Hot water heaters are simple systems with just a few components. That means they’re easy to keep in good condition as long as they’re serviced once in a while. Unfortunately though, hot water heaters do fail, and you may find yourself needing to replace yours sooner or later.
Replacing your hot water heater isn’t a big deal, but it can mean that you spend a few hours without hot water. One of the most common questions is how long does it take for a hot water heater to heat up after installation. It’s fair to ask – you want to know how long you’ll be waiting for your next hot shower. In this article we’re going to answer that question to help you figure out how long the process will take.
How Long Does it Take for a Hot Water Heater to Heat Up?
It can take anywhere between 30 to 90 minutes for a hot water heater to heat up after installation. The actual time it takes depends on the type of water heater, how powerful it is and the size of the tank.
Generally speaking, electric water heaters take longer to heat up than gas-powered systems. This is because electric heaters output less heat than gas systems. A smaller electric system suitable for a family of 3 may only take 60 minutes to heat up. A larger system for a family of 5 or 6 could take 90 minutes or longer to heat. On the other hand, gas hot water systems will need less time to come up to temperature. A small gas-powered hot water heater should only take about 30 minutes to heat up, while a large system may take closer to 60 minutes.
There are also a few other factors that can change how long it takes for a new hot water system to heat up:
- The volume of the storage tank
- How powerful the heater is
- How high you set the thermostat
- The ambient temperature
How to Choose the Right Hot Water Heater
Replacing your water heater is the perfect chance to make sure you’re choosing the right system. The best water heater for your family depends on a lot of different factors. Things like the size of your family, how much hot water you use and whether you have access to natural gas lines all play a role. The best thing you can do to choose the right system is to talk to your plumber. A residential plumber can provide guidance and help select a water heater that provides plenty of hot water without sending your energy bills through the roof.
The table below provides a rough guide to how many litres of water your new system needs to hold:
| Household Size | Electric Water Heater | Gas Water Heater |
| 2-4 | 120L – 160L | 135L – 160L |
| 3-6 | 160L – 300L | 160L – 260L |
| 5-8 | 250L – 400L | 170L – 340L |
Water Heater Maintenance
If waiting for a new hot water system to heat up doesn’t sound like fun, regular maintenance can help you avoid the issue altogether. Routine water heater maintenance takes care of any little issues before they become major repair bills. Take a few minutes to inspect your water heater occasionally. If you see any of the following problems, contact your plumber and ask for help:
- Inconsistent water temperatures
- Signs of water leaks around the tank
- System making squealing, banging or hissing sounds
- Rust-coloured or cloudy hot water
- Corrosion on any of the system’s pipes and fittings
Tankless Hot Water Heaters
If you don’t want to wait for your new water heater to come up to temperature, a tankless heater may be your best option. Tankless water heaters use a gas or electric element to instantly heat water as it passes through this system. That means you have unlimited hot water as soon as the installation is complete. Tankless water heaters are an energy-efficient alternative to traditional systems, but they need to be sized correctly for your home. Talk to your plumber about whether a tankless option is suitable for your family.
Time to Replace Your Hot Water Heater? Contact S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting!
It’s easy to take hot water systems for granted. They work hard every day, but most of us only pay attention when they start to fail. If your hot water heater is looking worse for wear then contact S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting! We’re master plumbers working throughout the Brisbane region. As qualified plumbers and gasfitters, we’re equipped to service, repair and install all types of hot water heater. Our team can supply and install a new water heater that suits your family’s needs and ensures you have years of hot water on demand! Contact us today if you’d like to make an appointment, or call our 24/7 emergency plumbers if you need urgent help.