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January 16, 2009
Water Bill Blues
Q: Ed, our water and sewer bills have nearly doubled since we added a new bathroom on the opposite side of the home from where the water heater is located. We waste a lot of water waiting for hot water to finally come out of the faucets and shower. We read up on the hot water circulating pumps, but we're on a concrete slab and a new return line is impossible to run back to the water heater. Are we stuck? What's next?
Wayne, from Kentucky
A: Good news, Wayne! Even though you may not be able to install a separate return line to complete the circulating loop back to the water heater, you do have a second option. If you work with a licensed plumber, they can actually install an "instant hot water system" with a mixing valve and circulating pump that will use the present cold water lines in your home as the return line back to the water heater.
This system has been a major breakthrough in plumbing, and while it's complicated to explain (I won't attempt it in this column), it's a fairly easy and inexpensive system to add on to your present water heater. I recommend talking to your local building/plumbing inspector to see what new systems are approved in your area.
You're now on the right track to lower your sewer and water bills, and installing an instant hot water "demand" system is one solution that will really get you into some hot water very soon!
Ed Del Grande, the author of Ed Del Grande's House Call, was born and raised in a family-owned plumbing business. With more than 25 years of experience in every aspect of construction, he holds current Master licenses in pipefitting, fire protection and plumbing. If you have a question for Ed, send him an e-mail at eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.Posted by Ed Del Grande at January 16, 2009 12:37 PM
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Comments
We have a recirculating pump in our 3-story home (basement - where the water heater is located and one full bath, 1st floor - with a half bath, and 2nd floor - with two full baths). We have opted, however, to turn off the pump since there are only two of us in this home. Prewarming a couple of showers a day by leeting the water run 45 to 60 seconds (we can wash our hands in less than steaming water) costs less than paying for the gas to keep the recirculated water hot.
Posted by: Sirboy at January 22, 2009 11:52 AM
