How long does a 50-gallon water heater take to get hot?

Author: Scottie Stroman PhD  |  Last update: Sunday, February 15, 2026

50-gallon gas water heater – typically takes up to 40-50 minutes to heat 40-degree water to 120 degrees. 80-gallon gas water heater – typically takes up to 60-70 minutes to heat 40-degree water to 120 degrees.

What is the recovery time for a 50 gallon water heater?

For example, on a 50 gallon electric heater, if the maximum wattage input is 4500 watts, you would multiply 4500 by . 004; result, 18 gallons per hour recovery. Then divide 18 into the rated gallon capacity (50 gallons). Result would be 2.8 -- or approximately three hours operating recovery time.

How much should it cost to replace a 50 gallon gas hot water heater?

Gas water heaters typically range from $1,100 to $4,000 for complete professional replacement depending on your area and complexity of installation.

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 can I shower with a 50 gallon water heater?

With a low gpm head and full hot you should be able to get 20 min out of 50 gallons. Now you turn down the hot and add a little cold and you should get more time in a less hot shower. If you need more time you could turn up the water heater and use a less hot water to cold ratio. That would get you a few more minutes.

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

How many gallons of hot water does a 5 minute shower use?

With a low-flow showerhead, you can expect to use about two gallons of water each minute, equating to 10 gallons over a 5-minute period. If a standard showerhead is fit, the shower will likely emit around an extra half gallon of water per minute, so a 5-minute shower will use in the region of 12.5 gallons.

How long does a 50-gallon water heater take to heat back up?

50-gallon gas water heater – typically takes up to 40-50 minutes to heat 40-degree water to 120 degrees. 80-gallon gas water heater – typically takes up to 60-70 minutes to heat 40-degree water to 120 degrees.

How can I make my hot water 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.

Why does it take 5 minutes to get hot water?

Water Currently in Pipes

One of the most basic reasons many homeowners are forced to wait for hot water to come out of the faucet is that there's water already in the pipes. Water starts flowing from the faucet as soon as you turn it on, and the water that comes out first won't come directly from your hot water heater.

How long does a water heater take to get hot again?

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.

Does Home Depot install water heaters?

The Home Depot partners with local, licensed and insured professionals to help homeowners choose the right water heater for their home. If you live within 30 miles of a Home Depot store and call us before noon at 1-800-HOME-DEPOT, our team offers same-day installation.

How long does it take a plumber to replace a gas water heater?

Water Heater Installation Process. Once you decide to (or are forced to) replace your current water heater, there are a few decisions you need to make to get the process started. If there are no issues or complications, a licensed plumber should be able to complete the process in 2-3 hours.

Why does my 50 gallon water heater run out of hot water?

Sediment build up inside of your water heater tank. A broken dip tube. A water heater that is nearing the end of its lifespan. A faulty water heater thermostat.

What is the life expectancy of a 50 gallon water heater?

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.

How many showers from a 50 gallon tank?

How Many People Can Shower With a 50 Gallon Water Heater? A standard shower for a single person is around 20 gallons of water. So, a 50-gallon water heater is suitable for a family of three to four people.

How long does it take for a 50 gallon hot water heater to empty?

How Long Does It Take to Drain a 50-Gallon Water Heater? Draining a 50-gallon water heater for larger units usually takes 45 to 60 minutes. However, it's worth noting that these are approximations, and the actual time can vary.

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.

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

Turning up the heat at the water heater causes hotter water to go to the hot tap. If you desire the same temperature, this makes you use more of the cold tap. Therefore, you're using a smaller percentage of hot water for the same total shower flow. This makes the perceived hot water in your tank last longer.

Are point of use tankless water heaters worth it?

Pros and Benefits

Tankless heaters reduce standby loss, lower energy use, and cut utility costs efficiently. Tankless water heaters provide continuous hot water, meeting high demand without the risk of running out.

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 do I get immediate hot water?

A: For instant hot water under the sink, install a point-of-use water heater. This compact device is installed directly beneath the sink and heats water on demand or stores hot water in a small tank, making it available instantly. Tankless versions are particularly space-efficient and energy-saving.

What is the fastest water heating method?

Scientists have used a powerful X-ray laser at the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory to heat water from room temperature to 100,000 degrees Celsius in less than a tenth of a picosecond, or millionth of a millionth of a second.

How long does it take to replace a 50 gallon water heater?

Installing a new water heater usually only takes 2 to 3 hours. Keep in mind that if you are switching from a tank water heater to a tankless water heater or vice versa, it could take a little longer.

How long between showers for hot water?

If you assume that an 80-gallon tank has about 55 gallons of hot water to dispense before refilling, that means you have 27 or so minutes of total shower time before running out of hot water. Of course, if you have a tankless water heater, you don't have to worry about this at all.

How to know if an electric water heater is on?

To check if water heater is working there is a tap at the bottom similar to a garden hose tap on the side of a house. Put pan under tap and lightly open valve and see if it is hot coming out, if not either thermostat or heating elements are bad and need replaced.

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