# Hot water heater pump

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hot-water-heater-pump/504554>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [July 28, 2009, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hot-water-heater-pump/504554 "2009-07-28T15:40:01Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![HorseloverFat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8e8cbc/32.png) [@HorseloverFat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HorseloverFat)\
**Post date:** [July 28, 2009, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hot-water-heater-pump/504554/1 "2009-07-28T15:40:01Z")

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I just moved into a new space and noticed a loud noise coming from the utility closet. There’s a black pump mounted on top of the water heater making this noise. It runs for a few minutes at a time. Im guessing this is the recirculation pump.

The problem is that when its on its extremely loud. More than Im comfortable with. Is this normal with a pump like this? Ive lived with water heaters in the unit before and dont recall ever having this problem. Thanks.

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**Author:** ![KlondikeGeoff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3e96dc/32.png) [@KlondikeGeoff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KlondikeGeoff)\
**Post date:** [July 28, 2009, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hot-water-heater-pump/504554/2 "2009-07-28T21:01:33Z")

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I think its purpose is to get hot water to the distant faucets without having to wait a minute or more of water running before it gets hot. It is a convenience, saves water as well as more energy conserving.

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**Author:** ![Harmonious\_Discord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/74df32/32.png) [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\
**Post date:** [July 28, 2009, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hot-water-heater-pump/504554/3 "2009-07-28T21:11:05Z")

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It doesn’t give an energy savings, just the opposite. It is only so the hot water is ready at the faucets when you use it. This isn’t what was asked for though.

I have no idea if the noise you have is normal. Talk to the property manager about the loud noise and ask that it be looked at if needed. A pump going bad can make a lot of noise and draw a lot of current.