Why does hot water take so long to arrive?
When a hot tap has been off for a while, the water sitting in the pipe between the heater and the tap goes cold. All of it has to run out before hot water gets there. The farther the bathroom is from the water heater, the longer the wait. In a large or two-story house it can be a minute or more, several times a day.
What does a recirculation pump do?
It moves a little hot water through the lines so the pipe stays warm. Open the tap and hot water is there in seconds. You stop wasting the water you used to run off while you waited.
What kinds are there?
- With a dedicated return line. Some homes were built with a third pipe that loops hot water back to the heater. The pump goes on that loop. This works best.
- Without a return line. A pump at the water heater and a small valve under the farthest sink use the cold line as the return. No new pipe has to be run, which suits most existing homes.
- On demand. The pump runs only when you ask it to, by a button or a sensor.
Pumps can also run on a timer or a temperature sensor so they are not working all night.
Will it work with my water heater?
It works with tank water heaters. With tankless, it depends on the unit: some have a recirculation pump built in, and others need a model made for it. We look at your water heater and your pipe layout and tell you which setup fits.
How is it installed?
We fit the pump at the water heater, add the valve or connect the return line, set the timer or sensor, and check that hot water reaches the far fixtures quickly. Most installs are done in one visit. The pump needs a power outlet near the heater; if there is none, we tell you up front.
Do you repair existing recirculation pumps?
Yes. A pump that is noisy, has stopped, or leaves you waiting again usually has a failed motor, a bad check valve, a stuck sensor valve or air in the line.
Who is Friendly Services?
A family-owned plumbing company with over 20 years in Hayward. License CSLB #1156315 (C-36 plumbing), $1M general liability cover and workers' comp. Our own work has a five-year workmanship warranty, and we have 100+ five-star reviews online.