Instant Hot Water
Instant Hot Water | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing
Enjoy piping-hot water the moment you twist the tap with HEP’s instant hot water plumbing solutions. Our expertly installed tank water heater keeps a ready reservoir at the perfect temperature, so showers are steamy, dishes sparkle, and laundry cycles power through—all without the frustrating lag or temperature swings of outdated systems. Every unit is sized to your household’s needs and fitted by licensed technicians who treat your home with care, hauling away old equipment and leaving the workspace spotless.
Beyond comfort, you’ll notice the difference in efficiency and peace of mind. Advanced insulation and precise thermostats trim energy costs, while HEP’s 24/7 support means help is always a call away. Ready to upgrade? Reach out today and discover how effortlessly reliable hot water can be.
FAQs
What is an instant hot water tank and how is it different from a whole-house water heater?
An instant hot water tank is a compact, well-insulated electric reservoir (typically 0.5–2.5 gal / 2–10 L) that sits under a sink and keeps a small volume of water at near-boiling temperature (about 190–210 °F / 88–99 °C). When you open the dedicated faucet, you get near-instant hot water for drinks, food prep or quick cleaning tasks. Unlike a whole-house storage or tankless heater, it is not meant to supply showers or multiple fixtures; it is a point-of-use appliance designed only for one sink location, delivering convenience without waiting for hot water to travel from the main heater.
How long does installation take and what does it involve?
A typical retrofit installation takes 60–90 minutes. The plumber mounts the small tank in the base cabinet, tees into the cold-water supply line, installs the dedicated hot faucet (or connects to an existing dual-temperature dispenser), and plugs the unit into a nearby 120 V grounded outlet. If an outlet is not available, a licensed electrician can add one. The final steps include pressure testing, adjusting the thermostat, and purging air from the tank. No structural changes or venting are required because the units are electric and self-contained.
Will an instant hot water tank fit under my sink?
Most models measure roughly 6–11 inches wide, 8–11 inches deep, and 10–14 inches high—similar to a large toaster—so they fit in the majority of kitchen and bar sink base cabinets. Before ordering, measure the clear space after accounting for the garbage disposal, plumbing traps, and any shelving. You will also need clearance for the faucet tubing and a standard 120 V outlet within a 3-foot cord reach. If space is tight, ultra-compact 0.5-gallon models or vertical-wall-mount units are available.
How energy efficient are these systems and what do they cost to run?
Thanks to thick insulation and the small volume of water they keep hot, standby losses are low—typically 10–20 W per hour, comparable to the energy draw of an LED light bulb. In normal household use (20–25 cups per day), electricity consumption averages 0.5–1.0 kWh daily, or about $2–4 per month at typical utility rates. Newer units feature thermal‐cutoff switches and thermostatic controls to minimize reheating cycles, making them considerably more efficient than repeatedly boiling water on a stove or running long lines of hot water from a distant tank.
What maintenance is required to keep my instant hot water tank working reliably?
Maintenance is simple: (1) Every 6–12 months, drain the tank and rinse any sediment that may have collected—this takes about five minutes with the built-in drain valve. (2) Check the filter screen on the water inlet for debris. (3) Inspect connections for any slow drips and retighten if necessary. (4) If you live in a hard-water area, descale the tank annually with food-grade white vinegar. Many units also have a replaceable heating element that can be changed in the unlikely event of failure. Following these steps can extend service life to 8–10 years or more.
Are instant hot water tanks safe, especially around children?
Yes. All reputable units include a thermostat-controlled temperature range (usually 160–210 °F) and a built-in thermal cut-off that shuts the heater off if water overheats. The dedicated faucet features a spring-loaded safety lever or push-button that requires intentional action to dispense, reducing the risk of accidental scalding. In addition, the short, low-volume delivery line cools quickly after use, so the faucet body does not stay hot. For added safety, you can lower the thermostat to 160–180 °F, which is still hot enough for beverages but below the flash-scald threshold.