How long does it take for hot water to heat up after replacing elements?

Author: Chadd Walsh  |  Last update: Thursday, February 20, 2025

"Replacing A Heating Element" It may take several hours for a newly installed electric water heater to reach normal operating temperature. If you don't have hot water after two hours (water not even warm), first check to make sure the water heater is getting electrical power.

How long to get hot water after replacing an element?

A single element tank might take an hour. A gas one should do it in thirty minutes or less. It also depends on how cool the water coming in is. They say it's hard on the heating element to let the tank get cold. So, if it's done very much, the heating element gets less effective and then it takes a lot longer.

What to do after changing water heater elements?

If you turned the power on before filling then you will have to replace the elements again. Once you replace the elements fill the water heater. Once it is full let all of the air out by opening a tap or two. Once the water starts coming out of the tap without air then you can turn the power on.

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

Average Water Heater Recovery Times

60-70 minutes (for a gas tank water heater). 120 minutes (for an electric tank water heater).

How long does it take hot water to heat up 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.

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

Why is my new hot water heater only lukewarm?

Now, if your new hot water heater is only lukewarm, then it may not have been used enough yet for sediment build-up—but if the unit isn't new, sediment build-up is the most common cause.

Why does hot water take so long to heat up?

Your water heater may also be on its last legs — sediment buildup, burnt out heating elements, rust, and a faulty thermostat may be the cause.

How can I make my hot water come back 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 long does it take a hot water heater to fill back up?

The time it will take for your hot water heater to refill depends on the water pressure of the home. But as a general rule, it will take 30-40 minutes for a 40-gallon tank to fill up (1 minute/gallon).

How long does it take to repair heat damage?

Moderately damaged hair may start to return to its “usual self” in two to three months after using heat with caution & twice-weekly treatments, especially if you use treatments & ingredients such as jojoba oil that are specifically targeted at rebuilding your hair's protein & restoring its lipids.

Why do I still have no hot water after changing the element?

If the unit is powered with the correct voltage, and still does not produce any hot water, the upper heating element has probably burned out. A water heater must be completely full of water before electric power is applied or the upper heating element will burn out (this is called Dry Fire).

How long does it take to get air out of water lines?

While these sounds can be scary and seem like serious issues, the cause is usually quite benign. Most often, a loud sound coming from your pipes is caused by trapped air. By turning off your main water supply and running all faucets for 10-15 minutes, you force any trapped air through your water pipes.

How do I know if my hot water element is working?

Check the resistance of the upper heating element using a multimeter. Measure the resistance between the two screw terminals on the upper heating element. A good element will have a resistance between 5 and 25 Ohms.

Why is my water not getting hot after replacing the water heater?

If you have no hot water after installing a new water heater, the most likely reasons are (1) no electric power or (2) the upper heating element was burned out during installation (dry fire). The information on this web site is supplemental to the printed instructions that came with your water heater.

Do you have to drain a water heater to change an element?

You don't have to go into the take to access them. Next, figure out which heating element you need to replace. If you're only replacing the top heating element, you only have to empty the tank until it's not in the water. If you have to replace both or just the bottom one, you'll need to empty the whole tank.

What trips the reset button on a hot water heater?

However, if either thermostat fails to turn off, the reset button will trip to prevent the tank from overheating. Other common issues include a burnt-out heating element, a worn-out reset button, or a faulty circuit breaker or wiring.

How long should I wait for hot water to come back?

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.

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

A properly and professionally installed gas hot water heater will provide hot water most quickly. 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.

How do I know if my hot water heater is filling up?

Open each hot water faucet slowly to allow the air to vent from the Water Heater and piping. A steady flow of water from the hot water faucet(s) indicates a full Water Heater.

Why is my hot water taking longer than usual to heat up?

Sediment buildup in the hot water tank makes it hard for the burners to heat properly, and you end up getting lukewarm water from the water heater. You likely need water heater maintenance to drain and clean the tank, and look for any faulty parts.

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.

How do I get immediate hot water?

How to Get Hot Water Faster
  1. Insulate the Pipes. If you think your water pipes are to blame for your hot water troubles, adding insulation might improve your situation. ...
  2. Hot Water Recirculation Pump. ...
  3. Replace Fixtures with a Higher Flow Rate. ...
  4. Upgrade to a Tankless Hot Water Heater. ...
  5. Routine Preventative Maintenance.

How long should hot water take to heat up?

Electric water heaters

Generally, these units take about 30 to 40 minutes to heat water adequately. If you're curious about how long does electric water heaters take to heat up, this time frame holds true across most models.

Why does it take 10 minutes to get hot water?

Distance: The farther away your hot water heater is from the faucet or shower where you want hot water to flow, the longer it will take to get there. A low volume restrictor: You may have a low volume restrictor installed on fixtures, like your shower, which can delay the delivery of water.

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.

Previous article
What happens if you have a sticky heart valve?
Next article
Should attic insulation face up or down?