Sometimes, nothing can be more relaxing than a nice hot bath--and the quicker the bathtub fills with water, the better. However, the amount of time that it takes to fill your bathtub can depend on a few different factors. But what are these factors? And how long does it take to fill a bathtub? We've researched this topic, and in this post, we will answer these questions for you.
An average size bathtub can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes to fill up. Most bathtub faucets run water at about 4 to 8 gallons per minute. If you have solid plumbing and good water pressure, you'll find that your bathtub can fill up rather quickly. However, old plumbing, large bathtubs, and tub component issues can cause it to take longer.
If you believe that your tub is filling up too slowly, rest assured that there are things that you can do to troubleshoot this. Whether the issue is with plumbing connections in your home or related to the water supply in your area, chances are that there is a solution to fix the problem. Let's take a look at factors that can affect a bathtub's water fill rate and common issues associated with it.
Bathtubs and Water Fill Rates
It typically only takes a few minutes for an average size bathtub to fill up with water; some may fill faster than others. The rate at which the tub feels can be affected by its size, water pressure, and the condition and size of the pipes in the home's plumbing. While smaller bathtubs typically hold anywhere from 30 to 35 gallons, tubs on the larger side can hold up to eighty or a hundred gallons of water.
The average bathtub is about 40 gallons, and the average bathtub faucet typically fills at a rate of about 4 to 7 gallons per minute. This means that a gallon bathtub can usually fill up in about 10 minutes if you have decent piping.
Why does my bath take so long to fill?
There can be quite a few different reasons why a bathtub may take longer than usual to fill. You could have a clogged valve at the faucet, low water pressure due to old worn pipes or water line issues, or small pipes that need to be refitted for your home. There could also be issues with the water regulator in your home. We'll go more into these issues a bit later.
How much does it cost to fill a bathtub?
In the United States, the average cost for water is listed by every 1,000 gallons. The price is about $1.50. This means that you're paying $0.01 for every gallon of water that you use. And this means that an average 40-gallon bathtub will cost about $0.04 to fill up with water.
Why do I have low water pressure in my tub?
Sometimes it can be tricky trying to troubleshoot the cause of low water pressure in your tub. It's best to contact a licensed plumber to assist with troubleshooting the issue. However, here are a few factors that may be affecting the water pressure in your home.
Closed valves
The water system in your home contains several valves that keep the system working correctly. If any of these valves are closed or even partially closed, it can hurt your water pressure. You can contact your local government to get a map of all the water valves in your home.
You'll also want to check the water meter and the main shut-off valve of your home to determine if they are the source of your water issues.
Clogged faucet
As years go by, mineral deposits from water can start to accumulate inside the head of your faucet or in the holes of your showerheads, causing blockages and disrupting the water flow. It's best to thoroughly clean these components using effective cleaning solutions such as CLR or vinegar.
Faulty or corroded pipes
If you have a home that is over 100 years old, chances are the pipes are even older. Older plumbing pipes are typically made from metal and are more likely to corrode due to rust and mineral deposits. Once these mineral deposits develop inside the pipe, they can disrupt water flow to various areas inside your home.
Corroded pipes can also cause small leaks in your waterline that may reduce the water flow to your bathtub. If you suspect that your home has water leaks, it's best to try to locate and mitigate the issue as soon as possible.
Faulty water pressure regulator
The job of a water pressure regulator is to ensure that your home water pressure stays within a safe range. This is typically around 45 to 60 PSI (Presser Per Square Inch). If this component becomes faulty or worn out, it can allow the water pressure in your home to become excessively high or low.
You'll need a licensed plumber to locate, diagnose, and replace this component if it is the source of the issue.
The water mixing valve is worn out
A mixing valve is responsible for controlling the ratio of cold and hot water sent to the faucet and shower head in your bathroom and kitchen areas. It's common for this valve to become worn out or stuck over time, resulting in water pressure and temperature issues.
Fortunately, it's fairly easy to diagnose this issue and replace the valve. However, this is another job that should be left to a licensed plumber to fix.
Issues with the water heater
If you notice that the low water pressure issues are only occurring when you attempt to turn on the hot water, the chances are that there is an issue with the water heater in your home. To test this, try turning on the hot water in other areas such as the kitchen or other bathrooms. If you notice a trend, chances are the water heater is the culprit.
This can happen when the heater has power issues, is over ten years old, or needs component replacements. You can troubleshoot and replace your water heater on your own. However, it may be best to at least consult with an electrician or plumber beforehand.
How do I get more water pressure in my tub?
Increasing the water pressure in your tub can be accomplished in a few different ways. Let's look at a few ways that you can try to mitigate the issue.
Check with your locale
If everything in your home seems to be okay, consider reaching out to your neighbors or local water supply company. If your neighbors are experiencing a similar issue, chances are it's an issue with the water supply in your area.
The most common issues will include corrosion, build-up, and clogs with the piping system. And if this is the case, the water supply company will need to address it.
Clear away any clogs
Often, low water pressure is simply due to blockages or clogs in the pipes or faucet of your bathtub. If this is the case, consider using CLR, vinegar, or baking soda to unclog the pipes. You may need to replace the pipes in extreme cases, especially if they are old or leaking.
Replace the water regulator
If the water regulator to your home is faulty, you can have it replaced by a licensed plumber. This part is typically located at either the meter or the service line for your home. The cost to replace the regulator can range from $150 to over $300, depending on how accessible it is.
Test for leaks
Leaks are often the silent culprit of low water pressure issues. Damaged and crack pipes can slowly siphon off water to your bathtub and other areas of your home, leaving you with a trickling tap. Consider contacting a plumber to test your home for water leaks if you suspect that this could be the source of your low-flow tub.
Install a water booster pump
A water pressure booster pump can help you increase the flow to your bathtub. These pumps start at about $150 but can go as high as $600. Water pressure pumps work by creating pressure from your water source to move water from the tank through the pipes in your home. Keep in mind that installing these booster pumps can also increase your electricity bill.
Learn more about this water booster pump on Amazon.
Wrapping Things up
We hope that this post has helped you learn about factors that can affect a bathtub's water fill rate. If you suspect that your bathtub has a slower than average fill rate, it may be best to contact a licensed plumber to help troubleshoot the issue.
Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts: