Diversion in place.
Hot water diversion systems divert hot water draw-off (cold water in the hot water pipe) until the hot water at the fixture reaches the set temperature. The water is stored in a hot water diversion tank and is available as an alternative water source for toilet flushing.
Hot water recirculation recirculates the cold water in the plumbing until it is hot enough to use at the tap.
A point of confusion occurs when a BASIX document is prepared for multi unit or dual occupancy BASIX. The way the government document is presented leads a lot of first time readers to believe a divertor is required. This is not he case, as highlighted in the picture above. This is only the case if the box next to the WELS star ratings of fittings in the ‘fixtures’ section is selected.
Another point of confusion is the divertor itself. Dwellings with solar pv installed can have a ‘hot water divertor’ installed, but this is an electrical product that directs unused power to the hot water system instead of back to the grid (to a preset temperature) This is not what the BASIX is talking about.
BASIX recognises the following types of hot water management systems:
Hot water diversion systems - diverts cold water in the hot water pipe to a tank
Hot water recirculation systems (on-demand) - circulates cold water in the hot water pipe back to the water heater in response to a switch or sensor
Hot water recirculation systems (continuous/timed) - circulates cold water in the hot water pipe back to the water heater continuously or in response to a timer
The installation of a hot water management system will require discussion with your plumber/hydraulic designer, to ensure they understand the plumbing requirements for these systems, and factor this in during design/installation stages of the development. The system must be permanently connected to every hot water-using fixture located within the dwelling.
Note: a hot water diversion system or recirculation system is NOT an instantaneous hot water system.
