Why Does Hot Water Take a Long Time to Reach Hot Water Taps?

As the brisk chill of the UK winter sets in, the simple luxury of readily available hot water becomes a daily necessity. From that essential morning cuppa to a comforting warm bath at the end of a long day, hot water taps are pivotal to our comfort and routine.

In this blog post, we'll delve into the reasons behind this common household problem and explore how modern solutions like instant hot water taps, expertly installed by Serviceteam, can transform your daily experience.

Hot Water Taps

Hot water taps are a game changer when it comes to maintaining the best possible kitchen. These taps give you instant boiling or hot water straight from the tap, so you won’t have to wait around for water to boil in a kettle.

These are great for things like making hot beverages or cooking and will help you save time as well as energy.

Some of the go-to brands for hot water taps in London are,

• Quooker
• Insinkerator
• Grohe
• Kelen & Willian
• Kelvin

Common Reasons: Why Hot Water Takes Long to Reach the Taps?

This delay happens in a lot of London households where boilers and heaters are used to heat up the water. There could be a few reasons why, and knowing what's causing it can help you fix it. Here are some of the most common causes.

Distance from Hot Water Heater

If you're wondering why it takes forever for hot water to reach your taps, more often than not, it comes down to the distance between your heater and the tap or outlet. Simply put, the longer the pipes, the more cold water has to be pushed out before you get any hot water.

This problem is even more common in big houses or older homes with complicated plumbing layouts. Sometimes, these systems weren't set up with efficient hot water flow in mind, which means you'll be waiting longer for hot water.

Issues with the Heater

The efficiency and capacity of your water heater play a big role in keeping your hot water flowing smoothly. If your boiler or cylinder isn't heating water properly, it might be outdated or just not working right. This can raise your energy bills and water that's hot one minute and cold the next.

Plus, if your heater doesn't hold enough water, it might struggle to keep up during busy times at home. This means waiting longer for hot water at the sink or shower, which can really mess with your daily routine and comfort.

Diameter of the Pipe

The size of your water pipes plays a big role in how well water flows throughout your home.

This is a very common issue in older homes that still have outdated, smaller pipes. These pipes just aren't cut out for today’s needs, like running high-efficiency appliances, handling more water usage, or transporting water to the taps efficiently.

Always rely on a professional tap installation service to ensure your plumbing issue is handled safely and expertly.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure also can really slow things down when you're trying to get hot water to your taps, especially when you just want to take a shower or make a hot drink.

This is a common issue in busy cities like London, where the demand for water supply is always high because of so many people living close together. Things like old pipes, construction projects, or everyone using water at the same time can make it worse. Figuring out what's causing your low water pressure can help you find ways to boost it at home.

Sediment Buildup

These deposits act like an insulator, making your water heater work harder and longer to do its job. This means more energy usage and higher bills. Plus, the blocked water flow can slow down how quickly hot water reaches your taps, which can be a real hassle and cause wear on your system.

Outside Temperature

When it's cold out, the pipes in uninsulated areas like your attic, basement, or exterior walls can lose heat quickly because of the chilly air around them. This means the hot water in those pipes cools down a lot before it gets to your taps or shower.

This causes homeowners to wait longer to enjoy hot water, especially on cold mornings or when you're in a rush. Plus, as the water cools down during its journey, your heating system has to work extra hard, using more energy to keep the water hot.

Water Left in the Pipes

When you turn off the tap with hot water, the water left in the pipes starts to cool down since the air around it is usually cooler. So, when you turn the tap back on, you have to wait for that cooled water to flush out before the hot stuff arrives from the heater. That's why there's often a delay in getting hot water.

Outside Temperature

They mix hot and cold water so you get a steady and safe temperature at your tap or shower.

When they work properly, you don't have to worry about getting scalded by hot water. But if something goes wrong with a mixing valve, you might start having problems. It could limit the hot water flow, leaving you with a lukewarm shower, or take forever to warm up. Sometimes, it causes annoying temperature changes.

The Ideal Solution: Boiling Hot Water Taps

Boiling taps are quickly becoming a must-have for UK homeowners who want instant hot water. Also known as boiling or near-boiling water taps, they give you hot water right away, saving you time and cutting down on water and energy waste.

Here are some benefits you get by installing a hot water tap in your home:

• Instant Hot Water: Hot water taps save you time and cut out the hassle of waiting and give you access to hot water in an instant.
• Energy Efficiency: These smart taps only heat the water you need exactly when you need it and use less energy compared to traditional kettles or leaving the hot water running.
• Convenience: Whether you're making a quick cup of tea, sterilising utensils, or handling other tasks that need hot water fast, these taps make it super convenient.
• Space-Saving Design: With their sleek look, boiling taps fit right into your kitchen, freeing up counter space by getting rid of that bulky kettle.
• Eco-Friendly: By using just the right amount of water for each job, boiling water kitchen taps help cut down on waste.

Check out our blog, "Benefits of Installing Hot Water Taps," to learn more and stay informed about their advantages.

How to Choose the Right Boiling Water Tap?

