FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Plumbing Problem

bobg10 | Posted in Construction Techniques on December 19, 2003 04:32am

Building a new house.  The kitchen sink is over 30 feet away from the water heater.  Do I put in a recirculating pump or is there some other solution so that we do not have to wait a long time for hot water to arrive in the sink? 

I have a brochure from Taco Pumps that proposes a D’MAND system where the circulator is under the sink and no need for a additional pipe loop.  Has anyone used this system?  I don’t really understand how it works – it does require an electrical outlet under the sink, but this is easy to do.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Bob

 

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. mtolle | Dec 19, 2003 05:40am | #1

    this is a good article on how they work... there are also ones under sink that do hot water for tea etc. that just heat on teh spot... use eletric element so not efficient

    http://www.toolbase.org/tertiaryT.asp?DocumentID=2130&CategoryID=1402

    1. User avater
      CapnMac | Dec 19, 2003 08:38am | #2

      there are also ones under sink that do hot water for tea etc

      They are nice.  But you need to be needing 6-12 cups of near boiling water a day, though.  The elements will howl if there is any air in the holding tank, too.  The heating element is pretty much "on" all of the time, for all practical purposes, too.

      I've taken out almost as many as I have put in (but only 4 from where I also installed).  I have to wonder how many are just unplugged.  2 cup pyrex measureing cup with water & wooden skewer for 2 minutes in the mw will give plenty of water for tea or cocoa.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

      1. User avater
        SamT | Dec 19, 2003 11:18am | #3

        What's the skewer for?

        SamT

        "You will do me the justice to remember that I have always strenuously supported the right of every man to his opinion, however different that opinion may be to mine. He who denies to another this right, makes a slave of himself to his present opinion, because he precludes himself the right of changing it."   Thomas Paine

        1. AdamB | Dec 19, 2003 04:55pm | #5

          maybe he watches for a color change in the wood when the water gets to the right temp?Christmas is coming..... should I buy the wife that new tablesaw ....hmmmm

        2. User avater
          CapnMac | Dec 20, 2003 02:24am | #12

          What's the skewer for?

          Yeah, what they said.

          The wood skewer has cracks & crevises which promot creation of bubbles, which can prevent a steam eruption on MW'ed water.  Side effect is that the skewer is now saturated, so you can stir your cocoa, and it will not stick to the skewer, and it wipes clean afterward.  Chopstick works, too.

          Running your wood utensils under hot water helps them from staining from food while cooking.   Helps in the clean up afterward, too.

          Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

          Edited 12/19/2003 6:24:45 PM ET by CapnMac

      2. User avater
        IMERC | Dec 19, 2003 11:24am | #4

         2 cup pyrex measureing cup with water & wooden skewer for 2 minutes in the mw

        We shaping wood kitchen utensils? 

        Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....

        1. User avater
          goldhiller | Dec 19, 2003 06:15pm | #6

          I think the skewer is to prevent the sometimes phenomenon of surface tension building which doesn't allow release of the air bubbles that would normally escape when boiling takes palce. Trapped under that surface tension, you would suffer a violent "explosion" when you touched the surface with a spoon or whatever. Serious burns can result.

          Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.

          1. User avater
            Sphere | Dec 19, 2003 07:47pm | #7

            Not argueing that ..recently had a discussion about that phenom.  Distilled water actually can get above 212 and not be at a boil. The physics in a Micro Wave scenario is that the waves excite the molecules to rapidly bounce around and heat up. If the water is "PURE" the temp can exceed 212 or boiling pt. Adding a substance (inst. coffee, coca, etc.) WILL boil at 212..hence the explosion or boilover...so if ya put the stuff in the water FIRST yo know when it has reached 212, cuz it is frothing. We actually tried it on the stove with distilled but by introducing the thermomerter it ruined our observation..like the wooden stirrer would do.

          2. User avater
            SamT | Dec 19, 2003 08:31pm | #8

            That explains it.

            Although I use tap water for my coffee, I like to let the water come to a nice boil before I pour it into to cup (already have the instant waiting,) and I would get that wonderful frothing action that stirs without a spoon.

            SamT

            "You will do me the justice to remember that I have always strenuously supported the right of every man to his opinion, however different that opinion may be to mine. He who denies to another this right, makes a slave of himself to his present opinion, because he precludes himself the right of changing it."   Thomas Paine

          3. User avater
            Sphere | Dec 19, 2003 08:52pm | #9

            also, elevation messes everything up.  Our experement was at 4,000 ft.

          4. User avater
            IMERC | Dec 19, 2003 09:32pm | #10

            Here it's 178*F to boiling point. Alot of stuff won't cook without a pressure cooker.  

            Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....

          5. User avater
            Sphere | Dec 19, 2003 09:46pm | #11

            I flew P3A Orions at that alt.and above. Never tried to cook anything in the pit tho,<G>. 

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Fire-Resistant Landscaping and Home Design Details

These defensive details give homes a better chances of surviving wildfires.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 690: Sharpening, Wires Behind Baseboard, and Fixing Shingle Panels
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Hand Tool Sharpening Tips
  • Old House Air-Sealing Basics
  • A Drip-Free, Through-Window Heat Pump

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Old House Journal – August 2025
    • Designing the Perfect Garden Gate
    • Old House Air-Sealing Basics
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data