Reasons Behind Your Slow Hot Water
Posted on: 23 January 2017
Why does it take quite long to have hot water flowing from your shower from the water heater? Well, several factors are to blame for this occurrence. This article will look at these variables and suggest ways to increase the speed of hot water to your faucets. Read on for more insight.
Piping layout
Generally, your water heater is connected to your fixtures through a pipe. Therefore, the distance between the water heater and your fixture is a key factor in determining the speed by which you receive hot water. The longer the distance, the more time it takes for the hot water to travel down the pipe to your fixture.
Diameter of pipes
The diameter of the pipe is another variable that affects the rate of hot water distribution. The smaller the pipe diameter, the quicker the hot water will reach your sink or shower.
Piping material
The heavier the pipe material, the more heat it draws from the hot water, which in turn reduces the speed of the hot water. For example, because galvanized pipe consists of a thicker wall compared to a copper pipe and is far heavier, it is bound to absorb more heat from the hot water. Homes with galvanized pipes will experience long waiting times for hot water compared to homes fitted with copper pipes of similar length.
Strategies to get hot water a lot faster
Recirculation system
A good solution is to contact an electrician to come and install a recirculation system for you. This system comprises of a small pump which is installed underneath the sink far away from the water heater but connected through a plumbing line, normally a small-diameter piping. Water is distributed from the heater via the hot water pipes to the small pump, and then inside the cold water lines and back again to the heater.
The biggest advantage is fast hot water supply. Since hot water is constantly circulating across the system, you can get hot water through any faucet instantly, notwithstanding the distance of the faucet from the water heater.
Demand systems
Demand systems comprise of a small pump, a switch and some piping. Similar to the recirculation system, your electrician will install the small pump at the sink farthest away from the heater. However, instead of maintaining hot water inside the pipes, the pump is only activated through a motion sensor or button whenever you need hot water. Upon activation, the pump pumps hot water from the heater to your faucets rapidly. Because the higher flow rate, water arrives more quickly and less heat is absorbed from the water by the pipes.
In conclusion, talk with your electrician about installing one of these systems in your home to enjoy the convenience of quick hot water.
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