Hi,
Thanks for the tips.
We have already taken those steps because the winter after we moved in the hot water lines froze solid
We are considering putting a small hot water heater in line with the pipes under the house below the kitchen.....I have also read something recently about catching the excess water in a jug while waiting for it to heat up and using it to water plants, fill the washing machine, etc.... Not sure if thats worth the effort though....