also are equipped with sensors and programming modules where certain temperature and time indicators can be applied to automate the operation process of a pump. Programmed hot water circulation pump price is the highest among all the types of water circulation pumps.
The Main Scope of Application: Where Is Hot Water Circulation Pump Used
The whole idea of the use of circulation pumps is to provide a streamlined operation within a closed circuit or water supply system. Basically, this type of hydraulic equipment in terms of home application is used for:
- Heaters, heating and cooling systems installed in homes and apartments. When you have an autonomous heating system, you need to maintain liquid circulation in piping and the hot water pump system can cope with the task flawlessly. It helps to save costs on energy because heated water circulates continuously and fewer energy losses are provided.
- Water heaters and plumbing are also operating with the help of circulation pumps. The main idea of this application is to provide instant access to heated water when it is needed and prevent water cooling while the system is idle. The same refers to cold water circulation as in plumbing, pumps prevent water from congestion to keep it fresh.
- Floor heating systems also use circulation pumps to provide constant operation of underfloor heating elements which are based on the water heating principle.
- Heater towel rails also can work with the help of a water circulation pump with hot water and anti-corrosion liquid circulating through the rail. Yet, as usual, towel rails are not equipped with a separate pump but can be connected to the overall heating system.
Besides its application in households, a circulating pump for a hot water heating system can also be used for numerous industrial goals. Of course, industrial pumps which maintain the circulation of hot water in a heating system are more powerful than home installations.
Looking at the Construction: What Do Hot Circulation Pumps Typically Consist Of
The construction of a standard hot and cold water circulation pump includes the following elements:
- An electric motor which can be of a dry or wet type.
- An impeller which produced centrifugal force while rotating.
- An inlet and outlet.
That’s what a circulating pump for the water heater looks like. Additionally, it may have temperature sensors, timers, and automation modules. Besides, to provide effective operation without second water losses, it is recommended to provide insulation for the pump and piping.
Talking About Reliability in Terms of Hot Water Circulation Pump Systems
The reliability of a hot water circulation system majorly depends on the reliability of the circulation pump installed in it. Thus, you have to comply with the following recommendations to get the highest efficiency and trouble-free operation of your circulation pump.
- Evaluate brands and select the most reliable manufacturers in the market.
- Decide on the type of the pump which may suit the most your household. This can be done with the help of an experienced technician or plumber.
- Decide on the power of a pump you need. There you have to choose between a mini pump which suits small plumbing systems or towel rail heaters, submersible and console pumps.
- Provide a proper installation. This is also a job for a professional because there are numerous requirements for mounting the pump for a hot water circulation pump system.
- Stay aware of the side effects of circulation pump use. These are higher pressure in piping and possible affection of pipes which are sensitive to water conditions. It is better to consult on the possibility of installation of circulation pumps with a plumber if you have copper pipes, for example.
Some Tips for Hot Water Circulation Pump Installation
Although it is better to apply for professional engineering services and technicians’ help to install circulation pumps in your home tip-top, we can also share some tips to help you cope with it and control the process.
- Heat insulation should be used only on the body of the pump.
- The device can be installed both on the supply line of the pipeline and on the reverse.
- It is necessary to maintain the direction of the water inlet and outlet.
- Do not forget to install a dirt filter in the inlet area.
- A drainage tap installation on the outlet area is recommended.
- Grounding is a must for an electric motor circulation pump.
As you can see, circulation pumps for cold and hot water are effective and cost-saving parts of heating, water supply and cooling systems in households. Their working principle and diversity of models and types allow for the use of these pumps in homes and industrial constructions. With the help of circulation pumps, you can considerably increase the levels of comfort in the house by adding the opportunity to get instant access to hot water and providing instant heating.
