MitchM tank build

[MitchM]

I tap into the hot water tank and run domestic water through it.
A 25W recirculation pump pulls hot water in a loop from the hot water outlet pipe and returns it to the cold water inlet pipe on the hot water tank.

So the heat comes from the normal operation of the hot water tank.

[ensquire]

What material are the pex rings made of ???

[MitchM]

Stainless steel

[MitchM]

I've learned that there's a different system available that uses plastic crimp rings - Propex.
I'm looking into that to see where it's available.

[DiverDude]

Other than the cost of buying a conventional heater (if you didn't already have one) and the (remote) possibility of the heater breaking, what's the advantage to doing it this way ?

Seems a bit of "Six of one, half dozen of the other"

[MitchM]

The primary benefit is using less electricity.

For a water volume of around 700 gallons, I would need probably 600 - 800 watts of electric heat. I've read articles that suggest heaters should be replaced every couple of years.

We also have a hot water solar system that sometimes produces excess heat, so it makes sense to dump the excess heat somewhere useful.

And...

-Saves space on the Profilux power bar
-Don't need to run as many electrical circuits


It may not make sense for smaller tanks, but I think it's a great idea for larger ones.

[The Codfather]

Mitch,
Look into these fittings. All plastic, very reliable.
The system is called quick and easy by uponor.
By far one of the best plastic systems.
If you need any info lmk.
Thanks,
Bob