How to Get Hot Water for Your Tankless Heater—Instantly
Tankless water heaters are an excellent choice for energy efficiency and unlimited hot water, but they don’t provide instant hot water when you turn on the tap. That’s because the water sitting in your pipes needs to be pushed out before hot water can reach you. The good news is there are ways to speed up the process and enjoy hot water almost instantly. Whether you want faster hot water in your kitchen, bathroom, or throughout your home, a few solutions can make a big difference.
Why Tankless Water Heaters Have a Delay
Unlike traditional water heaters that store hot water in a tank, tankless water heaters heat water on demand. This means when you turn on the hot water tap, the heater starts working immediately, but it still takes a few moments for the heated water to reach you. The delay depends on the distance between your heater and the faucet, the size of your home’s plumbing system, and the flow rate of your fixture.
If you’re tired of waiting for hot water, there are effective ways to reduce the delay and get the convenience you need.
Solutions for Instant Hot Water
1. Install a Recirculating Pump
A recirculating pump is one of the best ways to get near-instant hot water throughout your home. This device continuously moves hot water through your pipes, ensuring that hot water is always close to your fixtures. When you turn on the tap, you get hot water much faster than waiting for it to travel from the heater.
Types of Recirculating Pumps:
- Dedicated Return Line Pump: Best for homes with a dedicated return line, this system constantly circulates hot water and eliminates long wait times.
- Comfort System Pump: If your home doesn’t have a dedicated return line, a comfort system pump can be installed at the fixture farthest from the heater, using the cold water line as a return.
Pros of Recirculating Pumps:
- Provides fast hot water at all fixtures
- Reduces water waste from running the tap
- Works well with tankless water heaters
Cons:
- Slightly increases energy usage
- Requires professional installation
2. Add a Water Heater Booster
A water heater booster is another way to speed up hot water delivery. These devices attach to your existing tankless water heater and increase efficiency by keeping some water preheated. This minimizes the time it takes for the unit to heat incoming cold water.
Advantages of a Water Heater Booster:
- Provides faster hot water at the tap
- Can be installed without major plumbing modifications
- Helps maintain consistent hot water temperature
3. Use a Point-of-Use Water Heater
If you only need instant hot water at a specific location, such as a kitchen sink or bathroom, a point-of-use water heater is a great option. These small electric or tankless heaters are installed close to the fixture, providing immediate hot water without waiting for it to travel through long pipes.
Types of Point-of-Use Water Heaters:
- Tank-Based Models: Small storage tanks (2-6 gallons) hold preheated water near the fixture.
- Tankless Models: These units heat water instantly as it flows through, eliminating standby heat loss.
Benefits:
- Eliminates hot water delay at specific fixtures
- Saves energy by heating water only when needed
- Ideal for remote sinks or additions far from the main water heater
4. Insulate Your Pipes
While pipe insulation won’t make hot water arrive instantly, it can help retain heat in your plumbing system. Insulated pipes keep residual hot water warm for longer periods, meaning you may experience a shorter wait time when using your fixtures. Pipe insulation also reduces heat loss, improving overall energy efficiency.
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Home
The best solution for faster hot water depends on your household’s needs and budget. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- For instant hot water throughout your home: Install a recirculating pump.
- For faster heating without major plumbing changes: Use a water heater booster.
- For instant hot water at specific fixtures: Add a point-of-use water heater.
- For energy savings and slight improvements: Insulate your pipes.
Professional Installation for Best Results
Many of these solutions require expert installation to ensure proper operation and efficiency. A professional plumber can evaluate your home’s plumbing system, recommend the best option, and handle the installation process safely and effectively.
Get Fast, Reliable Hot Water with Ohio Buckeye Plumbing
If you’re tired of waiting for hot water, Ohio Buckeye Plumbing is here to help. We specialize in tankless water heater installations, recirculating pumps, water heater boosters, and other solutions to give you the convenience of instant hot water. Serving Strongsville and the entire Northeast Ohio area, we provide expert plumbing services with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction.
Don’t wait for hot water any longer! Call Ohio Buckeye Plumbing at (440) 283-9377 today to schedule an appointment and get the comfort you deserve.