It happens like clockwork. The weather cools and there never seems to be enough hot water to shower (and what you do have takes forever to get there). While it’s slightly annoying to shower in less than optimal water temperature in summer, the sensation is downright unpleasant in winter. When it’s chilly outside, you want hot water fast. If your hot water heater has a slow recovery time, however, simple tasks like taking a shower or doing the dishes can take much longer because you have to wait for the hot water to heat up. While you’re waiting, you’re wasting water!. Here’s what you need to know about water heater recovery time and how you can improve or upgrade your slow water heater

If you’re home always seems to run out of hot water quickly, your first approach should be to take a few energy-conserving steps. Flush the water heater. While it doesn’t improve electric water heater performance as much as it does with gas, it doesn’t hurt to flush an electric appliance.

Next, insulate your pipes and water heater if you haven’t already. Reducing energy loss through pipes and the water heater unit will make for a more efficient heating process. That’s especially important if the pipes travel through unheated crawl spaces, the garage or along the wall of the foundation.

Finally, insulate the hot-water tank itself, but be sure not to install insulation within 6 in. of its vent if it’s gas fired or cover its thermostat (whether it’s gas or electric).

If these steps don’t improve your recovery time and a new water heater just doesn’t fit in your budget, you can consider other options.

Improve water heating speed without getting a new unit by installing a point-of-use water heater for your sink. It keeps several gallons hot at all times so you don’t have to pull from your main water heater for something as quick and simple like running the dishwasher.

Upgrade your pump to a hot water recirculating pump, a great and affordable option if you have older plumbing, or if there are long distances between your hot water faucets and the water heater. They can be installed on existing piping, and waste less water while waiting for heat.

Let Mike Scott Plumbing help you with your hot water woes. Whether you are remodeling, building a new home or updating old fixtures, our we can offer advice and recommend the latest products and most efficient solutions to suit your unique needs.

Our conveniently located showrooms are stocked with all of the latest styles from major brands such as Kohler, Moen, Brizo, Elkay and Delta. Open Monday-Friday 8AM – 5PM stop by to browse or make an appointment with a specialist to start customizing your project today. You can also schedule service online anytime. 

Our Wildwood Office is at 5950 Signature Dr., Wildwood, FL 34785 or call 352.748.9111.

The Hernando Office is located at 668 East Overdrive Circle, Hernando, FL 34442 or call 352.237.2888.