What Size Water Heater Do I Need?

When it comes to a water heater installation, size does matter. If the water heater is too large, then you can expect to waste a lot of energy. On the other hand, a water heater that is too small will struggle to meet your demands. There are many types of water heaters, so choosing the right size is tricky. Luckily, your friends at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Tampa are here to help. In this brief article, we will offer some tips on choosing the right water heater. If you need the assistance of an experienced plumber, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Our live representatives are on standby to take your call.

Choosing a Tank-Style Water Heater

Tank-style water heaters, also known as traditional water heaters, are probably the most common type of water heater out there. These water heaters include a reservoir, or tank, of water which is heated all at once. When you need hot water, you turn the faucet and receive some from the tank. Considering a shower uses about 2.5 gallons of water per minute (GPM), a 50-gallon tank will run out of hot water after a 20-minute shower. This is when you end up having to wait some time for the tank to refill and reheat another batch of water.

When choosing a tank-style water heater, you have to consider the size of the tank. The general rule of thumb is to have roughly 15 gallons per household member. So, a two-person household will need around 30 gallons while a four-person family will require at least 50 to 60 gallons. Add an extra 10 gallons for every person after that.

Choosing a Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters, also aptly named, do away with the reservoir or tank of water. Rather than heat water in bulk, tankless water heaters will heat water "on demand." In this system, water is heated as it travels through heated pipes. Don’t take this to mean that tankless water heaters offer unlimited hot water though!

Tankless water heaters are also restricted in the amount of hot water they can provide. They can only deliver a certain number of gallons per minute (GPM). For instance, we mentioned earlier that showers use roughly 2.5 GPM. A faucet, meanwhile, can use between 1.5 to 2.5 GPM. If you plan to use both at the same time, then your tankless water heater should deliver at least 4 to 5 GPM. Of course, this is a small number for most households. A majority of households will require between 5 and 10 GPM.

Need Help with Your Water Heater?

Do you need help choosing a new water heater for your home or business? Is your existing water heater giving you problems? If so, then call the experienced professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Tampa. We are thrilled to offer water heater installation, replacement, and repair services in Tampa and surrounding areas. Our live representatives and dedicated plumbers are always ready to help. Call now to schedule a convenient appointment or request an emergency water heater repair today.