If you’re standing in the shower waiting for hot water and wondering how long does a water heater take to heat up, you’re not alone. At True Blue Plumbing in Snellville, GA, we often get this question from homeowners frustrated by long wait times or inconsistent hot water. The answer depends on several factors, including the type of water heater you own, its size, and even the incoming water temperature.
How Long Does a Water Heater Take to Heat Up After Installation?
When a new water heater is installed or a tank is fully drained, it takes time to heat a full tank of water. For a traditional electric tank water heater, expect to wait 60 to 80 minutes to reach full temperature. A gas water heater typically heats faster, averaging 30 to 40 minutes. This difference is largely due to the heat source—gas burners heat water more quickly than electric heating elements.
What Affects How Long It Takes?
Several key factors influence how long it takes for your water heater to deliver hot water:
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Tank size: Larger tanks (e.g., 80 gallons) take more time to heat than smaller ones (e.g., 40 gallons).
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Heating method: As noted earlier, gas is faster than electric.
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First-hour rating: This rating tells you how much hot water the unit can deliver in an hour starting with a full tank. A higher rating usually means quicker hot water recovery.
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Incoming water temperature: In colder seasons, it takes longer to raise the water to your desired temperature.
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Thermostat setting: If the temperature setting is lower, your water will heat faster—but you may not be satisfied with the warmth.
How Long Does a Water Heater Take to Heat Up After Running Out?
If you’ve used up all the hot water—like after multiple showers or running the dishwasher and washing machine at once—your heater needs time to recover. On average:
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Gas heaters recover in about 30 to 50 minutes.
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Electric heaters can take 60 to 90 minutes to recover fully.
This is why homes with large families often benefit from faster-recovery models or tankless options.
How Long Does a Tankless Water Heater Take to Heat Up?
Tankless water heaters don’t store hot water; instead, they heat it on demand. So technically, they begin heating immediately when you turn on the tap. However, there’s still a short delay—usually 10 to 20 seconds—as the unit kicks in and sends hot water through your plumbing lines. While not truly “instant,” it’s significantly faster than waiting for a full tank to reheat.
If your tankless system is taking much longer, the issue may be with your flow rate or distance from the heater to the faucet. In some cases, installing a recirculation pump can help speed up delivery.
How Can You Speed Up the Water Heating Process?
If your system is taking too long, there are steps you can take to improve its efficiency:
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Insulate your pipes: This helps retain heat and reduce heat loss between the heater and your faucets.
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Flush your tank regularly: Sediment buildup can slow heating times and reduce efficiency.
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Upgrade your unit: Older water heaters may not perform as well. Replacing it with a newer, energy-efficient model can significantly reduce heating time.
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Install a point-of-use water heater: These smaller units can be placed near frequently used fixtures like bathroom sinks, providing hot water faster.
If you’re unsure whether your water heater is performing properly, it’s worth scheduling a professional inspection. In some cases, a faulty thermostat, heating element, or buildup in the tank could be the reason your hot water is slow to arrive. You can also explore additional If you’re unsure whether your water heater is performing properly, it’s worth scheduling a professional inspection. In some cases, a faulty thermostat, heating element, or buildup in the tank could be the reason your hot water is slow to arrive. You can also explore additional energy-saving tips for water heating from the U.S. Department of Energy to improve your system’s performance and efficiency. to improve your system’s performance and efficiency.
How to Know When It’s Time for a New Water Heater
If you find yourself frequently asking how long does a water heater take to heat up, and the delays are getting longer, your system might be at the end of its lifespan. Most traditional tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years, while tankless systems can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance.
Other warning signs include:
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Rust-colored water
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Strange noises from the tank
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Water pooling around the base of the unit
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Inconsistent temperatures
True Blue Plumbing can help you determine whether your water heater can be repaired or if replacement is the smarter choice.
Schedule Water Heater Service in Snellville, GA
Your water heater plays a critical role in everyday comfort. If you’re tired of waiting for hot water and want answers backed by honest expertise, True Blue Plumbing is here to help. Our licensed technicians provide reliable water heater repairs, replacements, and routine maintenance to keep your system working efficiently.
Call us today to schedule a water heater checkup or consultation. We’ll help you stop guessing and get your hot water flowing fast.
