DIYbanter - View Single Post

On 1 Jan 2004 09:05:55 -0800, (PV) wrote:

Hello,

I bought a newly built house 3 years ago. At that time, I asked the
builder why it took so long, 3-4 minutes, before hot water came out of
the faucets when you first turned them on. He said that was the
standard wait.

I'm annoyed now that I have to wait so long for the hot water to come
out. The temperature of the water is fine and I have no problems with
running out of hot water. I want to know if there is something I can
install/replace to make the hot water get to the faucet quicker, in 1
minute instead of 5 minutes. And I have this wait with all of my
faucets, kitchen, shower and bathrooms.

Thanks for your assistance!

Strange you asked. I was up in my attic a couple of hours yesterday
because I had exactly the same problem. I bought some thick foam 3/4
inch copper pipe insulation and insulated my pipes from the water
heater to the end of the main trunk. Costs about $30.

But you probably don't have water pipes in your attic like I do. In
that case you are pretty much out of luck.

On your next new house, have the hot water lines wrapped in 2 to 3
inch insulation and wrapped in heavy plastic before you bury them.

PJ