A recirculating pump is installed in the plumbing lines to create a loop that slowly and constantly circulates the water in the hot water pipes back into the water heater for reheating. When you open a faucet or turn on a shower, hot water is in those pipes, so you don't need to waste water down the drain waiting for the water to heat up.

Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with 15 years of experience in commercial, new residential plumbing, and residential service and repair. He started his own residential service and repair plumbing business. Aaron's articles about plumbing on The Spruce span four years.

You may need to identify the brand of your shower mixing valve if you’re looking to replace it, as different brands’ parts may vary. You can do this by closely inspecting your shower mixing valve for markings.

Water recirculating pumps can last five to 15 years, depending on the quality of the product and if it's properly maintained regularly.

Most models come with timers and often built-in sensors that will turn on when the water temperature drops below a set temperature. This under-the-sink hot water recirculating pump will require power under your sink to operate.

Some systems also offer motion sensors that sense the flow of water automatically, turning on and shutting off automatically. Either way, having hot water on demand is an excellent option for saving water and conserving energy.

If your taps or shower drips when the water is turned off, this could be a sign that your hot water mixing valve is not working properly. It may be a case of your mixing valve not being in the correct position, which allows water to escape.

A hot water recirculating system costs between $200 and $400, depending on the material used in the construction of the system. For example, a stainless steel system runs about $200, while a bronze or cast iron system can cost $400 or more.

Our range of TMV2 and TMV3 mixing valves is compliant with Government Health and Safety standards for use in Hospitals and the Health Care sector, as well as in schools and other locations used by children and vulnerable adults at risk of scalding. They also referred to as blending valves.

Depending on the size of your home and the length of the plumbing pipes, some fixtures may require several minutes before hot water arrives from a water heater that might be located some distance away. If you are environmentally conscious, wasting hundreds of gallons of water while you wait for hot water to be delivered isn't acceptable.

The system and the installation costs by a plumber may be pricey upfront, but it should save you money on your energy and water bills, conserving energy and water in the long run. These systems are even more beneficial in places that have water shortages, like drought-prone locations, desert climates, and areas that have more expensive water costs.

This recirculating system does not require a dedicated hot water return loop. It can be installed and used in any house. Instant hot water systems come in many different varieties. The two main pump locations are over the water heater and under the sink.

Many common questions and general advice on commercial taps and TMVs can be found by reading our blog. Of particular relevance is the questions and information on Washroom Taps.

We work closely with many of the leading commercial plumbing manufacturers to sell safe and reliable thermostatic mixing valves designed to last and keep users safe from scalding. Suppliers include Bristan, Franke, Delabie, and Inta. All values are delivered from our UK stock and available within 48 hours. Available with manufacturer warranties.

Everything was made easy for me and I was reassured at every stage. I dealt with Tom also towards the end of the project and again so helpful. The project is now complete but I would not hesitate to recommend this company. This will be our go to company for future requirements.

One study in Palo Alto, California, using a small sampling size of five homes, found that thousands of gallons of water are wasted per year just waiting for hot water to reach the faucet, equalling savings of several hundred to several thousand dollars annually.

TMVs are recommended for installation with all taps and showers in all commercial washroom environments, including hotels, restaurants and other public washroom areas, as they prevent injuries such as scalding. Our Thermostatic Mixing Valves are available to suit 15mm, 22mm and 28mm pipework connections with additional options of integral isolators with many of our mixing valves.

We are a facilities maintenance company and used Commercial Washrooms for the first time on a commercial project. Gavin was the most helpful person I have dealt with for a long time.

TMV stands for Thermostatic Mixing Valve. They mix hot and cold water to safely add warm water to taps and showers, ensuring users are never scalded. This is particularly important in areas with more vulnerable users, such as children, the elderly, and the disabled. Our competitive range of Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) can be ordered online for fast direct delivery.

Cooled water does not get wasted by going down the drain as you wait for hot water to arrive; it is kept in the loop and sent back to the water heater for heating. When the water comes through the hot water pipe, reaching the desired temperature, the pump shuts off, and the hot water runs out of the faucet rather than looping back through the cold water pipes.

Piston - When the thermostatic element increases in size due to the temperature, the piston will move across entry portals of the hot and cold water flows, which will lessen the flow of the hot water and allow for more cold water to pass through - this will ultimately ensure that the same safe temperature is maintained.

When the pump is activated, it will pump cooled water in the hot water pipes back into the cold water pipe and push it back toward the water heater, creating a temporary loop as the water heats up.

If you notice that the water running from your taps or shower is inconsistent, you may need to replace it with a newer model.

Mixing valves mix together hot and cold water so it is safe and more pleasant for those using taps or showers; thermostatic mixing valves sense the water temperature before it flows from taps or shower heads.

