Ever since we moved into our home, a problem that annoyed me was the time it took for hot water to show up in our shower. As the pipes got cold overnight, the hot water had to first displace the cold water ahead and then heat up the pipes.
In winter, it often meant a minute’s wait with water wasted along the way.
Along the way, we tried a few solutions – including pouring it into a bucket and using it to water plants. We also asked a couple of handymen who didn’t seem to know. And, in retrospect, I clearly didn’t do a good job researching this online. Anyway, nothing worked/lasted and the problem continued to annoy me.
Until I learnt about the recirculator pump via a post my wife spotted on Nextdoor.
This magical device can be programmed to recirculate hot water during specific times in the day. Now we have hot water on demand. It is a game changer.
I don’t know why this pump isn’t mandatory with every hot water heater. I assume the water savings alone would make it worth everyone’s while. As a bonus, the user experience is significantly better as well.
If you’re not already using one, I hope you give it a try.
