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How Long Is Normal to Wait for Hot Water?

A woman holding her hands up to a running showerhead

Why Hot Water Takes Forever

If you’re like most homeowners, you expect hot water to be available as soon as you turn on the shower or faucet. But sometimes, that’s not the case – you may have to wait what seems like an eternity for hot water to arrive. So what’s going on? How long is normal to wait for hot water? Why is your hot water taking so long?

Keep reading to learn more about some common reasons why hot water may be delayed and possible solutions.

How Hot Water is Delivered

If you’ve ever wondered why it takes so long for hot water to reach your shower or sink, plumbing is to blame. Your home’s plumbing is a system of pipes that carries water from the municipal or well water supply to your fixtures and appliances. Depending on the size of your home and the number of fixtures, this system can be quite extensive.

Water heaters are usually located near the plumbing’s point of entry into the home. Using either gas or electricity to heat water, the water heater sends hot water through the plumbing system to reach all of your fixtures.

If you have a lot of plumbing in your home or your water heater is located far from your fixtures, the hot water can take a while to reach you. This situation isn’t necessarily a problem but could be an inconvenience worth addressing. There are, however, certain problems that do warrant attention from you and a professional plumber.

Water Heater Problems

If the water heater isn’t providing enough hot water, it can cause a noticeable delay in the flow of hot water. This is because the water has to travel through more pipes to reach your taps, which can cool the water down somewhat.

If you have an old or inefficient water heater, it may not be able to heat the water quickly enough to keep up with demand. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to take a shower and the water is suddenly cold.

If your water heater is making strange noises, this could be a sign that it’s not working properly. You may hear banging, gurgling, or popping sounds from the unit. These noises can indicate sediment buildup in the tank, which can interfere with the heating process and cause the water to become lukewarm.

If you’re having any of these problems, you can do a few things. First, try turning up the thermostat on your water heater. This will make the water heater work harder, but it may be enough to solve the problem. If that doesn’t help, you may need to replace your water heater with a newer, more powerful model. In any case, the best way to solve water heater problems is to have your water heater serviced by a qualified technician.

Whatever you do, don’t try to increase the water pressure in your home, as this can damage your pipes and make the problem worse.

Solution: Recirculation Pump

A recirculation pump is a device that helps circulate water through your plumbing system. Doing this can help ensure hot water is delivered more quickly to your fixtures and appliances. Recirculation pumps are typically installed under your sink, and they have a small water line that runs to your water heater.

If you’re interested in installing a recirculation pump in your home, talk to your plumber about it. They can help you determine if this is the right solution and install it properly.

Keeping Your Water Hot and Plumbing Efficient

If you’re experiencing long waits for hot water, give the Aztec Plumbing & Drains team a call today at 239-932-2959. We’ll help you troubleshoot the problem and get your hot water back on track in no time.

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