Get Hot Water Faster With the Taco SPE-1 SmartPlus-e ECM Instant Hot Water System

Stop wasting time waiting for hot water with the Taco SmartPlus-e (SPE-1) ECM High-Efficiency Instant Hot Water System. This complete recirculation system combines Taco's energy-efficient 006e3 ECM circulator with SmartPlug Instant Hot Water Control to deliver hot water faster while reducing unnecessary pump operation. The SmartPlug learns your household's hot water usage patterns and automatically runs the circulator when you typically need hot water, helping conserve water and energy without sacrificing comfort. It's designed for tank water heaters with a dedicated hot water return line and can serve most residential systems with hot water supply lines up to 300 feet.

Key Features

Smart Hot Water Recirculation

The SmartPlug control learns your home's weekly hot water usage patterns and uses that information to operate the circulator when hot water is typically needed. This helps reduce the wait at faucets and showers without requiring a traditional timer or constant pump operation.

High-Efficiency ECM Circulator

The included 006e3 uses an ECM permanent magnet motor designed to provide efficient hot water circulation with up to 85% less electricity than comparable conventional circulators. Three performance settings also make it easier to match pump operation to the requirements of the system.

Multiple SmartPlug Operating Modes

Smart Mode automatically adapts operation to your household's usage patterns, while Pulse Mode provides another way to manage recirculation based on demand. Vacation Mode helps prevent unnecessary operation when the home is unoccupied, and the Exercise Function periodically operates the pump to help maintain system readiness.

Designed for Reliable, Low-Maintenance Operation

SureStart automatically purges air and helps free a blocked pump, reducing the likelihood of service calls caused by common startup issues. The compact design is well suited to residential hot water systems, and the system requires no aquastat, timer, or manual programming.

Product Details

• Provides faster hot water at fixtures by continuously recirculating cooled hot water back to the water heater when needed
• Designed for tank water heaters with a dedicated hot water return line
• SmartPlug learns weekly hot water usage patterns to balance comfort with energy savings
• High-efficiency ECM motor uses up to 85% less electricity
• Smart Mode, Pulse Mode, Vacation Mode, and Exercise Function provide flexible system control
• No aquastat, timer, or traditional programming is required
• SureStart automatically purges air and helps unblock the circulator
• Suitable for most residential homes with hot water supply lines up to 300 feet
• Multiple connection options are available with compatible fitting kits sold separately
• System can save water by reducing the amount of time fixtures run while waiting for hot water

For over 100 years, TACO has been innovating hydronic heating, cooling, and plumbing solutions, offering high-efficiency pumps, boiler accessories, and pipe fittings.

Additional Information

• Brand: Taco
• MPN: SPE-1
• Product Type: ECM high-efficiency hot water recirculation system
• Application: Tank water heaters with dedicated hot water return lines
• Circulator: Taco 006e3 ECM permanent magnet wet rotor
• Flow Range: 0-11 GPM
• Head Range: 0-13 ft.
• Maximum Operating Pressure: 150 PSI
• Maximum Water Temperature: 203°F
• Electrical: 120V, 60 Hz, single phase
• Maximum Power: 44W
• Maximum Current: 0.54A
• Weight: 3.5 lbs.

Check out our Recirculation Pumps Guide to understand how these systems work, compare different types, and find the right solution for your application.

Taco SPE-1 SmartPlus-e FAQ

How does the SmartPlug know when to run the circulator?

The SmartPlug learns the home's weekly hot water usage patterns and uses that information to determine when the circulator should operate. Instead of relying solely on a fixed schedule, Smart Mode allows the SmartPlug to operate the pump based on learned usage patterns, while Pulse, Vacation, and Exercise modes provide additional ways to control circulation for different situations.

How do I choose the right speed setting for the 006e3 circulator?

The correct setting depends on the flow and head requirements of the hot water return system rather than simply the size of the home. The 006e3 provides three performance settings, allowing the pump to be adjusted to provide adequate circulation without unnecessarily increasing flow or creating velocity noise.

Can the Taco SPE-1 be used with a tankless water heater?

The SPE-1 is specifically designed for systems with a tank water heater and dedicated hot water return line, so it shouldn't be selected as a universal solution for every tankless installation. Tankless systems have different flow and control requirements, and the recirculation equipment should be matched to the specific heater manufacturer's requirements.

What is the difference between the Taco SmartPlus-e and a basic hot water recirculation pump?

The SmartPlus-e combines the circulator and intelligent control in one system, rather than simply running a pump on a fixed schedule or whenever power is supplied. Its SmartPlug learns household usage patterns, while the ECM circulator provides high-efficiency operation and SureStart helps with automatic air purging and pump unblocking.

Is the Taco SmartPlus-e a good choice for a large home?

The SmartPlus-e can be used in most residential homes with hot water supply lines up to 300 feet, but system sizing still depends on the actual piping layout and circulation requirements. Longer or more complex systems may require careful evaluation of flow, head loss, and the appropriate 006e3 performance setting.

If you have any questions before purchasing, contact the Plumbing Deals via the live chat feature, email at contact@plumbingdeals.com, or give us a call at 888-682-5956!

Weight	3.5 lb
Height	5.50 in.
Horse Power	1/3
Length	5.13 in.
Room	Utility
Width	5.13 in.
Inventory Number	TACSPE1
MPN	SPE-1

• Spec Sheet
• Instruction Manual
• Submittal