When not put a light timer on the plug to the pump and have it circulated for ten minutes, at some appointed time like ten minutes before you take a shower in the morning.

+1 That's what I did with mine (using a heavy-duty sprinkler timer). I have the recirc. pump going from 6a ~ 9a and then again from 6p ~ 10p.

if you can get to all or most if it, add pipe insulation to the hot water pipes.

Depends on the layout of the shower area, but you could trigger the preheat flow with a motion detector.

How about something in the X-10 "Smart House" area. Programable outlets or switches should allow this and you can control it from your computer...even while you're at work or on vacation, etc.

Something like these.

Randy

This site caters to automation in the home. I'm sure what you need is here somewhere.

http://www.smarthome.com/_/index.aspx

I think Billy Mays has something for you Wayne.

I use x-10 all over my house and I am happy. can be hooked up to computer and you actually can control your house from the office.
most of the items are wireless and you just need one ot two power outlets.

you could also go with an tankless instant on water heater (Rinnai o.a.e.)

Timer
 

Some heating/ ac suppliers stock timers that control when the blower comes on after the heating elements get hot. I have purchased 3 minute timers and 10 minute timers. They probably make other time delays. These only cost a few dollars about 5 years ago. They should do what you want if you can find a wireless switch to turn it on.

just flush the toilet right before you start the shower :eek:
that usually works in my house:)

Is it an actual pump circulating the water or is it a thermo-siphon?

If you insulate the pipes, a thermo-siphon is hard to beat for close to instant hot water.

Most people have no idea what you are talking about. Works best in a multi-level home, no? I believe Wayne's new home is a single story with all the shower and tub fills on a similar plane. It would take a master plumber to make that work. However, a 3 story home has no need for a circulating pump if the plumber knows his stuff. Now the question would be how to stop it. :D

Wayne, maybe I can help. You need to control the timing on the recirculating pump? You might be able to hook up a themo sensitive switch to it. you can get them to kick on at various temp. to switch on the pump. once the pipe reaches a certain temp, the pump shuts off. We install them along with a timer so the pump is off completely at night. Is it a traditional water heater? Depend on how ling the run is, the pump runs for about 20 seconds on the average and it goes off for 10-15 minutes. Within the hour, the pump in my house go on for 5-6 times. I always have instant hot water. Can you give me more details? That switch is a $25 item.

Jeff