Quit Throwing Money Down the Drain

Did you know hot water retains about 90% of its heat when it goes down the drain? Every time you shower or wash your hands, there is an opportunity to recover up to 60% of this heat, saving you energy and money.

A drain-water heat recovery system captures heat from drain water and preheats the cold supply water going into your hot water tank. Your water heater will use less energy as a result.

A drain water heat recovery device consists of a copper heat exchanger and replaces a section of ordinary drainpipe. When warm water from your shower or sink drains down the copper heat exchangers, the heat from the drain water warms the pipe and heat is transferred to a copper coil that is wrapped around the outside of the drainpipe. Incoming cold water is supplied through this copper coil, preheating the cold water by this heat recovery process. The preheated incoming water is either routed to the water heater or directly to the shower or sink instead of the typical cold-water supply.

water down the drain

These systems are highly reliable and durable since they have no moving parts, are installed using standard plumbing practices, and require no on-going maintenance.

Key Features and Benefits of a Drain-Water Heat Recovery System

  • Reduces water heater energy up to 60%.
  • Increases water heater capacity and recovery time.
  • Reduces run time and noise associated with water heaters.
  • Works with all types of water heaters.
  • Works in homes and small office spaces.

Installing a Drain Water Heat Recovery System

Drain water heat recovery systems are not widely available so give yourself some time to decide which system you want (storage or non-storage) and to plan for a special order with your contractor. Costs will vary between systems with payback ranging between 2.5 and 7 years. You will also need sufficient space between the primary shower drain and before the sewage exit point.

Contact a qualified plumber to install your system. You can also consider installing it yourself but advanced plumbing experience is recommended. The cost to install will be higher in existing homes versus new construction.

Related Blogs

Historic Menasha Hangout, Old Grog Gets Green Makeover

Old Grog’s building in historic downtown Menasha has witnessed 134 years of transformation: It has been a grocery store, livery, and even a brothel. Now, owners Rosita Eisenach and her husband can continue its legacy after working with Focus on Energy.
Read More

A Win for Health, Comfort, and Sustainability

When focused on your mission, it can be hard to stay focused on upgrades to your facility. That's where Focus on Energy came to the rescue for NorthLakes Community Clinic in Ashland.
Read More

Empowering Wisconsin Educational Facility Custodians

In 2024, Focus on Energy awarded $600 in scholarships to deserving recipients, allowing them to attend the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials (WASBO) conference and continue their professional journey.
Read More
Join our newsletter to stay up-to-date.
Need answers? Try our Help Center. Help Center
Looking for something specific?
© 2024 Focus On Energy