Taco vs Grundfos?

['Stormin]

I could care less which one I buy. They both have 'Plug NPlay' models for Hot Water Recirc.

Not having any luck with specifics. I'm going to install anyway so why not offer some practical experience?

I want to install a pump with combination of Analog Timer, Aquastat and anything else that might add to efficiency / performance. The things I can't get answers to despite contacting both Mfgrs.:

IF a check valve is important I would like it to be part of the pump if possible. Why have extra parts if it can be integral? They make so many different models that I can't get answers from any dealers on exactly which one I should get.

Some illustrations show the return loop going in to tank where the tank drain usually is. Thats fine and good UNLESS - the tank is a few years old I know from experience that that fitting is probably rusted in for all time and trying to loosen it to add something will probably just result in unstoppable leak or buying new tank when it breaks off. So forget that and ?...

What about some kind of "Air Removal Device" ? Do I need it? Is it easier to just drain system once a year or something? Does it depend on Hard/Soft Well wter vs Municaple water ?

Any recommendations / pictures ? Thanks anyone.

Using 3/4" Uponor HW loop with remote manifolds and plan on 1/2" return line after last bath group.
Total loop well under 120'. Plan to insulate w/ most expensive "Armacell" Foam Pipe insulation + wrap that in fiberglass to keep heat loss minimal.

[plumberscrack]

We have been installing the Grundfos Comfort pump (UP10-16?)

Has a built in timer, check valve and aquastat.

For a retro-fit application use the UP 15-10 (without a recirc line)

Grundfos has grapped my attention lately with their new line of pumps. I'm finally starting to move away from Taco. Been married to them way too long.

['Stormin]

Thanks, I was stuck on Taco for last few months. Simply one of those stupid things I hate to admit. Green color? Food Reff. "Grundfos" just sound funny? I have no idea why - but now I like the idea of the "Up10-16" especially if I can get built in check valve. Thanks.

[NHMaster3015]

A vote for Grundfos here. Don't ask why, I just like them.

[westcoastplumber]

I vote Grundfos Here.

I have never had any problems with any of the products from Grundfos and their circ pump that fits on the hot side water heater with the baffle under the furthest sink, never any complaints.

Never really have anything against Taco, I know they are hard into radiant/hydronic heating. I know several guy's that live by Taco, it's all personal preference and scenerio.

[Cornan]

I've been researching this the last few days and have noted two things about the retro-fits:

1) With the Grundfos Comfort system, every time cold water is used it will charge up the hot water until the passive (non-electronic) valve closes, so people who use cold water frequently will see their electric / gas usage increase. (I saw this in one customer review on amazon.com and on one competitor's web page).

2) Some companies offer an adjustable thermostat as a built-in or optional feature... but not Grundfos.

We've got an open sink in our farthest bathroom, and the other units on the market don't seem to be intended for wall mounting, so some units are not practical for us.
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I found a page (http://www.toolbase.org/TechInventory/TechManufacturers.aspx?ContentDetailID=864) that links to various manufacturers, though I noted that several seem to be selling the same or very similar pump unit, so perhaps the range of choice is not so great as it seems. Laing, Inc (www.lainginc.com (http://www.lainginc.com)) isn't included in that list, though they have a wall-mountable under sink unit and their website makes a vagure reference to an adjustable thermostat.

[drtyhands]

We have not run 1/2" return lines in 20years since having to replace so many burned out 90's on the return line.Always 3/4.

[NHMaster3015]

Wirsbo\Uponor has a reccirc set up that uses remote senosors instaled in the bathrooms. As soon as you enter the room the re-circ pump starts. Shuts off when you leave. Nifty.

[drtyhands]

Seen these,not automatically activating upon entry though.I wonder how long it would take to draw hot water from the heater through 30' of 3/4 pipe.Usually the first thing one does when entering the bathroom is turn on a fixture.I could see a routine worked out if it could get hot water there in 2-3 minutes.