Posted by ward shaw on January 26, 1998 at 13:50:39:
In Reply to: Recirculation line posted by Lyle Tompsen on January 26, 1998 at 09:03:39:
: Hi, I am looking for some information on reciruculation lines and circulators. I have a three story house, and it takes three or four minutes for any hotwater to come out upstairs (either in the shower or faucets). This is a large waste of water. I have heard of cirulators that will recirculate the hot water, but have never see such a system. Can you put them in yourself? Are they expensive, and is the expense cheaper than the water wastage being caused. I have already insulated all of the piping and that hasn't really helped. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks
Lyle: h/w recirc. lines generally require a plumbers help, especially if it is an addition to an existing plumbing system. The idea is to run an additional line to the farthest fixture using hot water, tie into the hot water line behind that fixture, make a connection to the bottom of the h/w heater where the drain valve is located. They are most effective with a circulating pump and check valve, and they can employ timers (Laing Pumps have them built into some models) to deliver hot water at prescribed times eg. 15 mins. before anyone gets up in the morning to use the showers. and yes, they can be quite expensive to install.