Advice Needed for Choosing a Recirculation Pump

[JohnH76]

I plan to install a recirculating pump under the kitchen sink. I don’t have a dedicated return line so I will be using the cold water line for the return.

My question is how much should I spend on the pump? A quick search on Amazon shows pumps starting at approximately $50 all the way to $300+ for well known name brands like Grundfos. I don’t need a pump with a timer as I already have a timer wall switch wired. We are retired so there is just the two of us.

Any recommendations?

 

[Bannerman]

While I can't comment on quality or durability, I found near identical recirculation pump kits offered by Moonshan and Crispaire that include the components needed for an application similar to which you describe. Although they show the pump itself located directly at the water heater outlet connection, I anticipate the pump could be alternately located below a sink as you are intending.

Both kits include a stainless steel crossover valve that will stop recirculation flow once the incoming hot water temperature exceeds
104°F. This will prevent the cold 'return' line from filling with excessively hot water which could cause issues such as a broken toilet tank or an excessively hot shower initially.

While both models include a built-in timer for ~$160, I also see a non-timer version for ~$180, but that one includes a smart plug which can allow timer configuration using a phone app, which I suspect, may also allow pump control using Google Assistant or Alexa Smart Home devices.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Breplum]

I'll state the case for better brands like Grundfos and Taco and Laing
This is what I have at my kitchen sink, https://www.amazon.com/Laing-LHB081...ext&ref_=fplfs&smid=A2VSX66QRA50IM&gQT=1&th=1 and I added a ISE garbage disposal air switch pushbutton to turn the pump off if we choose.