Rinnai tankless water heaters can be equipped with a recirculating pump, enhancing hot water delivery and efficiency in your plumbing system.
Rinnai tankless water heaters offer advanced recirculation options, including models with built-in pumps and compatibility with external systems. Their Smart-Circ™ technology eliminates wait times for hot water while conserving energy.
Rinnai Recirculation Pump Options
Rinnai provides multiple solutions for instant hot water delivery:
- Built-in pumps: Available in select high-efficiency models like the RXP Sensei+ series
- External pump compatibility: Most units support add-on recirculation systems
- ThermaCirc360® technology: Enables recirculation without dedicated return lines
Models With Built-In Recirculation Pumps
The Rinnai RXP199iN represents their flagship recirculating model with:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Flow Rate | 11.0 GPM |
| BTU Output | 160,000 |
| Recirculation Type | Built-in pump with Smart-Circ™ |
| Temperature Range | 98°F – 140°F |
How Rinnai Recirculation Works
Rinnai’s system uses innovative approaches to deliver hot water faster:
With Dedicated Return Line
Traditional recirculation systems use a separate pipe to return cooled water to the heater. Rinnai models with built-in pumps work efficiently with this setup.
Without Dedicated Return Line
For homes lacking return lines, Rinnai’s thermal bypass valve solution:
- Installs at farthest fixture from heater
- Temporarily uses cold water line for circulation
- Maintains water temperature through Smart-Circ™ technology
Smart Control Options
Rinnai offers multiple ways to manage recirculation:
- Rinnai Central™ app: WiFi control from any location
- Push-button activation: Instant recirculation when needed
- Smart home integration: Works with Amazon Alexa
- Auto-scheduling: Learns usage patterns for optimal performance
According to Rinnai’s official documentation, their recirculation technology can reduce water waste by up to 12,000 gallons annually for a family of four.
Installation Considerations
When adding recirculation to a Rinnai system:
Required Components
- Thermal bypass valve (for non-return line setups)
- Recirculation pump (if not built-in)
- Optional WiFi module for smart controls
Professional Installation
While some components like the isolation valve kit can be DIY-installed, most recirculation systems require professional setup for optimal performance.
Energy Efficiency Benefits
Rinnai’s recirculation technology provides:
- Up to 0.98 Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) rating
- Adaptive heating based on actual demand
- Reduced standby heat loss compared to tank systems
Their condensing models like the RXP series recover heat from exhaust gases, making them among the most efficient options available according to U.S. Department of Energy standards.
Comparing Rinnai Series
Recirculation capabilities vary by product line:
| Series | Recirculation Support | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sensei+ (RXP) | Built-in pump | Large homes with high demand |
| HE+ | External pump | Mid-size homes |
| SE+ | ThermaCirc360® | Homes without return lines |
For those considering alternatives, our guide to tankless water heater replacement parts covers maintenance components for various brands.
