Frequently Asked Questions

Our system works with conventional (round) and tankless (on-demand) natural gas and electric water heaters. A 3-prong 120 volt outlet must be within 15 ft. of the water heater. However, if you don't have one, an electrician can often create an integrated outlet at a nearby ceiling light fixture or furnace.

Yes, we offer financing through our partner Wisetack.  It takes only a few minutes to enter details and check your options - without impacting your credit score. You may qualify for 90 days at 0% APR.* Click here to learn more.

Yes, using special technology, our system works with tankless (on-demand) natural gas and electric water heaters, allowing you to have instant hot water when and where you need it throughout your home. 

There is a common misconception that tankless water heaters offer "instant" hot water. While they do heat up very quickly, there's still the fact that cold water is sitting in your pipes. Our system solves this issue, while running your tankless water heater only when needed.  

For more information about our tankless water heater solution see our Services page.

Where the thermal sensor valves are installed the hot water will be immediate. Other sinks and your shower will depend on how far they are from the main hot water line. These locations typically will take 10 to 20 seconds to start receiving hot water (that’s still up to 1,800% faster than before).

The patented thermal sensor valve is designed to maintain your hot faucet water temperature at 98 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). However, once you turn on the hot faucet, the water temperature will soon rise to that in your water heater - just like it used to.

Larger homes may save up to 15,000 gallons (about 114,000 bottles of water) per year, smaller homes perhaps up to 5,000 gallons (about 38,000 bottles of water). The amount varies with the number of people in your home, the number of bathrooms, if your home has a laundry in it, how often you shower and wash dishes, etc.

Use our conservation calculator to easily estimate your specific annual water savings.

We offer our LifeSync™ and SmartSync™ modules which operate the system on a periodic basis during waking hours and deactivate it overnight - providing optimal energy conservation while continuing to deliver your instant hot water when you need it.

In most cases, yes. But this depends on how your plumbing was originally designed. Homes with multiple levels or plumbing loops may require additional thermal sensor valves for distant faucets – if you desire instant hot water at those locations.

No, the patented thermal sensor valve that is mounted under one or more sinks operates without needing any power. It starts and stops the hot water circulation strictly based on water temperature.

It costs only pennies per day to run, and if you have a conventional water heater, you're already paying to heat the water 24/7. Our system simply moves the hot water from your water heater to where you can use it more quickly. With our LifeSync™ and SmartSync™, modules, energy consumption is minimized, while pump life is maximized. Our system could pay for itself over time by reducing your water and sewer costs.

Most installations can be completed in around 2 hours. We will need access to your utility room and beneath the sink(s) farthest from the water heater.

No, our system installs in-line with your existing plumbing and water heater. There is no need to run new pipes. No need to break into walls. No need to make any modifications to your plumbing system.

To prevent scalding, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends setting your water heater at no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius). To check your hot water temperature, run the hot water into a coffee cup with a meat or candy thermometer until the temperature stabilizes. Consult your water heater owner's manual for instructions on how to adjust the temperature.

Our system can provide instant hot water when you need it throughout your entire home (showers, bathrooms, kitchen, etc.). In contrast, an instant boiling water tap is typically used at a single kitchen sink for making tea, coffee, hot chocolate, soup, etc.

Tankless (on-demand) water heaters take the place of a conventional 30 or 40 gallon round hot water heater tank. However, tankless water heaters still suffer the same issue as conventional water heaters in that you have to wait several minutes for the hot water to reach various locations in your home. We have developed a solution for tankless water heaters.

Yes, any smart plug that supports a grounded 3-prong 120 volt outlet will work. This allows you to use a variety of home automation systems to make your system as efficient as possible. For instance, you can deactivate the recirculating pump automatically when you leave your home, and reactivate it when you arrive. See our SmartSync™ option on the Services page. 

The pump is very quiet, generating only 25 decibels during operation - that's just above the sound level rustling leaves make - and about 30% lower than modern refrigerators. With our LifeSync™ and SmartSync™ modules, pump run-time is reduced 90% by cycling on only periodically during waking hours and deactivating overnight - thus minimizing any sound.

Pipes are attached by straps to wooden joists and often pass through holes in wall studs. This can cause copper and galvanized metal pipes to make a clicking or tapping sound when they heat up. The noise is normal and not a cause for concern.

These systems are designed to provide years of maintenance-free operation. Instant Hot Water Systems LLC guarantees a leak-free installation and provides a 90-day money-back satisfaction guarantee. Additionally, our new System 2.0 has a 2-year parts warranty and a 5-year extended warranty is available for purchase.

Instant Hot Water Systems LLC (DBA Recirculation Plumbing) is a licensed C36 plumbing contractor and meets all the requirements of the California Contractors State License Board. You can check our license status at www.CSLB.ca.gov.

Some cities and water districts offer rebates for installing water-conserving hot water recirculation systems. Please check with your local water provider to find out if they are currently running any rebate programs.