Sometimes hot water pipes will expand when the hot water reaches the colder sections of a water pipe. This expansion can create a popping or metallic sound as it expands. If this is the case, a more expensive yet more energy conserving repair would be to install a flow-sensing or timed hot water circulating pump near the water heater. A timed pump is set to operate during the times you normally use hot water. A flow-sensing pump senses when hot water is needed by the flow of the water and activates to send hot water to the faucet. No longer do you have to run the hot water faucet, wasting water, until the water turns warm. This conserves water saving energy and money.
You can choose an on-demand hot water system that uses a third pipe as a loop between the faucets and the water heater, or you can choose a system that uses a bypass valve between the hot and cold water pipes at the fixture. I have used a Grundfos pump and bypass valve that provide hot water on demand. Go to grundfos.com and search "circulating pumps."
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C. Dwight Barnett is a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors. Write to him with home improvement questions at C. Dwight Barnett, Evansville Courier & Press, P.O. Box 268, Evansville, Ind. 47702 or e-mail him at dbarnett4539@gmail.com.
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