Choosing the Right Water Heater Tank Size

Choosing a tank that's too big can mean spending a lot of money on electricity or gas to keep the water warm.

One can't afford mistakes when choosing the right size for a water heater tank. Choosing a tank that's too big can mean spending a lot of money on electricity or gas to keep the water warm. Meanwhile, a tank that's too small means it'll keep running out of hot water every few minutes. Therefore, it's essential to get the proper size.

This article will discuss the selection criteria for the right water heater tank size and best hot water supply.

Knowing household water usage is key

Knowing the hot water usage in a household is the first step in understanding what tank size is the right fit. Generally, it's estimated that a single person uses 80 to 100 gallons of water a day. But again, this is just an estimate. This number can easily double if a family member cleans more often.

With the above estimates, it's safe to say that a tank that takes in 50 to 60 gallons of water should suffice for a family with three children. On the other hand, a tank that holds 80 gallons of water should be enough for three to four people, and a tank larger than that should be enough for four to six people.

Usually, small tanks should be enough for small families. However, the disadvantage of these tanks is the risk of running out of hot water. Meanwhile, large tanks are an excellent option, but they come with extra costs for electricity or gas. They also need more space, and generally, it takes more time to heat the water – 30 to 40 minutes, to be exact.

When to opt for tankless water heaters

If you're having trouble choosing the right water heater tank, a tankless water heater is the best option. A tankless water heater doesn't take up much space, and one will never have to worry about running out of hot water because it can heat water on demand and almost immediately should one need it.

Tankless water heaters are perfect for large families, but it depends on how many members are in that family and how frequently they use the hot water. For example, if a family has more than six members and uses a lot of water, they might require more than one tankless heater, which is quite expensive.

Get it right!

Choosing the right water heater tank size comes down to the size of the household, the cleaning habits of individual members, and the size of the house.

If you need help analyzing what water heater tank size is best, it might help to seek assistance from a seasoned plumber. They'll also analyze a home's hot water needs and recommend a tank that will work best for the entire household, no matter what size.


Water Wise Plumbing is a local, full-service residential plumbing company serving Las Vegas, Henderson, Paradise, Boulder City, Pahrump, and North Las Vegas. We provide Tankless water heater service, water softeners, water heater flush, leak detection and repair, water line rerouting, pipe installation, hydro-jetting, sewer services, and more. We are family-owned and operated, certified, and insured. We offer flat rate pricing and 24-hour emergency service. Call us today at (702) 605 - 6408

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