What to Expect in the First 48 Hours After Water Heater Installation in Orlando

You just had a new water heater installed. You turn on the tap, but the water isn't hot yet. Should you worry?

Most Orlando homeowners expect instant hot water after a new water heater installation. The reality is different. Your tank needs 30 to 90 minutes to reach full temperature.

This guide walks you through what to expect after installing a new water heater. You'll learn about normal sounds, heating timelines, and simple checks. These help you confirm everything works properly.

We cover the first-hour checklist, typical heating timelines, and common sounds you might hear. You'll also learn when to call for help. This way, you can relax knowing your installation is on track.

How Long Does It Take for a New Water Heater to Start Working?

A new water heater typically takes 30 to 90 minutes to heat water to the set temperature after installation. Gas models usually heat faster, reaching hot water in 30 to 40 minutes. Electric units may need 60 to 90 minutes.

During this time, you may hear filling sounds, burner ignition, or expansion noises. All of these are normal. Test your hot water at a faucet farthest from the heater after 60 minutes. Run it for two to three minutes.

If you have no hot water after two hours, contact a professional. This could signal an issue that needs attention.

Need expert help with your Orlando water heater installation? Schedule a same-day service call with our licensed team.

Your First-Hour Water Heater Installation Checklist

You can check a few simple things right after the installer leaves. These steps give you confidence that everything is set up correctly.

Start with a visual inspection. Look around all connections for any water drips. Check the pressure relief valve and the drain pan beneath the unit. Even small leaks need attention right away.

Listen for normal filling sounds. You should hear water entering the tank through the supply line. This rushing sound means the tank is filling properly.

Confirm your power or gas supply is active. For gas water heaters, check that the pilot light is lit. For electric models, verify the breaker is in the on position.

Check the thermostat setting. It should be set to 120°F. This is the manufacturer recommendation for safety and efficiency.

Note the time your installation was completed. This helps you track the heat-up timeline. You'll know when to expect hot water at your taps.

How Long Before You Have Hot Water?

The wait time for hot water depends on your water heater type. Gas water heaters typically provide hot water in 30 to 40 minutes. Electric water heaters usually take 60 to 90 minutes.

Several factors affect heating speed. Cold inlet water temperature slows the process. This is more common during winter months. Tank size also matters. Larger tanks take longer to heat. Your unit's recovery rate plays a role too.

Here's how to test your hot water. After the expected heating time, run hot water at your furthest faucet. Let it run for two to three minutes. The water should feel hot to the touch.

In Orlando's climate, we typically see gas units ready in 35 to 45 minutes during summer installations. The warmer inlet water helps speed up the heating process.

If your water isn't hot after the expected timeframe, wait another 30 minutes. Then test again. Still no hot water after two hours total? That's when you should call for service.

Normal Sounds vs. Warning Signs in the First 24 Hours

New water heaters make various sounds as they start up. Knowing which sounds are normal helps you avoid unnecessary worry.

Normal Sounds:

• Tank filling: A rushing water sound as the tank fills from the supply line
• Expansion and contraction: Ticking or popping as the metal heats up and expands
• Burner ignition: A whoosh sound when a gas burner lights
• Heating element hum: A low humming from electric heating elements

Warning Sounds:

• Loud banging: Could signal a pressure issue or sediment problem
• Continuous hissing: May indicate a leak in the system
• Rattling: Suggests a loose component that needs tightening

New tanks often sound louder in the first few days. Air is purging from the system. Fresh components are settling into place. This is normal.

We tell Orlando customers to expect some popping in the first week as air bubbles work out. It's not sediment buildup yet. That takes months to develop. Modern water heater technology has improved significantly in recent years, but these initial sounds remain common across all models.

Call for service if you hear persistent loud noises. Also call if you see any water pooling around the unit. If your gas burner makes no ignition sounds after 10 minutes, that needs attention too.

Questions about your new installation? Our Orlando team is available 24/7 → Call now: (407) 307-1625

Testing Your Water Heater: What to Check in the First 48 Hours

Running a few simple tests confirms your new water heater works properly. Here's what to check:

1. Temperature test: Turn on a hot water faucet. Hot water should reach the faucet in 30 to 60 seconds. Record this baseline time. You can compare it to future performance.

2. Pressure relief valve check: Look at the valve on top or side of your tank. A small drip after heating is normal. The valve releases excess pressure as water expands. Continuous flow is not normal and needs professional attention.

3. Visual leak inspection: Check all connections again. Pay special attention in the first 24 hours. This is when joints settle into place. Look for any moisture or water drops.

4. Hot water duration test: Run your shower for eight to 10 minutes. The water should stay consistently hot. This establishes your recovery rate baseline. It shows how well your tank maintains hot water.

5. Initial use timing: You can use hot water immediately once the tank has heated. No special flushing period is needed for new installations. Just run each tap for two to three minutes to clear air from the lines.

Common Questions About Your New Water Heater Installation

How long should you run water after a new water heater?

No extended flushing is needed for new installations. Run each hot water tap for two to three minutes. This purges air from the lines and establishes hot water flow. After that, your system is ready for normal use.

What is the first thing you do when replacing a hot water heater?

After professional installation, verify the power or gas supply is on. Check for visible leaks around all connections. Allow the recommended heating time before testing hot water at multiple fixtures. This confirms the system works correctly.

How many minutes of hot water from a 40-gallon tank?

A 40-gallon tank provides about 10 to 12 minutes of continuous hot shower water for one user. Recovery rate determines how quickly hot water returns. Factors like shower head flow rate and inlet water temperature affect this number.

What's the best temperature for my water heater?

120°F is recommended for safety and efficiency. This prevents scalding risk and reduces energy costs. It still provides adequate hot water for most households. Orlando's hard water may affect optimal settings. Higher temperatures can increase mineral buildup in your tank.

When to Call a Professional After Installation

Most installations go smoothly. But knowing when to call for help protects your investment and prevents damage.

Call immediately if:

• No hot water after two hours: Your system should be fully heated by this point
• Visible water leaks: Any pooling water around the unit or connections needs urgent attention
• Gas smell: Shut off the gas supply first, then call right away
• Error codes on digital display: These indicate specific system problems
• Pressure relief valve continuously discharging: Small drips are normal, but steady flow is not

Call within 24 hours if:

• Inconsistent water temperature: Hot water that goes cold and hot again signals a problem
• Unusual persistent noises: Sounds that don't stop after the first day need checking
• Pilot light won't stay lit: This affects gas water heaters and prevents heating

Post-installation issues need quick attention. Addressing them protects your warranty coverage. It also prevents small problems from causing water damage to your home.

A service call typically includes checking connections, testing the thermostat, and verifying proper gas or electrical supply. Your warranty may cover these visits if the issue relates to installation.

Orlando building codes require permits for water heater installations. If your installer didn't pull a permit, contact us. We can help ensure your installation meets local requirements.

Trust Local Experts for Your Water Heater Installation

For professional water heater installation in Orlando backed by licensed experts and transparent pricing, trust Brightwater Plumbing. We serve Winter Garden, Winter Park, Kissimmee, and surrounding areas with same-day service and 24/7 emergency support.

Our team understands Central Florida's unique plumbing challenges. We do the job right the first time, saving you time, stress, and money.

Schedule Your Water Heater Service Online → Visit our location page

Call Our Orlando Office: (407) 307-1625 → Available 24/7

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Brightwater Plumbing 751 Business Park Blvd Suite 101 Winter Garden, FL 34787 info@brightwaterplumbingorlando.com