Nobody wants to take a miserable cold shower, especially in the winter. So the question “How long for a hot water heater to refill?” is usually asked when you run out of hot water or after draining the water heater. Here is what we discovered after doing some study.
The tank’s size and the heating elements’ efficiency play a crucial role in determining how long it takes for the water heater to refill. From my experience with a newly installed 50-gallon water heater, the refill time was around 25 minutes.
However, the actual time may vary depending on the initial water temperature, heating element capacity, and altitude. For instance, it generally takes 30 to 40 minutes to refill an 80-gallon tank, whereas a 40-gallon tank typically refills in 20 to 30 minutes.
A user reported that their 50-gallon water heater took 30 minutes to refill in cold weather, highlighting how environmental factors can impact the process.
| Water Heater Capacity | Refill Time (Minutes) | Heating Method |
|---|---|---|
| 40-gallon | 20-30 minutes | Electric/Gas |
| 50-gallon | 25-35 minutes | Electric/Gas |
| 80-gallon | 30-40 minutes | Electric/Gas |
The difference in refill and recovery times becomes evident when using electric water heaters. From direct observation with an electric water heater in a residential setup, the refill time was about 30 minutes. In comparison, the recovery time varied between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the wattage and efficiency of the heating elements.
Generally, an electric heater may take 60 to 80 minutes to heat a full tank, but the recovery time could extend longer if the incoming water temperature is lower. For example, an electric water heater with 5,500-watt elements may require up to 2 hours to heat a 50-gallon tank if the incoming water is extremely cold.
How Long for Hot Water to Refill with Certain Types of Water Heaters?
Water can heat up quickly or take anywhere between 60 and 80 minutes. Your water heater’s kind will determine everything. Given that the appliances are brand-new and the right size for the house, the following are some typical heat-up periods for various water heaters:
Read also: What is An Indirect Water Heater?
- 60–80 minutes for an electric storage tank water heater.
- Water heaters with propane tanks take 30-40 minutes to heat.
- 0 minutes for propane tankless water heaters.
Remember that these are the time needed to warm a fresh, filling water heater tank. When you have a storage-tank water heater, the device continuously heats and refills water as needed.
However, if you use up all the hot water (for example, after a busy morning of taking many showers), you’ll have to wait until your appliance replenishes from a low level. During peak hours, you can run out of hot water unless you have a propane tankless water heater that warms water instantly.
How Long For Hot Water Heater To Heat After Reset
Let’s speak about the typical recovery period for a water heater and what constitutes a “rapid” recovery. This makes it simple to see whether yours is taking much longer than normal.
For instance, the typical recovery period for an 80-gallon tank with entering water at 62 degrees is as follows:
- 60-70 minutes (for a gas tank water heater)
- 120 minutes (for an electric tank water heater)
You’ll observe that gas water heaters heat water considerably more quickly. Gas water heaters employ burners, which heat water more quickly than electric water heater heating coils because they reach higher temperatures faster.
How Long Does It Take For A 50-Gallon Water Heater To Heat Up
Heating a 50-gallon water heater can be affected by the incoming water temperature. For instance, if the water enters at 60 degrees, it may take 1 hour and 20 minutes to heat using 5,500-watt elements set at 120 degrees. However, if the incoming water temperature is lower, such as 40 degrees, the same tank might require 1 hour and 47 minutes to heat.
My experience confirms that it often takes longer for the water to reach the desired temperature in colder climates. Additionally, propane water heaters generally have quicker recovery times, making them a reliable option for those needing faster heating.
| Incoming Water Temperature | Heating Time (Minutes) | Heating Element Wattage |
|---|---|---|
| 40 degrees | 107 minutes | 5,500 watts |
| 60 degrees | 80 minutes | 5,500 watts |
| 70 degrees | 66 minutes | 5,500 watts |
When considering how long it takes for a hot water heater to refill, it is essential to understand that gas water heaters generally outperform electric types in both speed and efficiency. In my experience with both types, the gas water heater consistently provided hot water faster due to its powerful burners at the tank’s bottom, which use natural gas as fuel. A gas water heater can typically heat a 40-gallon tank in 30 to 40 minutes, whereas the same task may take an electric heater up to 90 minutes, especially if the water is particularly cold.
The temperature that a gas water heater is set to and the temperature of the cold water it must heat will determine how quickly it can heat up. These averages are provided:
- 40-gallon gas water heater: 30-40 minutes
- 50-gallon gas water heater: 40-50 minutes
- 80-gallon gas water heater: 60-70 minutes
The typical gas water heater has a capacity of 40 gallons and heats water from 40 degrees to 120 degrees in 30 to 40 minutes. The heating process for a 50-gallon water heater will take 40 to 50 minutes.
Slow Heating of Water by Your Water Heater
Do you reside in a home and wonder how long it takes for water heater to refill? It can be caused by one of the aforementioned problems or another calling for expert help. Discuss your situation with a knowledgeable specialist, such as a plumber or propane provider, to ensure you have enough hot water to keep you comfortable.
