On Demand Hot Water Recirculating Pumps

Q. "How do I know which activation system to choose?"
A. The type of activation system you choose will be based on both personal preference and your installation limitations. Each system comes with one hardwire activation button (almost like a doorbell) included. The buttons can be placed anywhere you need hot water, but they must be directly wired to the pump so this type of activation can sometimes be difficult for retrofits and is generally recommended for new home construction or during an extensive remodeling. It's the same for the hardwired motion sensors as they must be connected directly to the pump.

The wireless remote control or the wireless motion sensors are often the best choice for those installing the D'MAND Kontrols® systems in existing homes. Only the receiver is hardwired to the unit and the remote control or sensors can be placed further away - in short, wherever you need them to be. Note that the motion sensors are designed to not allow activation of the unit by a subject under 4 feet high or 40 pounds of weight. This can be a good thing if you don't wish young children or pets to be able to activate the system, but could pose difficulties in other situations.

Q. "Does the pump have to be installed on the furthest fixture to work?"
A. Yes and no. The pump will activate and deliver hot water more quickly to your fixture, regardless of where it is on the line. However, it is most efficient if the unit is placed at the end of the main line - that way, all of the fixtures receive the benefit of quicker hot water without excess energy use. Additionally, be aware that some homes with unusual plumbing might require more than one system if all of the fixtures aren't plumbed on a single main line.

Q. "Can I use these pumps with threaded IPS pipe - the kits say only for copper pipe sizing?!"
A. Yes, you can use the D'MAND Kontrols® systems if you have galvanized or other threaded pipe in your home. However, you won't be able to use the PF-Kit - you may need to purchase stainless steel flex lines separately and use a reducing tee with two pipe nipples to connect your existing faucet. If hiring a plumber to install the pump system for you, he or she will most likely know what size tee and nipples you will need, as this can vary depending on your existing fixture configuration.

Q. "How does this pump help save water?
A. If you think about it, many of us run the faucet or shower for a few minutes waiting for the water to heat up to a comfortable level, right? Depending on how long you're having to wait, you could be letting up to 7 gallons of water just run down the drain - and since most of us don't just stand around waiting for the water to heat up, there could be another 1 to 3 gallons lost before we notice the water is hot.

Installing an on-demand hot water recirculation pump means you push a button (or walk past a sensor), and in just a few seconds you'll have hot water waiting when you turn on the faucet. You won't need to run the water while it heats up - ergo, no more potable fresh water just running down the drain wasted!

Q. "I don't have a lot of storage in my bathroom/kitchen and utilize under-sink space for storing things. How much space will I lose under my sink?
A. The D'MAND Kontrol® systems are relatively compact - approximately 9" wide x 7" deep x 5" tall - and since they are typically installed behind the sink trap, you probably won't lose a significant amount of space.

Q. "Can these circulator pumps be used in California?
A. Yes, these pumps are approved for water recirculation systems in California.