Choosing the right hot water tap for kitchen can make a big difference.
Here are a few things to think about:

• Capacity: How much hot water do you really need? Different models offer different amounts, so pick hot water taps that fit your household’s needs.
• Safety Features: Safety is crucial in all households, especially if you have kids. Look for taps with child safety locks to prevent accidents. Insulated spouts are also a great idea since they keep the tap cool to the touch, avoiding burns even when the water’s hot.
• Design and Finish: You’ll want a tap that matches your kitchen style, right? Whether you like classic or modern looks, there are plenty of options available for you to choose from.
• Filtration: Some boiling hot water taps come with built-in filters, which really boost water quality and taste. This is especially handy in areas with hard water like London, removing impurities and giving you cleaner, tastier water for drinking and cooking.
• Price: The cost of hot water taps in the UK varies widely depending on brand, design, and features. Basic models start around £200, while premium options with advanced technology can cost over £500. So, choose the tap that matches your budget.
• Adjustable Temperature: Consider boiling water kitchen tap with adjustable temperature settings, which lets you pick the perfect temp for different tasks like tea making, blanching veggies, or preparing instant meals, adding more versatility to your kitchen.

By keeping these things in mind, you’ll find a hot water tap for the kitchen that ticks all the boxes for your practical needs and makes your kitchen even more functional and stylish.

Installation and Maintenance of Hot Water Taps

Installing a boiling water kitchen tap can be a bit tricky. So it’s always a good idea to leave it to the pros. Here's a quick rundown of what they usually do:

• Turning off the Water Supply: Before we kick off any installation, it’s important to shut off the main water supply. This helps prevent leaks and water damage, making sure everything runs smoothly.
• Installing the Under-Sink Unit: Next up, we carefully install the under-sink unit, which heats and stores the hot water. Placing it under the sink keeps it out of sight but still within easy reach for water and electrical connections.
• Connecting the Tap: The hot water tap, which gives you hot water on demand, is securely mounted on your sink or worktop. We link it to the under-sink unit using fittings and hoses, so you get hot water whenever you need it.
• Electrical Connection: The under-sink unit needs a stable power source. We connect it to a power outlet and double-check all the electrical connections to make sure everything’s safe and up to code.
• Testing and Commissioning: Once everything’s set up, we test the tap to make sure it’s working perfectly. We check that you get hot water at the right temperature and that there are no leaks.

For the best results, have a qualified professional like Serviceteam handle your hot water tap installation. Their expertise ensures everything’s done safely and correctly, giving you peace of mind for the long haul.

Maintenance Tips

After the installation, here are some tips to help get the best out of your new hot water taps.

• Regular Descaling: If you live in an area with hard water, make sure to descale your hot water tap regularly to keep it running at the best performance.
• Filter Replacement: Some hot water taps come with filters. If your tap has one, follow the manufacturer's guidelines for replacing it to keep your water tasting great.
• Check for Leaks: Every now and then, take a look at your tap and connections to catch any leaks early and fix them ASAP.
• Follow Manufacturer's Instructions: Keep your tap in top shape by following the maintenance and cleaning instructions from the manufacturer.

Contact a professional plumbing engineer to handle your hot water tap repair.

Additional Ways to Get Hot Water Faster

If upgrading to a hot water tap for the kitchen isn’t the right solution for you, here are some alternatives that you can implement to get hot water faster.

Insulate Your Pipes

Adding insulation to your pipes is a smart move. It keeps the heat in and helps maintain water temperature as it moves through your plumbing. This means you'll get warm water faster at your taps and save on energy bills too.

Install a Hot Water Recirculation Pump

A hot water recirculation pump is another great option. It keeps hot water ready to go in your pipes, so you get instant hot water when you turn on the tap. No more waiting around, and you save water by cutting down on waste.

Upgrade Fixtures

Consider switching to high-flow rate fixtures. They speed up the water flow, so you get the right temperature quicker. This makes showering and dishwashing a breeze.

Use a Tankless Water Heater

Go for a tankless water heater if you can. Unlike traditional ones, it heats water on demand, so there's no waiting for a tank to fill up. With this, you can to enjoy a continuous supply of hot water.

Perform Routine Checkups

Don't forget to check and maintain your plumbing regularly. Checkups will catch potential issues early and keeps everything running smoothly. It's a proactive way to avoid bigger headaches later on.

How Serviceteam Can Help

At Serviceteam, we specialise in hot water tap installation, maintenance, and replacement services. Here’s why London homeowners trust us with their tap upgrades:

• Reliable and hassle-free tap replacement or installation.
• Easy online quotes.
• Expert engineers provide a 12-month warranty on parts and workmanship.

Getting started is easy. Just send us some photos, a quick description, and your preferred hot water taps, and we’ll send you a no-obligation quote within an hour. You can book online for potential discounts and a convenient 3-hour arrival slot, or simply give us a call to chat and arrange your service.

With Serviceteam, you’re not just getting quality plumbing service. You’re getting it done with ease.

Let’s get that hot water issue sorted for you.

FAQs

How hot should the hot tap water should be?

Hot water tap should generally be set to 120°F (49°C) to prevent scalding while ensuring safety and efficiency. The temperature of a hot water tap is hot enough to kill bacteria. But dont worry, this is not dangerously high and there are no risks of burns or energy waste.

How do hot water taps work?

By connecting to a hot water supply, typically from a boiler or water heater. When turned on, the tap allows hot water to flow through pipes, providing instant access to heated water for use.

Does boiling taps purify the water?

Yes.
Boiling tap water kills most harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens, making it safer to drink. However, it doesn't remove chemicals, heavy metals, or impurities. For complete purification, additional filtration or treatment methods may be necessary depending on water quality.

How much does a hot water tap cost?

Basic models start around £200, while premium advanced featured taps can cost £500 or more. Installation fees may apply additionally. However, hot water tap prices in the UK vary depending on the brand, features, and installation requirements.