Hot Water Recirculation

Soft Water Plus offers sales, service and professional installation of hot water recirculation system in Phoenix metro area. This water saving device can save the average family of 4 up to 16,000 gallons of water yearly, plus it gives you the convenience of having hot water available when you want it within several seconds.

If you want hot water now, then we have the system for you!

• No return line necessary
• Easy installation
• True retrofit design

This unique system uses a patented comfort valve and pump to provide instant availability of hot water throughout your home. A comfort valve is installed at the furthest fixture from the hot water tank, in some cases, especially larger homes, several comfort valves may need to be installed for proper operation. With a built in timer, the pump allows hot water to circulate along the loop thru the comfort valve using the cold water side as a return line. As temperature rises to 100 degrees, the valve closes directing hot water to the tap, resulting in a constant availability of hot water. With the 24 hour timer you can have hot water when you want it. The system can simply be turned on or off similar to a lamp timer. When turned on, the system uses less energy than a 25 watt light bulb.

Convenience Plus Big Savings

Get hot water when you want it, plus save up to 16,000 gallons of water per year. (based on average household usage). Multiply that by a mere 1000 households and the savings could be as much as one million, six hundred thousand gallons of water. An incredible way to help our environment while adding value and convenience to your home!

The Basic Concept

Every homeowner gets frustrated waiting for hot water — but how many stop to think what happens to the 2-3 gallons of water that runs down the drain during the wait?

Those gallons of water are wasted, and in an average household that takes four showers per day, that can add up to thousands of gallons per year. Multiplied over a subdivision of 300 homes, a community can have millions of gallons of water go down the drain and into the wastewater system every single year (click here to see state-by-state water consumption and costs).

In a region where water conservation issues are rising in importance with a rapidly expanding population, and a record economic expansion that has consumers looking for comfort, Hot Water Recirculation (HWR) pumps — such as those manufactured by Grundfos Pumps Corporation — are a good solution to this problem.

In typical plumbing, water is pumped from the water heater through the pipes to the tap. Once the tap is shut off, the water remaining in the pipes cools — hence the familiar wait for hot water the next time the tap is opened.

Grundfos HWR pumps offer a solution to the problem by attaching to the water heater through the hot water pipe. By constantly circulating hot water through the pipes from the heater to the furthest fixture, the water in the pipes is always hot, and no water is wasted during the wait. In an average new home, HWR systems typically cost less than $1,000, including parts and installation.

FAQs

What is hot water recirculation?
Hot water recirculation is the process of constantly recirculating water in a continuous hot water pipe loop through the water heater so there will be no wait for the water to warm up.

How does the water remain hot in the pipe?
The pump attaches to the water heater and constantly circulate water through the heater into the “hot” pipe loop in the house, so the water in these pipes is always hot.

What is the average cost to install a HWR system in new homes?
For the average home, hot water recirculation systems generally cost less than $1,000, including parts and installation.

How much does it cost to operate?
The HWR uses a 2-pole motor for low energy consumption. Energy costs will vary according to local rates. The HWR pump uses between 55 watts on small UP models and up to 85 watts per hour on larger models. The average annual cost to operate the pump will be less than $20 per year.

How does this system ensure water resources are used most efficiently?
The system conserves water by providing hot water immediately – as soon as the hot water tap is turned on – and prevents the unnecessary waste of gallons of cold water down the drain with the ultimate convenience.

How much water will the pump save?
The average household wastes 27 – 105 gallons of water per day waiting for hot water. That adds to more than 12,000 – 38,000 gallons of water saved annually per installation, depending on the size of the water pipe and the frequency of use. There is also an indirect benefit to communities where HWR is in wide use because of reduced wear and tear on municipal wastewater treatment facilities.

Can the pump be used on both gas and electric water heaters?
Yes.

Can the system be installed in any home? Yes. The HWR can be installed in any home or building, however, the installation is a bit different for new construction versus retrofit.
Are the materials used to make the supply pumps safe – and won’t contaminate the water?
The pumps are made of stainless steel for corrosion resistance – and are thus safe.

How frequently will the pump need to be changed?
The pumps have built-in motor protection for long life and the life span is estimated at 10 years.

How will the pumps be serviced?
No service is required. Should the pump fail while under warranty, it will be replaced.

Is this system approved by the building industry and where can I purchase it?
Grundfos pumps are rated or approved by several agencies worldwide. UL, CSA, cUL and CE are the most common approvals. Dealers throughout the U.S sell GRUNDFOS HWR pumps. For the dealer nearest you, call 1-877-WTR-PUMP.

As demand for hot water and efficient use of water increases, will systems like this become commonplace?
Yes. With water conservation issues increasing in importance, and significant population growth estimated over the next 20 years, water is becoming a precious resource. At some point, it is likely that these types of recirculation systems will be installed in every new home as a standard.

Can this system be used in commercial buildings as well as for housing?
Yes. This system can be used in any type of building.

Are there different models of this HWR pump available?
Yes. Depending upon the application, the basic models are UP15-10, UP15-18, UP15-42, and UP25-64. These models are available in constructions of bronze or stainless steel with optional timer and line cords.