Hot water to other side of house (tankless water heater)

Question

We switched to a tankless water heater to save on utilities; but, the unit is in the garage about 35 ft from the master bathroom. We have to run the water a long time to get hot water. Less of a problem in the kitchen (half way across the house). We think the temperature loss is due to the pipes traveling thru the attic. Any suggestions? Thanks for your help.

Adrianne C · Answer

Outside of moving it, the best way is to loop the line so the water comes in from both directions. Maintains constant pressure too.

Karen Irvine · Answer

Tankless hot water simply takes long to get started.  Ours is the same.  It's got nothing to do with the pipes, it's just part of the process.  I'm surprised your installer didn't tell you this when you purchased.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

Am not sure about the cost of utilities there. Guess my question is - is it that much cheaper when you save on electric but use more water? You may not have the same problems we have up here in the north with temp extremes, but we would make sure any pipes running through our attic were well-insulated to prevent heat loss and avoid condensation issues.

Rus1058682 · Answer

If the water lines are in the attic, why not install a smaller in-line system closer to the master bath ?

Brenda Goodell VanderZanden · Answer

We had the same issue - my hubby installed a 10 gallon electric water heater near our master bath so we have instant Hot water until the big main tank catches up. It works!

John Bittner · Answer

Insulate the pipes and possibly install a small electric point on service heater close to the bath as a booster

Carolyn S. · Answer

We had a circulating (or recirculating) pump installed under the kitchen sink to get hot water there faster. There was a doorbell type button that I would push to get the hot water started flowing to the kitchen. Don't think it was that expensive.

Karen P · Answer

we bought a small uner sick hot water heater . it gives instant hot water while you wait for the other hot water to get there

Sheryl Gilliland · Answer

Obviously, the water caught in a pitcher can be used as plant, pet, flushing the toilet water, not to mention drinking water. I did this for years. With conservation our family of 4 used 100 gallons a month. PS no yard, just natural cactus.

June Novakowski · Answer

We gave up & put in an energy efficient hot water heater...just couldn't deal with waiting 5 minutes for hot water.

Laurie Clarkston · Answer

Put Insulation on the hot water pipes. You can get them in the plumbing section. That will cut down on the water cooling before getting to your bathroom.

Barbara Ann · Answer

Thanks for posting this.  I have been bugging my husband to install one. We live in a small condo and right now have no problems getting hot water to the upstairs bathroom.  But I did think about this.

Dena Craghead · Answer

I have a new water heater and my bathroom on the other side does not get but warm water and that takes a while. Any ideas for DIY to fix it?

Hot water to other side of house (tankless water heater)

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Hot water to other side of house (tankless water heater)

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