Instant Hot Water Recirculation Systems
Facts You Should Know

  • The Laing SM-303 model low flow/low energy circulator is the most ideally suited unit for conventional instant hot water recirculation systems for the following reasons:

  • Require only less expensive 1/2" return lines rather than 3/4' lines.

  • Even with 1/2" copper lines, flow velocities are kept well below the Copper Institute's recommended 5 ft./second velocity limit due to the SM-303's low flow output - insuring long, trouble-free copper piping life.

  • Whisper quiet operation - basically inaudible during operation.

  • Low flows combined with low energy pump motor (only 33 watts) insure maximum system operating savings as indicated in the attached.

  • Using larger recirculation pump (65 watts or larger) results in a noisier operating system, having to use more expensive 3/4" recirculation lines or experiencing significantly reduced copper pipe life due to increased flows and velocities if 1/2" pipe is used, and seeing a significant reduction in annual system savings.

  • The Laing ACT-303 undersink instant hot water pump system also offers instant hot water at all faucets availability without the need for the installation of a recirculation line - truly a real benefit for existing homes where a conventional system requiring recirculation lines would be impossible or unduly expensive to install.

  • Other considerations relative to installation of instant hot water delivery systems:

  • Water (and sewer) disposal savings can vary from home to home from 8,000 to as much as 20,000 gallons per year depending mainly on length of distance between the water heater to the farthest faucet and number of occupants in the home.

  • Use of low flow shower heads and faucets required by a number of areas simply increases the wait for hot water to arrive at a particular faucet, therefore, further justifying the need for an instant hot water delivery system.

  • For washing machines and dishwashers, hot water is available instantly when required rather than when the hot water finally arrives from the water heater, thereby improving the operating efficiency and effectiveness of these appliances.

  • Once a non-insulated hot water line is fitted with say 1300F it usually takes only 30 to 45 minutes for the water in this line to cool down to 800F or below when the system is dormant - thereby, again requiring the usual wait for hot water to arrive from the water heater to a particular faucet if no recirculation system is installed.

  • Although the installation of a Laing instant hot water recirculation system provides specific economic benefits such as water savings, sewer savings, and water heater operating cost savings, over 80% of present users say their main motivation for installing such a system was the convenience and time savings associated with having hot water instantly available at the faucet. The operating cost savings is simply a plus.

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