How long does a 40-gallon water heater take to heat up?

Author: Ms. Lorine Kemmer  |  Last update: Monday, October 20, 2025

An average 40-gallon heater will only take about 30 to 40 minutes to provide heat water, while you can expect hot water from a larger tank (80-gallons) in approximately 60 to 70 minutes. Electric hot water tanks, on the other hand, will take a little longer.

How long of a shower can you take with a 40-gallon water heater?

For instance, a typical shower uses about 10 gallons of hot water. So, if you have a 40-gallon hot water tank, you should be able to get four average-length showers out of your hot water tank. This also depends on how much hot water you use for other things.

How long does it take for hot water to come back after it runs out?

When you use up all of the hot water in a traditional water heater, you will often need to wait anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours or more for the water in the tank to reheat. This is why many people opt to switch to tankless water heaters.

Why is my water heater taking so long to heat up?

Sediment buildup is typically a bigger problem for gas water heaters since most of the heat comes directly from the gas burner underneath the unit's tank. A thick layer of sediment will basically act like a blanket of insulation and prevent much of the heat from the burner from being transferred to the water.

How long does it take for a hot water tank to heat up from a cold?

Here are some common heat up times for different water heaters, assuming the appliances are new and properly sized for the home: Electric storage tank water heater: 60–80 minutes. Propane storage tank water heater: 30–40 minutes. Propane tankless water heater: 0 minutes.

How long does it take for a water heater to heat up?

How long does it take for a 40-gallon water heater to heat back up?

An average 40-gallon heater will only take about 30 to 40 minutes to provide heat water, while you can expect hot water from a larger tank (80-gallons) in approximately 60 to 70 minutes. Electric hot water tanks, on the other hand, will take a little longer.

How to tell if a water heater is working?

The easiest way to tell if your water heater is working is to open a faucet and see if you have hot water. Keep in mind that if you've just installed a brand new water heater, it will take some time for the tank to fill and heat up.

How can I make my hot water heater heat up faster?

Here are the best tips for getting faster hot water:
  1. Insulate Pipes.
  2. Adjust Your Water Heater's Temperature Setting.
  3. Adjust or Remove Your Volume Restrictor.
  4. Install a Point-of-Use Water Heater.
  5. Service Your Water Heater.

How often should I flush my water heater?

Most homeowners should flush their water heaters every 6 months or so, but if you have extremely hard water, you may want to do it more often. Flushing your hot water heater could be necessary as often as every few months depending on the mineral content of your local water supply.

Why does my shower take forever to warm up?

Sometimes, a shower that takes forever to heat up is due to the distance between the shower and the water heater. Basically, when your water heater is far from your shower, the hot water will take longer to run through your pipes and reach your shower head. Wider than normal pipes can also slow down your hot water.

Why does my hot water run out after 20 minutes?

If your hot water runs out too fast, you may have an issue with: Too much hot water demand from multiple sources at the same time. Sediment build up inside of your water heater tank. A broken dip tube.

How long does it take for a 50 gallon water heater to heat up?

Here is a breakdown of how many gallons of water and the time it takes to heat the water. 40-gallon electric water heater – typically takes between 60 and 80 minutes. 50-gallon electric water heater – typically takes between 145 and 150 minutes.

How long does it take for hot water to kick back in?

Well, it depends on your water heater's recovery rate, which is how long it takes to reheat the water tank once it depletes. On average, an 80-gallon tank water heater can take anywhere from 1-2 hours to recover. However, this is just a ballpark figure.

Does turning up the water heater make hot water last longer?

Raising the temperature setting on your water heater ultimately makes your hot water supply last longer. It will ensure everyone gets a hot shower, with plenty leftover to run your dishwasher and washing machine.

Is a 40 gallon water heater enough for 2 people?

A 40 gallon hot water heater can accommodate around 2 to 3 people in a home. This is a rough estimate that will vary based on the number of appliances in your house and the average duration of your shower.

Can you replace a 40 gallon water heater with a 50 gallon?

The diameter of the 50 gallon unit is only 2” bigger than the 40 gallon model, and the other dimensions and venting requirements are identical. No venting or gas piping revisions are needed going up from one size to the other.

What happens if you never flush your water heater?

-Reduced Efficiency: As scaling collects at the bottom of the tank, your water heater will become less effective at heating the water in the tank. -Corrosion: If your water heater goes long enough without a proper flush, you could also have corrosion attacking the tank itself, weakening its structural integrity.

Is it better to flush or drain your water heater?

It is recommended that you flush your water heater at least once per year. Doing so will help to prevent the potential problems that sediment can bring over time. Typically, it takes one to two hours to flush a water heater. The size of your tank will impact the amount of time it takes to drain.

How often should I change the anode rod in my water heater?

The frequency of anode rod replacement depends on several factors, such as water quality, usage patterns, and the type of anode rod installed. In most cases, we recommend inspecting and potentially replacing the anode rod every 3 to 5 years.

Why is my hot water only lukewarm?

Over time, sediment can build up in the bottom of the tank, where the burner usually is. This can lead to slower heating or poor efficiency in your water heater, meaning lukewarm water rather than hot water. The solution for this is to drain the tank and to use a water softener.

Why is my hot water taking so long to heat up?

Sometimes, your hot water pipes can be the reason it takes so long to get hot water. If your shower is across the house from the water heater, it can take longer to get there. Other piping issues include the size of the piping and the water pressure. And the larger your home, the worse the problem will be.

How long do hot water heaters last?

While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.

What usually fails on a water heater?

Common water heater problems and how to troubleshoot them. Water heater problems can be caused by electrical or gas problems, failures in water heater elements, or faulty pipes or valves.

How to tell if your anode rod is bad?

Poor water heater performance can sometimes stem from an anode rod that's overdue for replacement. If you notice signs of poor performance, such as discolored or rusty water, sulfuric or rotten egg smells, popping sounds from the tank, or high heating bills, inspect your water rod to determine if it needs replacement.

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