Noticed something similar when I switched mine out:
- Water savings were noticeable, bills definitely dropped a bit.
- But yeah, hot water took longer to show up—pretty sure it's related to flow rate.
- Ended up insulating some pipes, seemed to help a little... might wanna check that out?
Insulating pipes can help a bit, but honestly, did you check the distance from your heater to the faucet? Sometimes the delay isn't just about flow rate—it's more about how far the hot water has to travel. I've seen setups where people installed a small point-of-use heater under the sink instead. Might sound like overkill, but it can actually save water and frustration in the long run... ever considered something like that?
"I've seen setups where people installed a small point-of-use heater under the sink instead. Might sound like overkill, but it can actually save water and frustration in the long run..."
That's actually a pretty solid suggestion. I've installed a few of those point-of-use heaters for clients, especially in older homes where the plumbing layout is less than ideal. Usually, the feedback is positive—less waiting around for hot water and definitely less wasted water down the drain.
But one thing to consider is the upfront cost and the space under your sink. Some cabinets are already cramped with garbage disposals, water filters, and cleaning supplies. Adding a heater might mean rearranging or even losing some storage space. Also, depending on your electrical setup, you might need to run a dedicated circuit, which can bump up the installation cost quite a bit.
Another thing I've noticed is that some people underestimate the maintenance. These small heaters aren't exactly "set it and forget it." You still need to periodically flush them out or check for leaks, just like your main water heater. It's not a huge hassle, but something to keep in mind if you're looking for a low-maintenance solution.
Have you looked into recirculation pumps at all? They're another way to tackle the delay issue without needing extra heaters everywhere. They circulate hot water through your pipes periodically, so it's always close to the faucet when you turn it on. Of course, they have their own pros and cons—like increased energy use—but they can be pretty effective if installed right.
Curious if anyone here has experience with recirculation pumps versus point-of-use heaters...
Honestly, recirc pumps sound good in theory, but I've found they can waste energy if you're not careful about timers and insulation. I ended up just insulating my pipes better—cheaper, easier, and still saves water. Worth considering before diving into more complicated setups...
"I ended up just insulating my pipes better—cheaper, easier, and still saves water."
Fair point about insulation being simpler, but doesn't pipe insulation mainly help with heat retention rather than directly saving water? Curious if you've measured actual water savings compared to a recirc setup...