MtnDon wrote:A related idea may be desired by boondockers. I am a water miser when we camp. I hate the waste of water when waiting for hot water to arrive at the point of use (sink, shower...) . I inserted a valve and some piping to make it possible to cycle the water back to the supply tank.
I have a tee in the hot water line just before where the hot water pipe connects to the hot side of the sink faucet. I have a valve at the tee branch. The valve connects a pipe back to the fresh water (cold) supply tank. When we are watching our water consumption the drill goes like this....
1. open bypass valve. Cool water flows through the extra pipe back to the supply tank.
2. the valve gets warm as hot water reaches the bypass valve.
3. close bypass when valve gets warm/hot.
4. open faucet at sink and hot water is there virtually immediately. Very little actual waste
The branch that goes to our shower control is very close by so when taking a shower we do the above sequence. There is only about 4 feet of 1/2" ID pipe that does not have heated water in it so the waste is minimal. Beats running water down the drain when you haul every ounce you use.
I hope the word picture is clear as I have no photos. Could make a sketch is anyone needs it.
MtnDon, I have seen your photos where this layout is in place. I think it is a great idea, another idea from you which I am copying. For me though, I am going to somehow put this valve in the shower itself, next to the shower valves for ease of use. Otherwise I will have to open the nearby cabinet door to work this valve which would not be that friendly.
Thanks again.