How Long For Hot Water Heater To Heat Up? (And How to Make It Faster)

Written by Tim Rhodes Last Updated: Oct 1 2024

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If you’ve ever been in the shower and suddenly had freezing cold water hit you, you know how important it is to have a reliable hot water heater. But have you ever wondered how long it actually takes for your hot water heater to heat up? And is there anything you can do to make it heat up faster?

How Long For Hot Water Heater To Heat Up?

Depending on the type of heater you have, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour for your hot water heater to heat up. If you have an electric heater, it will take longer to heat up than if you have a gas heater.

Generally, larger tanks and higher settings will result in longer wait times. Electric water heaters are typically the quickest, while propane models tend to be the slowest. For most people, however, it only takes a few minutes to heat up their hot water heater.

Factors that affect how long it takes for a hot water heater to heat up.

There are a few factors that affect how long it will take for your hot water heater to heat up. The size of the tank, the size of the heating element, the setting on the thermostat, and the incoming water temperature all play a role.

A larger tank will take longer to heat up than a smaller tank.

A larger heating element will heat up the water faster than a smaller element.

And if you have the thermostat set to a lower temperature, it will take longer to heat up than if it is set to a higher temperature.

Finally, if the water coming into the heater is already hot, it will take less time to heat up than if the water is cold.

Does your hot water heater take too long to heat up?

You know it’s time to check your hot water heater when you turn on the shower and the water is only lukewarm. This guide will show you how to quickly check if your hot water heater is taking too long to heat up.

First, take a look at the thermostat on your hot water heater. It should be set to at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s set any lower than that, it can cause lukewarm water or even cold water. Simply turn the thermostat up to 120 degrees and wait a few minutes to see if that solves the problem. If not, move on to the next step.

Next, check the pilot light. If it’s out, that could be why your hot water heater is taking too long to heat up. Relight the pilot light following the instructions in your owner’s manual. Once it’s lit, wait a few minutes to see if that solves the problem. If not, there may be a problem with the gas line leading to your hot water heater. You’ll need to call a qualified technician to take a look at it and make sure everything is in working order.

If you’ve tried these two steps and your hot water heater is still taking too long to heat up, there may be sediment build-up inside the tank. This can insulate the heating elements and prevent them from doing their job properly. To flush out sediment, follow these steps:

1. Turn off power to your hot water heater – either gas or electric power.
2. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of your hot water heater and open the valve.
3. Let all of the water drain out until it runs clear. This could take several minutes – be patient!
4. Close the drain valve and turn the power back on to your hot water heater. Your Sediment should now be gone and you should have Hot Water!

Ways to make a hot water heater heat up faster.

You can try these things to make your hot water heater heat up faster:

• If your water heater is electric, make sure both thermostats are set to “High.”
• Insulate the hot water pipes. This will help to keep heat from escaping as the water travels from the heater to your faucets. You can find pipe insulation at most hardware stores.
• Install a recirculating pump. This will circulate hot water through your pipes so that there’s always hot water at your taps. That way, you won’t have to wait for the water to heat up each time you want to use it. Recirculating pumps are available at most hardware stores.
• Bleed your hot water heater. This gets rid of any air that might be trapped in the system, which can make the water take longer to heat up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take for a 40-gallon hot water heater to heat up?

It will take a 40-gallon hot water heater about an hour to heat up.

How long does it take for a 50-gallon hot water heater to heat up?

It will take a 50-gallon hot water heater about an hour and a half to heat up.

How long does it take for a 60-gallon hot water heater to heat up?

It will take a 60-gallon hot water heater about two hours to heat up.

How long does it take for a new hot water heater to get hot?

If you’re using a new hot water heater for the first time, it will take longer to heat up because the tank will be full of cold water. It’s best to let the tank fill up completely and then turn on the power (gas or electric) and let it run for an hour or so before using any hot water. This will give the heater time to completely heat up the water in the tank.

Can I speed up the process by running hot water from another faucet in my home?

You can speed up the process by running hot water from another faucet in your home. This will help to displace the cold water in the pipes and get hot water to your taps faster.

How long do you have to wait for hot water to come back?

It will take about an hour for the hot water to come back.

How often should I flush my hot water heater?

You should flush your hot water heater every six months to get rid of any sediment that might have built up.

What should I do if my hot water heater is taking too long to heat up?

There are several things you can try: increasing the thermostat setting, relighting the pilot light, flushing out sediment, or bleeding the system of air. If none of these things work, you may need to call a qualified technician to take a look at your system.

Final Thoughts

Typical water heaters will need between 30 minutes and one hour to heat up.

If your hot water heater is taking too long to heat up, there are several things you can try to speed up the process. These include increasing the thermostat setting, relighting the pilot light, flushing out sediment, or bleeding the system of air.

If none of these things work, you may need to call a qualified technician to take a look at your system.