[dolfans]

We are househunting and have some questions about hot water heaters. A house we are planning to look at has 3 full bathrooms. Would/should there be more that 1 hot water heater? thanks

[stevemachine]

It's really based on amount of people, if you have 4 people, a 40 gal is fine. But if you have more than that you will want a 50 gal. Depends a lot on usage. I would say an average shower for the average person probably uses 10 gallons of hot water, as long as it isn't a rain shower head.

[dolfans]

There are 6 of us 2 adults,teen girl,3 kids 8,6,4 and teen girl is in the shower most of time for 30 mins to an hr or seems like it

[stevemachine]

Ah ok well then yeah you may want to consider either another water heater, or a bigger one. Also tankless might be a good option for you depending on what you're willing to spend. Tankless is nice cause its unlimited hot water, however they do require maintenance, and a water softener, if your water has any hardness at all. The tankless are quite efficient too, so they'll pay themselves off in the long run. Call out ideally 3 plumbers and get quotes to do the work, whether you want that extra tank/bigger tank or a tankless water heater

[Beni]

I might shy away from tankless type. Oh they work fine. But with one teen and 3 future teens, having unlimited hot water is not always a good thing. Think high gas bills..

If you have a gas water heater 40 gallons will be a tad small, but as long as you don't have too many people showering at the same time it should be fine. A 50 gallon gas water heater would be a good choice. Not too small and not too big..

With electric I might push for 60 gallons or so. Electrics only recover 18 gallons an hour. So after the teen takes the typical long shower you'll be waiting 2-3 hours for the next showers. Gas recovery varies from 30 ish to 45 ish GPH.

[IFIXH20]

Most standard 3 bath homes has a min. 50 gal. water heater . If the master bath has a large Garden,roman,jacuzzi tub Then you would want more than 50 gallons with a electric water heater -- If you have gas , you want a 50/50 water heater ( meaning 50 gal- 50000 btu's) with 3 baths.

[Beni]

Originally Posted by IFIXH20

Most standard 3 bath homes has a min. 50 gal. water heater . If the master bath has a large Garden,roman,jacuzzi tub Then you would want more than 50 gallons with a electric water heater -- If you have gas , you want a 50/50 water heater ( meaning 50 gal- 50000 btu's) with 3 baths.

Good catch on the larger bath tubs. A nice roman or jucuzzi tub if it is say 72 inches x 32 inches will need at least an 80 gallon and I sometimes spec 100 gallons as that gives a bit of safety factor if the dishwasher, etc is running at about the same time the tub is being filled.

Same goes for the newer multi-head showers too....

[dolfans]

The house has 2 regular tubs and the master bed room bath is a shower only. The house is something like 2600 sq ft. but laid out strange. The house is a barn type house 3 floors(2 baths and water heater etc) then the kitchen is in the middle and a cabin on the side with 1 full bath. Not sure but i don't think there is a water heater under the cabin. Will look with the inspection. thanks