Thanks Bobin and Bathtub. I appreciate the point about drawing hot water through the supply pipe. The washer will be next to a sink which is in use and mostly hot water will have been drawn through to this point anyway. The pipe to the washer seems to be of equal quality and strength to hot and cold on other machines. The original Neff dishwasher offered either hot or cold fill, so hot was chosen at that time, still going strong. The washer in question is a high efficiency model with some very quick programmes and low water content. I will have to ponder on the efficiency question. To heat by electric element or draw pre-heated water? A tricky one. I don't now think the machine will be affected as long as it has an adequate water supply. Thanks again. Concrete.

You may or may not save leccy by supplying pre heated water for the wash cycle, but what efficiency gains do you expect by rinsing three or four times in water at 50 - 60 degrees C against the perfectly adequate cold supply? I'll also hazard a guess that the clothes would come out more creased from a hot rinse (tumble driers have the cool down cycle to minimise this). This won't be an issue if it's your other half that does the ironing ;-)

Edited by Chris M on 15/02/2012 at 13:25

Thank you chrism and bromptonaut, very well made and sensible points. It just shows what first seems logical isn't always the case. I knew I would get the answer from the forum. I shall connect it as a cold fill after moving it. Many thanks to one and all. Cheers Concrete