Hot Water Problem Solver: What To Do When It Takes a Long Time for Your Water to Get Hot

Do you ever find yourself waiting for your shower or sink water to heat up? If yes, you’re not alone. In this blog we’ll explore some of the potential causes for this delay and provide solutions for faster hot water.

PROBLEM: The Faucet or Shower is Far from the Water Heater:

One of the most obvious reasons why it takes a while for hot water to reach a faucet is that the faucet is simply located far away from the water heater. When you turn the faucet on, the hot water starts coming from your water heater. But all the cold water in the pipes has to flow out of your faucet before the hot water arrives. This problem is particularly noticeable in larger homes where the plumbing runs a significant distance from the water heater to the farthest faucet.

SOLUTION #1: Tankless Water Heater with Recirculation Pump.

The optimal solution for this situation is a tankless water heater with an integrated recirculation pump. An example of this is Bradford White’s Infiniti^® GR Tankless Water Heater, which delivers instant hot water to every faucet in your home – even the farthest one!

The pump recirculates hot water from the farthest faucet back to the water heater, so the water in the loop stays hot all the time. Just imagine… the water will be perfectly hot as soon as you turn on the faucet – and will stay that way for as long as you need hot water!

Ask your plumbing professional if a tankless water heater is a feasible solution for your home. Need a plumbing contractor? Search here to find a Bradford White professional in your area.

SOLUTION #2: A Point of Use Tankless Electric Water Heater.

If the problem derives from one particular location, like a distant bathroom or garage, a tankless electric water heater may be an easy fix. These are typically installed at the source of the problem, usually under the sink. Tankless electric water heaters will instantly heat the water going to that location, so you won’t have to wait for hot water. Ask your plumbing professional about the Bradford White Kwickshot^® Tankless Electric Water for a great tankless option.

PROBLEM: Sediment Buildup in the Water Heater:

Sediment can be a big problem for water heaters. Over time, minerals in your water can accumulate as sediment at the bottom of your water heater tank, causing a reduction in efficiency. This can be a particularly serious problem if you have “hard water.” You’ll likely know if you have hard water because you’ll notice sediment accumulating on shower walls, around fixtures and on shower heads. If your water heater is struggling because of accumulated sediment, you will have to wait longer for the water to get hot.

SOLUTION: Flush or Replace your Water Heater

Your plumbing professional can flush your water heater to remove accumulated sediment. Flushing your water heater should be a part of the maintenance your plumbing professional conducts on a regular basis.

If your water heater is getting old, it might be worth replacing the water heater instead of flushing it. A new water heater will deliver better performance (with faster hot water!) and increased efficiency to help lower your utility bills every month. Bradford White water heaters have the Hydrojet^® Total Performance System that reduces sediment build-up for better performance and longer life.

PROBLEM: Your Water Heater is Struggling:

Have you noticed a decline in your water heater’s performance? You might experience no hot water, limited hot water or the time it takes for your water to heat up is just too long. If you’ve run through the problems listed above and none seem to fit your situation, it’s time to call your plumbing professional.

SOLUTION: Adhere to Manufacturers Guidelines with Recommended and Required Maintenance

If you’re not happy with the hot water performance of your water heater, call your plumbing professional for a full evaluation. It could be a simple fix or time to upgrade.

If your water heater is undersized for your needs, or if it’s getting old, it may struggle to meet the needs of you and your family. This could also be an opportunity for you to consider upgrading to a new, more efficient water heater or even a tankless water heater or highly efficient heat pump water heater.

CONCLUSION:

If you’re not necessarily experiencing longer wait times for hot water but have noticed a significant decline in the hot water supply, some other recommendations include:

Your Pipes Lack Insulation: Insulating your pipes can help with heat loss, keeping the water in your home’s pipes hot for longer periods of time.
Sediment Buildup in the Water Heater: Sediment build up can lead to a reduction in the amount of hot water produced. Draining / flushing periodically is the recommended way to prevent build up. Please refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines in the installation and operation manual.

There’s no reason to live with hot water issues.Your plumbing professional can help troubleshoot your problem and pursue some of the solutions we’ve outlined here.

If you don’t have a plumbing professional that you’re comfortable with, you can search here to find a Bradford White professional in your area.