If you are tired of waiting for hot water or don't like the idea of wasting water, consider installing a hot water recirculating system.

This type of recirculating system is similar to the instant recirculating system, but rather than running constantly or at preset timed intervals; it requires the user to activate the pump when hot water is needed. It can be a traditional style with the pump at the water heater with a dedicated return line, or it can be an under-the-sink pump that is installed in the farthest sink and provides hot water throughout the house.

This is a very efficient system because when the hot water is sensed at the pump, it automatically shuts off and stops pushing the water from the hot line into the cold side. Pressing a button may give the impression that you still have to wait for hot water, but it can be activated by a wireless remote or with buttons in multiple locations throughout the house, making it very convenient.

If you have a dedicated return line, then this is a great system to use. You can even get pumps that have timers built in, so the pump only runs during the hours you need it, offering you savings on energy costs.

If only cold water comes out of your shower or taps, this indicates an issue with either your mixing valve or water heater.

A mixing valve will help you get the desired water temperature as it mixes a hot and cold water supply before it runs out of your taps or shower head. Although it isn’t necessary to have a mixing valve, it is safer to have one in your plumbing system as it reduces the risk of scalding - this is particularly important for those who are more vulnerable, such as children, the disabled and the elderly, and in commercial settings where employee liability can be an issue.

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

This loop can run constantly or be used with a timer that may be built into the unit. With the timer, set the pump to run during the times you need quick hot water. Connecting the recirculating system check valve to the system under the sink furthest away allows the system to provide quick hot water throughout the line because the hot water is circulating throughout the house.

Get a credit account – an exclusive Commercial Washrooms Credit Account opens the door to a suite of bespoke benefits tailored for your business needs.

A minor drawback with this type of system is that the loop pushes water into the cold side; most distant fixtures will initially have warm water in the cold water pipes when you first run it.

For this configuration, the pump is located above the water heater, and a check valve is located under the sink, furthest away from the hot water heater. The pump pressurizes the hot side of the system and, through the bypass valve under the sink, pushes the hot water into the cold water system, creating a hot loop.

If you would like any advice on purchasing Thermostatic Mixing Valves, please contact the Commercial Washrooms team who will be happy to help with any questions you have.

Excellent efficient service for the Commercial Bathrooms, good cost on the parts I needed, efficient dispatch to Northern Ireland. Great customer service from Ralph

There are many options for hot water recirculating systems; this guide can help you understand the different types and if this system is right for you.

We have recently placed 3 orders from Commercial Washrooms and the service has been amazing, really easy to deal with, fast delivery and good products!

In a traditional hot water recirculating system, there is a dedicated return line for the hot water pipes, which runs from the furthest bathroom or fixture back to the water heater. Near the water heater area, a recirculating pump pulls the water from the furthest fixture back into the water heater, creating a loop. This loop keeps hot water going throughout the house, so when a fixture is used, hot water is right there.

Water and Energy Savings Using Demand Hot Water Recirculating Systems in Residential Homes: A Case Study of Five Homes in Palo Alto, California. U.S. Department of Energy.

This style is installed underneath the sink, furthest away from the water heater, and it pushes the hot water into the cold line so you will have hot water for all your fixtures, as needed.

Hot water recirculating pumps save water, save money, and conserve energy. They are particularly helpful in places where water is in short supply.

If you experience any of these issues, it may be a good idea to ask a plumber to offer their advice, and you may need to purchase a newer mixing valve to replace your current one. Your mixing valves must work properly as they regulate the temperature of the water flow - which is particularly important for those who are vulnerable, such as children, the disabled and the elderly.

How easy it will be to change a thermostatic mixing valve will depend on your type of thermostatic mixer valve. For example, if you have a concealed shower mixing valve, you may need a professional, as part of the wall must be removed to access this. Here’s how to replace a thermostatic mixing valve for a shower:

Return spring - this works the opposite way to pistons as it will limit the amount of cold water entering the tap or shower head. It moves the piston back across the entry portals for hot and cold water flows when the thermostatic element contracts due to low temperatures. This helps prevent users from becoming too cold when using showers or taps.

There are a few things to look out for if you suspect that your mixing valve is bad and not working properly. Look out or:

A hot water recirculating system is a way to bring hot water directly to the faucet when needed, and if it goes unused, it gets returned to the hot water heater.

An instant hot water recirculating system usually comes with everything you need to install it. You will need power near the water heater to plug in the pump. These systems are recommended for all types of pipes and are virtually maintenance-free.

Thermostatic element - this part of the system is attached to a piston and is located in the valve, which is sensitive to the temperature of water flowing through it. As the water flows, the thermostatic element will either increase or decrease in size.

When you Register for a Credit account, we will run a Credit Check using a third-party Credit Check Agency. Your Terms with Commercial Washrooms will be determined by the results of the Credit Check.