Abstract: In a hot water system for providing intermittent hot water, a separate holding vessel is provided and disposed in a hot water line between a hot water source and a plumbing fixture for blending of incoming hot water with residual water in the vessel in order to decrease cold water surges at the plumbing fixture upon repeated use of hot water in the plumbing fixture. A bladder disposed within the separate holding vessel accommodates for thermal expansion of the water and positioning of vessel inlets and outlets prevents stagnation of water in the vessel.

Abstract: A hot water system includes a hot water source; a hot water delivery line connected between the hot water source and at least one plumbing fixture along with a cold water delivery line connection between said plumbing fixture, a cold water source and said hot water source; a pump, interconnected between the hot and cold water delivery lines, enables circulation of water from the hot water delivery line through the cold water delivery line and into the hot water source, thus eliminating the need for a separate recirculation line. A thermostatic valve is disposed in a serial arrangement with the pump between the hot and cold water lines for blocking flow of water from the hot water line into the cold water line when the pump is not operating.

Abstract: In a hot water system for providing intermittent hot water, a separate holding vessel is provided and disposed in a hot water line between a hot water source and a plumbing fixture for blending of incoming hot water with residual water in the vessel in order to decrease cold water surges at the plumbing fixture upon repeated use of hot water in the plumbing fixture. A bladder disposed within the separate holding vessel accommodates for thermal expansion of the water.

Abstract: In a hot water system for providing intermittent hot water, a separate holding vessel is provided and disposed in a hot water line between a hot water source and a plumbing fixture for blending of incoming hot water with residual water in the vessel in order to decrease cold water surges at the plumbing fixture upon repeated use of hot water in the plumbing fixture.

Abstract: A method for operating a multi-family/commercial plumbing system includes sensing an event and recording for each sensed event at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of date, day of the week, start time, duration of the event, water flow, water temperature, and humidity. The parameters are analyzed to determine a pattern and thereafter water flow, circulation, water temperature, and water use are controlled in accordance with the determined pattern.

Abstract: A demand hot water recirculation system includes a hot water source and at least one plumbing fixture having a hot water inlet. A pump is provided to circulate water to and from the fixture and a controller, responsive to a plurality of a generated control signals, based on fixture use, activates the pump based on a statistical analysis of control signal timing.

Abstract: A zone valve hot water recirculation system in accordance with the present invention generally includes a hot water source, such as an electric or gas water heater, a conduit for enabling circulation of hot water from hot water source to one or more plumbing fixtures and recovery of water to the hot water source, a pump for accelerating delivery of hot water to the fixtures and, importantly, a zone valve for preventing flow of water into the hot water source during standby periods of the hot water source. A controller, which may include an electronic timer, is provided for causing the zone valve to open and close and the pump to start and stop.

Abstract: Apparatus for improving the efficiency of a water heater having a tank, a burner and a flue, the flue being disposed within the tank for evacuation of burned combustion gases therethrough with resulting heating of water in the tank, generally including combustion gas deflector for enhancing heat transfer from the combustion gases through a flue wall and into surrounding water during ignition of the burner, a vent damper for preventing ambient air in the flue, heated by the directing means and flue, from escaping the flue during nonignition of the burner.