Federal law mandates that shower heads manufactured in the United States cannot output more than 2.5 gallons of water per minute. There are also Federal mandates for faucets and toilets. Believe it or not, there is actually a black market for illegal toilets.

True, but federal law doesn't forbid you from removing the tiny little "water saver" washer in the shower head in fact many even include instructions on how to do just that. Modifying most toilets is just as simple for a "super flush."

That's one of the things I miss most down here since we have electric HW and no gas. The electric versions are terrible I'm told and need multiple electric lines run.

The newer shower heads can be modified to allow more flow, but I think it is a little more difficult than just removing a washer. Usually, you need to drill out the restrictor hole. Not that I would ever do that. But, where there is a will, there is a way.

I was raised and live in the country. We always conserve our delicious well water. I am right there with you.

I can't speak for "all" but the 3 I have handled over the last year all had washers (well, not really a washer but a rubber edged disk with metal in the middle and a tiny hole) that you pop out. The 2 my sister just got which were very expensive "decorator" models were the same. They made a very noticeable difference in water volume/pressure from the shower head.
Sometimes you think you need to drill them out but if you take a small sharp pointed drywall screw and screw it into the restrictor hole 1 turn then yank on it it pops out without needing to drill.

Thanks. But, actually, I'm pretty satisfied with the cheap, legal shower head that the builder installed. And, I shower every week, whether I need to or not. I think that the Federal law has worked because the newer shower heads and toilets seem to be designed to function better than ever, especially when you have good water pressure.

FYI on return mixer valve
 

Just to be aware. I had a recirculating pump installed years ago and eventually the return mixer valve clogged up and the pump kept trying to pump water. Long story short the hot water line burst at an elbow in a closet wall and flooded closet, spare bedroom and garage. Luckily friends happened to check the house that day, as we were away. Shut off water from hot water tank before we had 60 gallons of warm water (tank set to low while away) over whole house. Cut short our Xmas visit with family

:1rotfl: If you showered more than once a week you might think differently :1rotfl:

Yikes, I have read about the mixers clogging but never heard of a pipe explosion because of it! Maybe a poor "glue job" on that elbow contributed to it? Can't imagine that much pressure being present to cause that to burst. I will make sure I turn off pump when we travel regardless.

I just installed a Watts recirculating pump. My house (Aspen) was very slow in shower and kitchen to get hot water. Sometimes up to 60 to 90 seconds. VERY easy to install (had friend with experience with Sharkbite fittings) and set up.

Seems to work very well. Hot water in kitchen about 5 seconds now. Has timer to turn off at night. You can also install additional pressure valves on more sinks if you think you need it faster on those sinks.

So far very happy

JM

Bummer situation... that could have been a lot more of a problem for you. :$:



W turned off our recirculating pump when gone for more than a couple of days.

Normally these type of pumps have a timer that controls the various times of day that it recirculates. It is easy to change or shut off. Otherwise your are re-heating water that is not going to be used.

Life is good no matter how long it takes to get hot water. Actually I never gave it much thought.

For some of us life is BETTER than good with faster hot water! :D :D :D

I believe the pumps used are " circulator" pumps not "pressure" pumps, shouldn't increase the pressure in the system much if any...