The plumber installed our Drain Heat Recovery Unit this week. The first photo is of the old drain stack which had to be replaced (look for the vertical cast iron pipe in the middle of the photo). The fact that it needed to be replaced contributed to our decision to go with this eco-feature.
Look closely at the second photo for the vertical pipe wrapped in copper wire to the left hand side of the image. This is the DHR unit now located beside where the old laundry sink was situated (to go back in).
A good description of a DHR system is available at another house renovation blog:
Here is a little taste: "Put simply, a DWHR unit captures heat from your waste drain water and redirects it back into system. It’s estimated that it can recycle up to 60% of the wasted heat, save up to 40% on water heating costs, and reduce your home’s overall energy consumption by 5-10%." Basically, shower water tends to go down the drain at a high temperature - this system captures the waste heat and uses it to pre-heat the new water.
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