In alt.home.repair, on Tue, 27 Dec 2016 23:24:48 -0700, Arthur Conan
Doyle wrote:


Running a home hot water circulator continuously is stupid/expensive. Putting
pushbuttons at each bathroom/kitchen doesn't have to be, but it isn't going to
solve the delay problem, just reduce the waste of water which may or may not be
a concern. It doesn't solve the delay problem becuase the typical recirculating
pumps push about 1/2 the volume of water that a tap draws, so they take twice as
long to bring the hot water as running the faucet will. If you are trying to
retrofit something and running wires is a concern, look at Zwave devices hooked
up to a time delay relay.

We have a timer set to run for 90 minutes first thing in the morning. That
covers the usual shower range for the household. 60 minutes around 6PM to cover
kitching rinsing around dinner time, and 60 minutes around 9PM to cover the
dishwasher, evening bath use.

Covers 80% of the usual need and live with the occasional unusual need by
running the faucet.

If you are building a new house, pay attention to the plumber and how he's
running the loop for hot water. Ours decided to run through all the bedrooms and
then to the kitchen last. Not the most optimal route as popup demand is usually
in the kitchen.

OTOH, your dishes don't scream when they get cold water splashed on
them.