Traditional hot water distribution systems consist of a trunk and branch layout. This entails a relatively long, large-diameter main line feeding smaller branches that flow to plumbing fixtures or split to serve multiple fixtures. Even in relatively small homes of 1,200 square feet, the volume to the furthest fixture can exceed 1.5 gallons and the time to the tap can be more than 90 seconds. One efficient alternative is a compact hot water plumbing layout where the home is designed so that all rooms using water (e.g., kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room) are placed in close proximity to the water heater. This results in hot water piping to each plumbing fixture and appliance in as direct a path as possible.