GB2441173A - A domestic water saving device - Google Patents

Abstract

A water saving device, suitable for incorporation into a domestic hot water supply system, comprises a means for diverting cold water from a tap until the water has achieved a desired predetermined temperature. The diverting means is suitably controlled by a pressure switch.

Description

<p>* 1 2441173 Title A domestic water saving device</p>

<p>Background</p>

<p>This invention relates to a device or mechanism which saves water when the hot tap of a domestic water system is turned on.</p>

<p>Whenever the hot tap of a. domestic water system is turned on there Is often a short time when cold water runs out before the hot water reaches the tap.</p>

<p>In tests from cold, several litres of water may run before sufficiently hot water reaches the tap. If this water is run into a sink or basin, the resulting water will usually not be hot enough for washing up greasy utensils. Often, this cold water, which is perfectly potable, is wasted by being run off into the drainage system. If this scenario is repeated throughout millions of households, a huge (and preventable) potable water loss will occur. A device which could prevent this loss could make water delivery much more efficient.</p>

<p>Statement of Invention</p>

<p>To prevent this loss of water, this present invention would sense that the hot water tap was activated, and then divert the cold water into a reservoir or other location until the warmer/hotter water was running. The warmer/hotter water would then be allowed to run out of the tap as normal.</p>

<p>Advantages For end users, especially those on water meters, there may be a large saving on their water usage. For water utility companies, there would be measurable efficiency savings. At present there has been a meteoric rise in new-build housing. This will create a large increase in water usage. Globally, any non-polluting means to save water will have beneficial effects on the environment. The advantage of this method is that it utilises the water itself to regulate the water saving feature.</p>

<p>Preferably, the device would be easy enough for someone fairly competent in DIV to fit.</p>

<p>The device should be adjustable, either manually or automatically.</p>

<p>Preferably, the unit should be a cost-effective option for domestic use.</p>

<p>Preferably, the unit should be simple to maintain or replace.</p>

<p>Mr Robert A Curry -458 Butts Road, Shohng Southampton -Tel: 07905971842. 21/08/2006</p>

<p>Introduction to drawings</p>

<p>An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 shows how in a typical domestic hot water system, the hot water fed from a heater reaches the hot tap.</p>

<p>Figure 2 shows the same tap with the invention attached and the resulting diversion of the water.</p>

<p>Figure 3 is a possible alternative arrangement allowing the water to re-enter the cold water supply.</p>

<p>Figure 4 is another alternative arrangement showing a device fitted to the heater itself or an integral part of the heater outlet.</p>

<p>Figure 5 is another alternative arrangement showing a device fitted to the tap itself or a tap designed with the feature as an integral part.</p>

<p>Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the device with pressure sensor, water flow and diversion indicated.</p>

<p>Detailed description</p>

<p>A water diverting device 6, 10 or 11 (also figure 6) which is attached to the water supply 3 from a heater 2 or other water heating source. When the hot tap 4 is opened, a sensor 15 of some sort (which may or may not be built into the device), activates it. This then allows the initial cold water contained in the hot water supply pipe 3 to be diverted 7 into a reservoir 8 or back into the cold water supply 9 until the temperature of the water reaches a pre-determined minimum or maximum limit, or until a certain amount of water has passed through the device. Both the activation temperature and/or the requisite amount of water passing through the device may be adjustable.</p>

<p>The device (see figure 6) will consist of a water inlet 12 attached to a method of diversion 13, the resulting water being redirected to a reservoir or other location by an additional outlet 14.</p>

<p>Possible methods for diversion include temperature sensor/s. and/or water flow metering or sensing device/s attached to or consisting of a valve which would divert the water appropriately. On reaching the required temperature, the valve would redirect the water flow to the outlet 16 of the device, thus restoring flow to the tap.</p>

<p>Mr Robert A Curry. 458 Butts Road, Sholing Southampton. TeL: 07905971842-21/08/2006</p>

Claims (1)

1. <p>S</p>

   <p>Claims 1. A device which is attached to a domestic hot water system which diverts the initial cold water to another location until the hotter water is available, then stops diverting and allows the hotter water to reach the tap.</p>

   <p>2. A device according to claim 1 in which the method for sensing that the tap has been activated is provided by a pressure switch or similar device.</p>

   <p>3. A device according to claim 1 in which the method for sensing the need for diversion is provided by a temperature sensor.</p>

   <p>4. A device according to claim 1 in which the method for sensing the need for diversion is provided by a flow meter.</p>

   <p>5. A device according to claim 1 which may be fitted to the water pipe from a heater or similar water heating device.</p>

   <p>6. A device according to claim 1 which may be fitted to or be an integral part of a heater or similar water heating device.</p>

   <p>7. A device according to claim 1 which may be fitted to or be an integral part of a hot water tap or similar water outlet device.</p>

   <p>8. A device according to claim 3 in which the temperature sensor is</p>

   <p>adjustable.</p>

   <p>9. A device according to claim 4 in which the flow meter is adjustable.</p>

   <p>1O.A device according to claims 3, 48 and 9 in which both temperature and pressure may be the means by which the diversion of the initial cold water is achieved.</p>

   <p>11.A device according to claim 1 in which the location of the diverted water is a water butt or similar static unpressurised cold water container.</p>

   <p>12. A device according to claim 1 in which the location of the diverted water is the normal cold water supply.</p>

   <p>Mr Robert A Curry 458 Butts Road, Sholing Southampton Tet: 07905971842 -21/08/2006</p>