Takagi tankless units do NOT include built-in recirculation pumps (unlike Rinnai Sensei RX, Navien NPE-A2, or Noritz EZTR). For recirculation, install an external Grundfos or Taco pump.
Architecture options
Option 1: External pump + dedicated return line
Premium config. Grundfos UP15 or Taco 006 on a return line from the farthest fixture. Pump runs on schedule or aquastat.
- Best for: new construction or existing return lines
- Cost: $200-400 parts + $400-1,500 labor
- Performance: hot water in 1-3 seconds
Option 2: External pump + crossover valve (retrofit)
For homes without a return line. Thermostatic crossover valve at farthest fixture.
- Cost: $300-700 parts + install
- Performance: hot water in 5-15 seconds
- Tradeoff: cold line carries warm water periodically
Why no built-in pump on Takagi?
Takagi's product philosophy is to minimize unit cost and let buyers add recirculation as a separate component. This is the value proposition over Rinnai Sensei RX (built-in pump, $400-500 premium): if you don't need recirculation, you don't pay for the pump.
For buyers who do want recirculation, this is the biggest Takagi gap vs the competition.
Control schemes
- Always-on: highest energy cost ($20-45/month additional gas)
- Timer-based: schedule windows ($8-18/month)
- Aquastat: runs when loop temp drops below setpoint
- On-demand button: wireless button + 90-second run cycle. Maximum efficiency
Bottom line
Takagi requires external recirculation pumps. For buyers who specifically want built-in recirculation, consider Rinnai Sensei RX, Navien NPE-A2, or Noritz EZTR instead. For buyers who don't need recirculation, Takagi's cost savings is the value play.