How Long Should Hot Water Last in the Shower? A Quick Guide

Everyone’s different, but if you’re the type to enjoy extra hot showers, you likely pay close attention to how much hot water you usually get. But how long should hot water last in the shower, anyway? The answer depends on your tank type, hot water usage in the home, and more. So, continue reading to find out if what you’re experiencing is normal or if you need a plumber to help troubleshoot.

Factors That Affect Hot Water

The first thing you need to look into is whether you have a tankless water heater versus a tank version. If you’re not sure, go take a look. A tankless water heater is a wall-mounted rectangular box, whereas a traditional heater has a large, cylindrical storage tank.

If you’re running out of hot water with a tankless water heater, then your water heater is likely malfunctioning.

Otherwise, here’s how long your hot water should last according to the size of the tank:

• 30-gallon tank: 5–7 minutes

• 40-gallon tank: 8–10 minutes

• 50-gallon tank: 10–12 minutes

• 80-gallon tank: 15–20 minutes

Hot Water Tank Refill Time

To enjoy the longest, hottest shower possible, you should avoid using hot water elsewhere in your house right before you take one. Electric tanks take 60 to 80 minutes to refill, whereas propane ones take 30 to 40 minutes. Common uses of hot water in your home other than the shower are the dishwasher and laundry.

Showerhead Type

The flow rate of your showerhead is also something to look into. High-efficiency showerheads use 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm), which is substantially less than the 2 to 2.5 gpm that traditional and rainfall showerheads use. If you have a smaller tank, using a high-efficiency showerhead can help.

Temperature Settings

Your hot water heater is usually calibrated to between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning that’s the temperature the water heats up to in the tank. If you calibrate to higher temperatures, your hot water will last longer. It’s not advisable to go above 140 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid getting scalding hot water in your fixtures.

Troubleshooting Hot Water Issues

If you’re getting the right amount of hot water in your shower according to the tank size, then the best thing to do is to upgrade to a tankless hot water heater or get another traditional heater with a larger tank.

On the other hand, if you’re not getting as much hot water as you should based on your tank type and size, it’s time to contact a plumber near you. They can check your hot water heater and let you know if there are any maintenance or repairs that need to be done. Depending on its condition and lifespan, it’s potentially time to replace the water heater.

Common Issues with Water Heaters

Here are the most likely culprits for a hot water heater that’s not producing enough hot water for your shower:

• The thermostat is not set correctly, or it’s faulty.

• Sediment build-up is lowering the efficiency of the unit.

• The heating element has gone bad (the lifespan of the part is six to nine years).

• The heater is past its lifespan and needs to be replaced (the lifespan is 10 years).

• A broken dip tube needs to be replaced.

• You have a faulty shower valve.

• Water is leaking from the unit.

How to Get More Hot Water

Assuming everything is OK mechanically, here are some things that will help your hot water last longer in your shower. For one, insulating the water tank and any exposed pipes will minimize heat loss before the water reaches your shower. Secondly, properly maintain your hot water heater to prevent issues like sediment buildup. Do this by scheduling a bi-annual or annual maintenance check with your plumber. And third, get a low-flow showerhead.

Although it’s the most costly route, the best option for you in the long term could be to install a tankless hot water heater. That way, you’ll always have hot water on demand. If your area gets enough sunshine, then using solar to power your hot water can help keep the electric costs down.