If the developed length from a hot water source to a fixture exceeds 50 FT, what action must be taken?

If the developed length from a hot water source to a fixture exceeds 50 FT, what action must be taken?

• A. Increase pipe diameter
• B. Install a recirculation pump or heat trace
• C. Reduce the length of the pipe
• D. Use insulation on the pipe

Answer: (B)

When the developed length from a hot water source to a fixture exceeds 50 feet, it is essential to install a recirculation pump or heat trace to ensure the water remains at an adequate temperature by the time it reaches the fixture. This requirement is based on the understanding that as hot water travels through pipes, it can lose heat, especially over longer distances. A recirculation pump helps to keep the hot water circulating, which minimizes wait times for hot water at the fixture and alleviates issues related to heat loss. Heat tracing is another effective method that involves wrapping heating cables around the pipes to maintain their temperature, thus ensuring efficient hot water delivery. While options like increasing the pipe diameter, reducing the length of the pipe, or using insulation may contribute to better efficiency or reduced heat loss, they do not directly address the primary concern of ensuring that hot water is readily available at the fixture and at the correct temperature when the developed length exceeds this threshold. Therefore, the action that focuses on maintaining temperature and water availability, specifically through the use of a recirculation pump or heat tracing, is the most appropriate choice in this scenario.

When the developed length from a hot water source to a fixture exceeds 50 feet, it is essential to install a recirculation pump or heat trace to ensure the water remains at an adequate temperature by the time it reaches the fixture. This requirement is based on the understanding that as hot water travels through pipes, it can lose heat, especially over longer distances. A recirculation pump helps to keep the hot water circulating, which minimizes wait times for hot water at the fixture and alleviates issues related to heat loss. Heat tracing is another effective method that involves wrapping heating cables around the pipes to maintain their temperature, thus ensuring efficient hot water delivery.

While options like increasing the pipe diameter, reducing the length of the pipe, or using insulation may contribute to better efficiency or reduced heat loss, they do not directly address the primary concern of ensuring that hot water is readily available at the fixture and at the correct temperature when the developed length exceeds this threshold. Therefore, the action that focuses on maintaining temperature and water availability, specifically through the use of a recirculation pump or heat tracing, is the most appropriate choice in this scenario.