For a standard 40 to 50-gallon tank, refilling usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes. That’s roughly the time it takes to watch one short YouTube video or make a cup of pour-over coffee.
But here’s the thing: it’s not just about filling the tank with cold water. You also have to wait for that water to heat up, which adds another 30 to 60 minutes depending on your heater’s power.
So, total time from empty to a hot shower? You’re looking at roughly 40 to 80 minutes. Kind of like baking a small pizza from frozen.