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What Is a Recirculating Pump, and How Does It Work?

As an apartment building owner in New York City, you are probably no stranger to hot water complaints. Ensuring enough hot water to go around is challenging, especially in older properties. To improve hot water flow and continuity throughout the complex, you can install recirculating pumps.

What is a recirculating pump? This device can ensure consistent hot water while reducing cold water waste. The pump also provides several advantages for your plumbing system and operating costs. Discover the genius of a recirculating pump’s design and its benefits for your property.

What Is a Recirculating Pump, and How Do You Choose One?

Understanding the Device

Recirculating pumps are relatively simple machines. The pumps use an impeller — a propeller-like component — that spins to create centrifugal force, drawing water into the pump and propelling it outward through a closed-loop system. The device also includes a motor that powers the impeller and housing that directs the flow.

You can imagine the pump and its piping loop as an isolated river system; however, instead of gravitational force and elevation moving the water, the manufactured force from the impeller and motor sustains the flow. The pump propels the water in a single direction, ensuring it never stagnates and reaches its destination.

Despite the simplicity of the design, the recirculating pump requires regular maintenance. Antler Pumps suggests an annual pump inspection, which includes a visual assessment of the pump, its parts, and connections. The visit typically includes lubrication, realignment, and a motor and bearing performance review.

Choosing the Right Pump

Recirculating pumps are not all equal; they serve different applications, such as hot water, hydronic heating, and other industrial applications. When selecting a pump for your property, determine your specific need. You also must calculate the proper flow rate and head requirements so the pump matches capacity needs without exceeding system limits.

Building owners should also assess a recirculating pump’s control features, energy efficiency, and noise level. Many pumps include demand sensors, timers, and thermostats for optimal control and efficiency. Some pumps may reduce energy consumption with variable speed drives or positive displacement mechanisms.

Depending on the size of the property and the location of the pump, the noise output of the pump may affect the comfort and ambiance of the property. Manufacturers offer quiet pumps that incorporate smooth bearings, lightweight pistons, and improved seals that reduce friction and internal knocking or grinding. Pulse-dampening chambers can absorb pressure pulsations and hydraulic noise.

Are There Different Types of Recirculating Pumps?

Hot Water Recirculating Pumps

Antler Pumps can install a hot water recirculating pump on your water heater. The pump ensures direct and continuous access to hot water through faucets and showerheads. A recirculating pump system can promise constant supply because it does not permit the water to sit and cool down in the pipes; instead, it circulates through the system, from the heater through the pipes and back to the heater in a perpetual cycle for as long as the line is open.

Hydronic Heating System Pumps

A hydronic or radiant heating system typically uses hot water to heat a space. A boiler heats the water and pumps push it through pipes throughout the building. The systems benefit from low installation, maintenance, and operating costs. Recirculating pumps make the system more efficient by reducing water waste and limiting heating times.

A recirculating pump can reduce the need for added fill water, which is usually colder than the existing boiler water. Since the pump propels water through a loop, the boiler does not need to replenish as much water and can maintain warmer temperatures, reducing reheating needs.

Industrial Recirculating Pumps

Industrial or commercial recirculating pumps are heavy-duty devices for sophisticated applications and high flow rates. The pumps can handle hot and cold water systems and are helpful for the management and movement of corrosive and abrasive liquids, depending on the setup and device specifications.

Typically, a multi-unit property doesn’t need the power or output associated with industrial pumps. That said, some high-rise buildings with higher-than-usual flow rates may require a robust pump. Before you install or purchase a pump for your property, call Antler Pumps to schedule an assessment to determine building needs.

What Are the Advantages of a Recirculating Pump?

Energy Savings

Did you know that a water-recirculating pump can save up to 1,000 gallons of water per person annually? These pumps reduce the need to leave a tap open while waiting for the water to heat or cycle through, meaning less cool water gets wasted. Also, because unused hot water circulates back to the tank, the pump helps reduce energy consumption.

Water Efficiency

Recirculating pumps also reduce wear and tear on your system because water moves through a continuous loop without stagnating. Water that sits in plumbing lines can lead to sediment buildup, which can shorten the lifespan of pipes and cause corrosion and blockages.

Convenience

Finally, the devices provide convenience for tenants and reduce complaints associated with hot water supplies. Tenants receive hot water on demand without having to stand in cold showers or wait by open faucets. They experience lower utility bills if they pay for heat and hot water and experience improved comfort.

What Is a Recirculating Pump, and How Can You Get One in Your Building?

Call Antler Pumps for Installations and Maintenance

A recirculating pump is a relatively simple device, but it has a significant effect on your property and its tenants. Hot water access is a common complaint in many NYC apartment complexes. By installing a recirculating pump and loop system, you can reduce the occurrence of such complaints and improve building operations. 

Call Antler Pumps at 212-534-2500 to learn more about what is a recirculating pump and other pumps that may benefit your property. Also, ask about our annual service contracts, which ensure you never miss routine maintenance or yearly inspections on your equipment. The agreements also provide preferential scheduling in emergency situations.