how long does it take for hot water to come back after shower
Running out of hot water after a shower can be frustrating, especially in a busy household. If you’ve ever wondered, how long does it take for hot water to come back after a shower?, the answer depends on multiple factors, including the type of hot water system, tank size, and heating efficiency.
Mostly used hot water systems in Australia include heat pump water heaters, solar, continuous flow (tankless), electric storage, and gas storage. Each one has different recovery rates ranging from some minutes up to over one hour. The distinctions are such that it will aid you in strategizing how and when to utilize your water use as well as in determining which system would work best for you.
Factors That Affect Hot Water Recovery Time
1. Type of Hot Water System
The size of the hot water system has the largest influence on the waiting time for a supply of hot water after a shower.
Electric storage systems will heat a tank of water in 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. The time depends on the size of the tank and the heating element’s wattage.
Gas systems are quicker than electrical systems, coming back up in 30 minutes to 1 hour. Gas burners are quicker to heat water, and these systems are a favorite among big households.
Continuous flow (tankless) systems offer immediate hot water since they heat water instantly as needed and not in a storage tank. These systems never “run out” of hot water.
Solar hot water systems rely on the sun for heat, so recovery times are not consistent. On a sunny day, the water warms rapidly, but on a cloudy day, the system will use an electric or gas booster, which will recover in 30 minutes or more.
Heat pumps are efficient but less quick than electric or gas storage heaters. They pull heat out of the air to heat water, taking about 1 to 2 hours to come back up after a shower.
2. Tank Size and Water Demand
For tank-based systems, tank size impacts how quickly hot water returns. Small tanks heat up quickly but deplete the hot water supply quickly, whereas large tanks hold more water but take a longer time to recover.
If several individuals shower in rapid succession, the system will not be able to cope, particularly if the tank is not large enough for the household demand. Tankless systems solve this problem by delivering a constant hot water supply.
3. Water Heater Temperature Settings
Most water heaters are usually fixed at about 60°C (140°F) to avoid bacterial growth. Raising the temperature may lower recovery time, but it will also increase energy use and enhance the risk of scalds. If you choose to change the thermostat, install a thermostatic mixing valve to provide for safe water temperatures at your faucets.
4. Incoming Water Temperature
The incoming water temperature also influences the recovery time. The colder the water entering the system, either in colder climates or winter, the longer it will take to warm up since the system has to do more work to achieve the required temperature and hence takes longer to recover.
5. System Age and Maintenance
A newer water heater will recover faster because the inner tank does not have much sediment and wear. Routine maintenance like flushing the system and inspecting the heating elements will make the system more efficient and increase recovery time.
Average Recovery Times for Various Hot Water Systems
Electric Storage Systems: 30 Minutes – 1.5 Hours
Electric storage water heaters are widespread in Australian residences, yet they recover more slowly than gas or tankless units. A small electric system will recover in about 30 minutes, whereas bigger tanks (like 250L units) recover in a maximum of 1.5 hours.
Gas Storage Systems: 30 Minutes – 1 Hour
Gas storage water heaters reheat quicker than electric systems since gas burners generate more heat. Most gas storage heaters will reheat completely in 30 minutes to 1 hour after depleting hot water.
Continuous Flow (Tankless) Systems: Instant
A continuous flow or tankless system supplies hot water when needed, and there is no waiting for the hot water to come back. They are well suited for families with heavy usage. But the capacity of the system should be equal to the demand of your home so that temperature will not fluctuate if more than one tap is open at a time.
Solar Hot Water Systems: 30 Minutes – 1 Hour+ (With Booster)
Solar water heaters use the sun’s power, and their recovery time will be determined by the weather. In sunny weather, the water will get hot in a short while, but in rainy or cloudy weather, the system might use an electric or gas booster. Recovery time when using the booster will be 30 minutes to more than an hour.
Heat Pump Hot Water Systems: 1 – 2 Hours
Heat pump heaters are effective but will take longer to recover from a shower than gas or electric heaters. As they draw heat from the ambient air, they can be influenced by external temperature conditions and typically take between 1 and 2 hours to recover from a shower.
How to Decrease Hot Water Recovery Time
If you’re tired of waiting for hot water, there are several ways to speed up recovery time and improve your system’s efficiency.
1. Upgrade to a More Efficient System
If your household frequently runs out of hot water, upgrading your water heater can make a big difference. Some options include:
Installing a larger tank if using a storage system.
Switching to a gas-powered system for faster heating.
2. Fine-Tune Your Water Heater Settings
Raising the temperature setting on your water heater will shorten recovery time, but beware of the hazards. Higher temperatures add to energy expenses and the risk of scalding. A safer alternative is installing a mixing valve to achieve safe water temperatures at faucets while having the heater set for a higher temperature.
3. Regular Maintenance
Regular servicing keeps your water heater running well and minimizes recovery delays. Some of the important maintenance activities are:
Flushing the tank to clear sediment accumulation which can impede heating.
Changing heating elements in electric systems for inspection and replacement.
Verifying gas burners for efficiency in gas water heaters.
Cleaning solar panels for better heat absorption in solar water heaters.
4. Space Out Showings and Hot Water Use
If you have a multi-family home, staggering showers and breaking up hot water usage (like running dishwashers or washing machines in alternating periods) will stop the system from losing hot water as rapidly.
When to Call a Professional
If your hot water system takes more than the usual amount of time to recover or is regularly running out of hot water, it needs repair or replacement. Some common issues that require professional attention are:
An incorrect thermostat or heating system.
Presence of sediment in the tank lowering heating efficiency.
Tank leakage or corrosion.
Issues with the gas supply or burners on gas systems.
A professional plumber or hot water expert can investigate the issue and provide the ideal solution. If you require immediate help, call EE Hot Water for professional assistance today.
Conclusion
How soon does hot water come back after a shower? It varies depending on the hot water system type, tank size, and settings. Electric storage systems are the slowest (1.5 hours), gas storage heaters slightly faster (30 minutes to 1 hour), and continuous flow heaters immediately supply hot water. If you are aware of these conditions and adopt efficiency measures, you can offer a constant and stable supply of hot water to your home.