How to get hot water faster from a tankless water heater?

Author: Sabryna Gislason  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 16, 2025

If you want hot water instantly, you'll want to consider getting a recirculation pump installed. When you turn off a fixture, a recirculation pump pushes any unused hot water back into your tankless water heater. This process allows the water to be reheated, so no cold water runs out of your hot water fixtures.

Why does my water take so long to get hot with a tankless water heater?

Water Temperature Setting: Check the temperature setting on your tankless water heater. If it's set too low, it may take longer for the water to heat up. Mineral Build-Up: If the heater or pipes have accumulated mineral deposits, this can affect performance and slow down heating.

How long should it take to get hot water from a tankless water heater?

If you have a tankless water heater, you can get plenty of hot water in about 15 minutes for as long as you want to run the water. It has a very small water tank inside that replaces water in your pipes that have cooled off without circulation.

Why is my tankless water heater not getting very hot?

Tankless water heaters rely on ignition to heat water on demand. If the ignition fails, you'll be left with cold water. This could be due to a variety of reasons such as a faulty igniter, gas supply issues, or a dirty burner. In such cases, it's best to consult a professional technician to diagnose and fix the problem.

Is a recirculation pump worth it for a tankless water heater?

A recirculating pump combined with a tankless water heater offers numerous benefits that can enhance the efficiency and convenience of your home's hot water system. This combination not only saves energy but also reduces water waste, providing immediate access to hot water at all fixtures throughout your house.

Why does it take so long for my tankless water heater to deliver hot water?

Can you install a hot water recirculating pump on a tankless water heater?

Installing a recirculating pump on a tankless water heater provides instant hot water and reduces water wastage. A recirculating pump helps save energy and has built-in timers for efficiency. You'll need a recirculating pump kit, pliers or a pipe wrench, a screwdriver, a bucket, and a towel for the installation.

Should hot water recirculating pump runs all the time?

When water sits in a pipe, it begins to drop in temperature from heat loss, quickly matching the temperature of the pipes. Therefore, typical recirculation systems constantly run water through the pipes to keep them heated.

How can I make my tankless water heater hot water faster?

Install a Recirculating Pump

With a recirculating pump, the water that travels through your tankless heater no longer sits in the pipes to cool off once you shut off the outlet.

Why does my shower get cold with a tankless water heater?

Low water pressure can affect the performance of a tankless water heater. A plumbing crossover can cause low water pressure by connecting the cold and hot water lines incorrectly. Installing a pressure regulator can help regulate water pressure and ensure a consistent flow of hot water to the tankless water heater.

Can you make a tankless water heater hotter?

Each tankless water heater or POU device has an LED panel where you can adjust the desired temperature. These LED controls offer you much more control over temperature than you have with a storage heater.

Can you take long showers with a tankless water heater?

While a tankless water heater will deliver an unlimited stream of hot water, they struggle to deliver a lot of hot water at one time. So while you might be able to take 100 showers in a row if you have the dishwasher, washing machine, and shower going at the same time you might have problems.

How to speed up 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.

Why do I run out of hot water with a tankless water heater?

You can't run out of hot water with tankless water heaters – unless, of course, the power supply is off or goes out. However, a tankless water heater can have trouble keeping up with demand if too many things require hot water all at once.

How quickly do you get hot water from tankless water heater?

Although Navien tankless water heaters do provide an endless supply of hot water, the arrival of hot water is not instant. This is because the average time it takes a Navien tankless water heater to heat water and send it on its way to the faucet is approximately 5-10 seconds.

How can I make my tankless water heater more efficient?

Here are several of the basic tips we often provide on optimizing tankless water heater performance.
  1. Ensure the Unit is the Right Size. ...
  2. Measure Your Home's Flow Rate. ...
  3. Insulate Water Pipes. ...
  4. Ensure Proper Ventilation. ...
  5. Drain Water Heater Often.

Why is my tankless hot water heater not getting hot enough?

Why is my electric tankless water heater not getting hot enough? There could be several reasons for this issue, including problems with the electric supply, water flow, temperature settings, sediment buildup, heating elements, water pressure, sizing, insulation, water demand, or maintenance.

What maintenance does a tankless water heater need?

The most complicated and time-consuming tankless water heater maintenance is typically descaling and flushing out the unit. Even with the inline water filter, lime and calcium deposits can build up inside the tankless system. If you have hard water, it's a good idea to descale and flush the unit once a year.

What is the most efficient setting for tankless water heater?

While most recommend that 120 is the best temperature for a tankless water heater, don't fall for the idea that setting it lower than 120 degrees will save money. You can save three to five percent on your energy bill for every ten degrees you decrease the water heater temperature.

How to boost hot water flow?

Increasing Hot Water Pressure: Practical Tips And Solutions
  1. Flushing The Water Heater Tank:
  2. Clearing Clogged Pipes:
  3. Checking The Pressure Regulator Valve (If You Have One):
  4. Installing A Water Pressure Booster Pump:

Do tankless water heaters have endless hot water?

Tankless water heaters provide a constant, endless supply of hot water. You can take a shower, run the dishwasher, and do laundry all at once without anyone losing their hot water. Even if you're the last person in your household to take a shower, it will remain perfectly hot for as long as you want!

Is recirculation pump worth it for tankless water heater?

While a recirculation pump is not always necessary with a tankless water heater, it offers significant advantages for getting an instant, endless supply of heated water, not to mention eliminating wasting water, especially during peak water usage times.

What should a circulating pump be set at?

The pump needs to be strong enough to provide heat for the whole house, and therefore you should set it to reach maximum head when all valves are open.

How to tell if a hot water recirculating pump is working?

Check the power supply to the pump as well as the timer settings. If after checking the power supply and timer settings you find there is no change In the hot water delivery time, check the pumps directional flow, water supply angle stops, as well as the water temperature in the piping 2 feet after the pump.

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