A heated water recirculation system includes a water heater having a water inlet and a water outlet. The heated water recirculation system further includes a flow detector positioned to detect inflow water flowing into the water heater through the water inlet. The heated water recirculation system also includes a controller configured to control operations of a recirculation pump based on a detection of the inflow water flowing into the water heater through the water inlet. The water heater is configured to provide heated water through the water outlet, and the recirculation pump is configured to circulate the heated water through the heated water recirculation system.