Systems and Methods of Purge Water Recovery

Abstract

A method of purge water recovery in which a hose has an end connected to a shower arm supply pipe located opposite another end having an adapter with a shut-off valve connected to a threaded spout of an expandable container. The expandable container receives purge water from plumbing in association with a water heater when a hot water supply valve is oriented in an open position. The gusset of the expandable container expands when purge water enters the expandable container. The shut-off valve of the hose adapter is closed when a user determines that the water temperature has reached a desirable bathing temperature. The adapter of the hose is removed from the threaded spout of the expandable container by a user. The user places a removable spigot on the threaded spout of the expandable container. The user dispenses the purge water from the expandable container during a subsequent use.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention[0001]This invention relates, generally, to systems and methods of purge water recovery. More particularly, it relates to an expandable container capable of retaining purge water from a water heater.2. Background Art[0002]The plumbing that is located between a hot water heater and a shower head retains purge water when a shower is not in use. This purge water is water at rest and is typically a colder and more undesirable temperature than the water produced from the hot water heater during use. When the hot water supply valve is oriented in an open position, heated water is produced from the water heater and makes its way through the plumbing, through the shower arm supply pipe, through the shower head, and onto a bathing user. The purge water that is the cooler standing water being retained within the plumbing in between uses may be undesirable for a user to bath in due to the cold temperature. Currently, this cooler, unused purge...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is for a method and apparatus for recovering purge water. This invention involves using an expandable container that has a gusset that expands when filled with purge water. The container has a threaded spout and can be attached to a shower arm supply pipe. A removable lid is attached to the spout to prevent splashing during transport. The apparatus includes a water heater, faucet, shower arm supply pipe, and expandable container. The invention allows for efficient recovery of purge water and reduces the risk of leakage during use and storage.

Problems solved by technology

This purge water is water at rest and is typically a colder and more undesirable temperature than the water produced from the hot water heater during use.

The purge water that is the cooler standing water being retained within the plumbing in between uses may be undesirable for a user to bath in due to the cold temperature.

Typically, two to five gallons of purge water is wasted during each shower as a user is waiting for the bathing water to heat up to a desired temperature.

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