How Much Does It Cost to Install a Water Heater Recirculating Pump?

Water heater recirculation pumps are plumbing devices designed to keep hot water moving through your pipes on a constant or on-demand basis. If your home has lengthy plumbing lines that cause a hot water holdup when you turn on a faucet or take a shower, you could probably benefit from installing a recirculation system.

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The costs involved in adding one of these systems to your home can vary, depending on the type of system you choose and the extent of the installation work required.

On average, water heater recirculation pumps cost between $200 and $750 (CAD 275 and CAD 1,033), while the cost of installation can range from $300 to $6,900 or more (CAD 413 to CAD 9,499). The exact amount depends on factors such as the pump type and specific installation requirements.

What Is a Water Heater Recirculation Pump?

Hot water recirculation pumps are small plumbing appliances that connect to your water heater to circulate water through the pipes and rewarm it when hot water is needed. The pump is installed either right at your water heater or beneath the fixtures located farthest away.

Recirculation pumps work by pushing hot water out when you turn on your kitchen, shower or bathtub faucet. When the remaining water in the pipes starts to cool, the pump sends it back to the water heater via a return pipe. The water is then reheated and pumped back through the plumbing system when you turn on a faucet again.

The water looping process helps reduce cold water waste and provides hot water within moments of turning a tap. Some dedicated loop systems reheat water continuously, while others use on-demand controls such as sensors, timers and push buttons to recirculate heated water only when needed.

The two types of water heater recirculation pump systems are dedicated loop and integrated loop or retrofit. Dedicated loop systems use a separate return pipe to carry hot water through the plumbing system. Integrated or retrofit systems use an existing cold water pipe to send cooled water back for reheating.

How Much Does a Water Heater Recirculation Pump Cost?

Water heater recirculation pump costs range between $200 and $750 (CAD 275 and CAD 1,033) for the equipment alone. The type and model of equipment you choose dictate where a pump falls within the price range.

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How Much Does It Cost to Install a Hot Water Recirculation System?

Hot water recirculation pump installation costs can vary significantly depending on the type of system and the extent of the work needed to complete the task. For example, setting up a recirculation pump with an existing plumbing line generally costs less than installing a dedicated loop system with smart controls. This type of system may require extensive plumbing work, and integrating smart technology may increase the standard installation costs.

Here are the average costs for water heater recirculation pump installation:

• Integrated/retrofitted. $500 to $1,500 (CAD 688 to CAD 2,065) for equipment and installation

• Dedicated loop systems. $2,000 to $7,000 (CAD 2,753 to CAD 9,637) for equipment and installation

If you're thinking about tackling the installation as a DIY project, many home improvement stores sell recirculation pumps and installation kits. However, the installation process involves modifying or installing plumbing lines and may require electrical upgrades.

If you're not a licensed plumber or electrician, it may be best to hire a professional contractor to complete the project. A licensed plumber can perform a detailed inspection of your plumbing system and install the pump correctly, and a professional electrician can safely complete the electrical aspects of the installation.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.