Tankless water heaters are known for on-demand hot water  and strong energy savings—but some homeowners get frustrated when the faucet still runs cold longer than expected. The truth is: a short wait can be totally normal, even with a great unit. The key knows when the delay is just “pipe distance” and when it’s a sign you need professional help. If you’re comparing options or troubleshooting performance, it helps to understand how tankless systems actually work in real homes