The diameter of the 50 gallon unit is only 2” bigger than the 40 gallon model, and the other dimensions and venting requirements are identical. No venting or gas piping revisions are needed going up from one size to the other.
If you have some plumbing and gas experience, replacing a 40-gallon gas water heater with a 50-gallon model can be a manageable DIY project. If not, hiring a licensed plumber is recommended for safety and compliance with local codes.
If you are on a budget, a 40-gallon may be the better option for you. Water Heater Efficiency: When it comes to efficiency, a 50-gallon water heater is going to be more efficient than a 40-gallon water heater. This is because it will have a lower recovery time, which means it will take less time to heat the water.
A small (50- to 60-gallon) storage tank is usually sufficient for one to two three people. A medium (80-gallon) storage tank works well for three to four people. A large tank is appropriate for four to six people.
In general, 40-gallon heaters last eight years, while 50-gallon heaters can last 12 years. This is because 50-gallon heaters have thicker tanks. As a result, they are less likely to develop leaks. A 50-gallon water heater will last about 8 to 20 years, which is longer than most water heaters.
With a low gpm head and full hot you should be able to get 20 min out of 50 gallons. Now you turn down the hot and add a little cold and you should get more time in a less hot shower. If you need more time you could turn up the water heater and use a less hot water to cold ratio. That would get you a few more minutes.
Oversized water heaters consume more energy than properly sized models, so your utility costs are noticeably higher. Plus, bigger models are more expensive upfront, so you've also wasted money on the initial equipment purchase. The same goes for tankless water heaters that are too big – they waste energy and money.
Think about how much hot water your household typically needs. If you live alone or with one other person, a 40-gallon heater might be plenty. But if you have a larger family or need more hot water for back-to-back showers, dishes, and laundry, a 50-gallon heater can make life a lot easier.
How Many People Can Shower With a 50 Gallon Water Heater? A standard shower for a single person is around 20 gallons of water. So, a 50-gallon water heater is suitable for a family of three to four people.
Oversized units find it challenging to maintain a steady flow of hot water when the demand varies. If it is too big, the water heater may need help adapting to the flow rate changes, leading to uneven temperatures during simultaneous water usage in different areas of your home.
Many clients ask me, "What size water heater is right for this home?" Common rule of thumb is that a 40 or 50 gallon tank is suitable for most 3-4 bedroom and 3 bathroom homes.
Choose a Smaller Tank
One option is to choose a tank that's the same size as your current water heater and accept that it will have a lower capacity. If your home only has a few inhabitants who aren't taking multiple showers per day, you may not notice the difference.
In the case of standard tank type water heaters, a 50 gallon tank provides 25% more hot water storage capacity than a 40 gallon unit (with a slightly higher first-hour rating; see below). The reasoning is essentially that simple! – assuming that the larger tank can be properly integrated into the existing system.
Tank to Tank Installation: On average, replacing a gas or electric water tank with a similar model takes two to three hours. It takes between 45 to 60 minutes to drain, disconnect and remove your old water heater.
Traditional Tank
The water is heated at least once a day to ensure a steady and ready supply of hot water. On average, these water heaters last between 8 to 12 years. They're often affected by sediment buildup. Annual flushing of the tank can help to extend a tanked water heater's lifespan.
Typically, the rule-of-thumb is that you want a 40 gallon tank for 1 to 4 people, a 50 gallon tank for 4 to 6 people, and a 50 gallon high recovery or 75 gallon tank for 6 to 8 people.
Generally, taking a shower uses less water than a full bath. A standard showerhead flows at a rate of 2.5 gallons per minute . This means that a ten-minute shower only uses 25 gallons of water.
While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.
So a 50-gallon tank would be adequate for the average family of 2–3 children. Other estimates assign slightly more water for each person, saying you'll need a 30–40-gallon tank for 1–2 people, 40–50 gallons for 3–4 people, and 60–80 gallons for 5 or more people.
An expansion tank is always highly recommended if you have a 'closed-loop system' caused by any kind of check valve or pressure regulating valve installed on your house's water supply line. A common illustration compares having high water pressure in your home to having high blood pressure.
An average water heater runs three hours every day, a 50 gallon, 55,500 watt water heater with a . 90EF and electricity rate of $. 16 per kilowatt will cost an average operating cost of $781 per year.
Newer models require specialized tools and training to install, and the associated labor costs can add up quickly, making the total cost of the water heater higher than you expected.
In general, a 40- to 50-gallon tank is sufficient for an average household of 2 to 3 people, increasing by 10 gallons per additional person in the home. In a tankless water heater, the capacity is measured by flow rate, calculated in gallons per minute.
Sediment can build up over time in a water heater, shortening its lifespan. To prevent this, you should flush your water heater at least once per year. Flushing will help to remove any sediment that has built up and improve the efficiency of your water heater.