Water heater elements (as in wattage)

[_RaT_]

I would agree, if I had two different sized elements, the top one would be my choice for the higher wattage. Its like your last line of defense before the water gets cold.

 

[_RaT_]

I would agree, if I had two different sized elements, the top one would be my choice for the higher wattage. Its like your last line of defense before the water gets cold.

 

[Richard]

Interesting stuff...thanks.

As an aside comment, I attached the new heater in a different location. As such, it seems the new location is further away from the kitchen and upstairs lines /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif. I've noticed a longer lag time to get hot water to both of those locations. I'm sure that having a bunch of 3/4" pipe ahead of the final run to each location hasn't helped. I know though that by moving my location, I've now also moved my heater further away.

/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif OH well... that's why I use "hot" water when I brush my teeth in the mornings. That uses up all the cold water sitting in the hot line so that by the time I'm done, the faucet is putting out warm water and when I start my shower, the "hot" water is really there and available.

 

[Richard]

Interesting stuff...thanks.

As an aside comment, I attached the new heater in a different location. As such, it seems the new location is further away from the kitchen and upstairs lines /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif. I've noticed a longer lag time to get hot water to both of those locations. I'm sure that having a bunch of 3/4" pipe ahead of the final run to each location hasn't helped. I know though that by moving my location, I've now also moved my heater further away.

/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif OH well... that's why I use "hot" water when I brush my teeth in the mornings. That uses up all the cold water sitting in the hot line so that by the time I'm done, the faucet is putting out warm water and when I start my shower, the "hot" water is really there and available.

 

[_RaT_]

In my last issue of Fine Homebuilding they discuss just that. The article is about PEX and using a manifold system to supply each device with its own line. Faucets get a 3/8" line, shower or baths get 1/2". If you ever develop a leak in the faucet, you can turn it off at the manifold and repair it while leaving the water on everywhere else. The main benefit is removing the large hot water line like the 3/4" line that serves as a trunk line in the typical home which requires alot of water to removed before the hot water arrives. The manifold is supplied with a 1" line but is right by the water heater. Here is a link to a company that can get hot water to you much quicker. Metlund

 

[_RaT_]

In my last issue of Fine Homebuilding they discuss just that. The article is about PEX and using a manifold system to supply each device with its own line. Faucets get a 3/8" line, shower or baths get 1/2". If you ever develop a leak in the faucet, you can turn it off at the manifold and repair it while leaving the water on everywhere else. The main benefit is removing the large hot water line like the 3/4" line that serves as a trunk line in the typical home which requires alot of water to removed before the hot water arrives. The manifold is supplied with a 1" line but is right by the water heater. Here is a link to a company that can get hot water to you much quicker. Metlund

 

[Highbeam]

I've seen those systems installed. There ends up being a manifold box that looks like a breaker box in the garage. Each "circuit" has its own shutoff valve. Also, the cold lines are blue and hot are red.

It must be a pretty cheap system too since the builder using it wouldn't use it if it cost more.

 

[Highbeam]

I've seen those systems installed. There ends up being a manifold box that looks like a breaker box in the garage. Each "circuit" has its own shutoff valve. Also, the cold lines are blue and hot are red.

It must be a pretty cheap system too since the builder using it wouldn't use it if it cost more.

 

[BlueRidge]

<font color="blue"> It must be a pretty cheap system too since the builder using it wouldn't use it if it cost more. </font>

Haven't used it myself, but from what I've read, the materials are cheaper, but the big savings is in labor. Especially with a re-pipe in an existing house.

 

[BlueRidge]

<font color="blue"> It must be a pretty cheap system too since the builder using it wouldn't use it if it cost more. </font>

Haven't used it myself, but from what I've read, the materials are cheaper, but the big savings is in labor. Especially with a re-pipe in an existing house.