How Long Does a Water Heater Take to Heat Up?

If you have plenty of hot water whenever you want it, you probably don’t give your water heater much thought. However, if the hot water that keeps your home and family running smoothly is in short supply, you’re going to pay attention. And if your water heater is taking too long to generate the hot water you need, it’s time to consult with a professional Delaware County plumbing service.

Water Heater Basics

There are several different kinds of water heaters out there, and understanding the distinctions can help you better understand your own system and needs. To begin with, water heaters can be either electric or gas and can have either a tank or be tankless. Consider the following:

• Tank water heaters use a dip tube to draw cold water down into their tanks.
• When the tank water heater is a gas model, the water is heated by a gas flame that’s located in the center of the tank. The exhaust that’s created in the process is then released up through your home’s roof.
• When the tank water heater is an electric model, the flame is replaced by a heating element. The primary difference is that electric water heaters don’t create exhaust and, therefore, don’t require ventilation.
• Tankless water heaters can use either gas or electricity to heat the water, but they do so on demand – at the source – rather than heating water that’s stored in a tank.

Timing

How long it takes for your water heater to heat water for use in your home depends directly on the type of water heater you have. For example,

• If you have a gas water heater, you can expect it to take about 30 to 40 minutes to heat the water in an average-sized tank.
• If your water heater is electric, it will take about twice as long to get the job done, which translates to about an hour and change.

How long it takes for the hot water to get from the tank to your sink or shower depends on how well-insulated your pipes are and the distance from the tank to the source, which can mean anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.

When it comes to tankless water heaters, it’s a different matter because they heat water only when required. Tankless water heaters work quickly and efficiently and can serve your hot water needs well – as long as they’re not overtaxed.

Your Hot Water Needs

If your hot water needs aren’t being met, your preferences will dictate the kind and size of the hot water heater that’s right for your home. A trusted plumbing professional can help you assess your needs and make the right choice for you and your family.

Consult with a Trusted Delaware County Plumbing Professional Today

If you’re in need of more hot water faster or if your hot water heater is falling down on the job, the plumbing pros at DiGravio – proudly serving Delaware County, Chester County, and Greater Philadelphia for generations – have the knowledge, skill, and experience to get the job done right the first time. Reach out to learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 610-565-5870 – or at 215-468-5962 in Philadelphia – today.