Grundfos comfort ststem

porsche tech · 01-18-2021, 07:59 AM

The plumber is coming Wednesday to give us an estimate for one of these systems. We have a small (just under 2000sf) home with water going to a master bath, guest room bath, kitchen and laundry room. The hot water heater is in the attic just over the master bath, so hot water there is no problem. The guest bath and kitchen are on the other side of the house and take forever to get hot water. The water heater is plenty big enough, it just takes too long to get to those two locations. Two questions: anyone who has this...does it work and are you happy with it? In what ballpark should I expect the estimate to be? Thanks for any input.--Dave

gregpark · 01-18-2021, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porsche tech

The hot water heater is in the attic Dave

Not sure about the Grundfos but why do you have a hot water heater in the first place? Hot water doesn't need to be heated! :^)

porsche tech · 01-18-2021, 08:44 AM

HaHa.

hcoles · 01-18-2021, 09:26 AM

I had the issue of waiting too long to get hot water. I installed the Grundfos system for recirculation without a return line. This looks like the newer version of the pump. The version I have has the timer as part of the pump. In any case it works great for me and I didn't have to install additional return lines.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Grundfos-UP15-10SU7P-LC-3-4-in-NPT-115-Volt-Comfort-Hot-Water-Recirculation-Pump-99452459/308844533

hcoles · 01-18-2021, 09:27 AM

BTW - super easy to install assuming you have a 120V outlet nearby.

hcoles · 01-18-2021, 09:36 AM

Here is what my setup looks like. I guess I have a Watts pump and valves.
Of course you have to install the special temp. actuated valves at one or more places in the house.

hcoles · 01-18-2021, 09:38 AM

Here is the link for the Watts system.
I ordered a couple of extra valves to have on hand.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Watts-Hot-Water-Recirculating-System-with-Built-In-Timer-0955800/100426993?NCNI-5

gwmac · 01-18-2021, 09:58 AM

I installed the Watts about 6months ago and have been pleased with it.

stevej37 · 01-18-2021, 10:10 AM

The timer and controller look easy enought to install.
The product description doesn't say much about the sensor install.
I have next to no room for that part..wouldn't be a fun install for me.
Otherwise...I would try it.

hcoles · 01-18-2021, 10:39 AM

The "sensor" typically goes under a sink. Doesn't take too much room.

stevej37 · 01-18-2021, 10:42 AM

My 'furthest away' is a shower....no access room for that much plumbing work.
I wish there was more room..it looks like a good outfit.

hcoles · 01-18-2021, 11:10 AM

Usually there is a sink near a shower. The thermal valve doesn't need to be right at the shower. E.g if the closest is a sink 10 feet from the shower then the cold water in the hot water supply will only need to be purged 10 feet instead of e.g. 80' to the water heater. E.g. you will get hot water in 7 seconds instead of 30-45 seconds. If the shower is way out on its own then maybe this easy solution won't work well for you if the shower is the important issue to resolve.

stevej37 · 11:42 AM

^^^ I agree with you...There is a sink nearby. I just hate taking plumbing apart and trying to install a new part while laying on my back under a sink!
If I was better at plumbing..I prob wouldn't mind it so much.

My experience is..try to fix one problem...always leads to two.

I'm kinda surprised that they can't accomplish the same results by using a tape/stick-on temp sensor...instead of having to break into the water line.

hcoles · 01-18-2021, 02:41 PM

You can have a plumber install for you, that's fine. I don't like working under a sink either but I like it better than paying a plumber. At some point I guess the reverse will be true.

porsche tech · 01-18-2021, 05:35 PM

Hcoles, thanks for the input. Hopefully they won't have to install return lines.

porsche tech · 02-16-2021, 01:58 PM

Finally got it installed today. We had an electrician come to install a socket near the water heater (and he did a couple of other small jobs for us). Then today the plumber came to install the Grundfos pieces. Total cost was about $550. It works great! If you have to let the water run for a long time to get hot water, I totally recommend this solution.

Pump on the water heater has a timer that can be set:

Return valve under the kitchen sink (farthest point from water heater):

look 171 · 02-16-2021, 02:10 PM

I don't about Hilton Head, but that exposed Romex under the sink, (white wires) are not to code out here. Grundfos are good pumps. Industry standard if you ask me. We only use their pumps due to durability. Glad it worked out for ya.

hcoles · 02-16-2021, 02:55 PM

Nice install. Yes, that's what I have. Works great.

john70t · 02-16-2021, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by look 171

I don't about Hilton Head, but that exposed Romex under the sink, (white wires) are not to code out here.

Yup. Jam something big and sharp under there, and next thing you know there is a live arc.

The wall hole was also an issue with my local housing inspector as a fire/smoke path.
Had to get rockwool or metal mesh and caulk with the red fire-rated 3M tube to seal it up.