Can you replace a 40 gallon hot water heater with a 50 gallon hot water heater?

Author: Merritt Wilkinson PhD  |  Last update: Thursday, June 5, 2025

40 Gallon Water Heaters Are No Longer a No-Brainer Simply put, the trend we're seeing is that 40 gallon replacement tanks have been going out of style with many homeowners whose hot water needs are considered to be somewhat 'normal' – and in many of these cases, 50 gallon heaters are taking their place.

Can I replace my 40 gallon water heater with a 50 gallon?

  • Short answer, yes. Unless you have a specific need for that much hot water, 50 gallon water heater should be sufficient for a family of 4.
  • If the bathrooms are far apart.
  • Make sure the installer knows what he is doing!

Does a 50 gallon water heater last longer than a 40 gallon?

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.

Is it better to get a bigger hot water heater?

Capacity: A bigger water heater has a larger tank, which means it can hold more water. If you frequently draw hot water, a larger tank may be more efficient in meeting your needs without running out.

What is the average labor cost to install a 50 gallon gas water heater?

In general, plumbers cost $45 to $200 per hour, while electricians cost $50 to $100 per hour. Expect the following average price ranges for labor alone: Replacing a tank-style water heater: $150–$450. Replacing a tankless water heater: $600–$1,850.

Replace Your Water Heater Yourself in 10 Easy Steps

How long does it take to replace a 50 gallon water heater?

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.

How many showers with a 50 gallon water heater?

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.

Is Rheem or AO Smith a better water heater?

If you're looking for a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective water heater, Rheemhas the edge over A.O. Smith. With superior energy efficiency, longer warranties, and better overall performance, Rheem units are designed to meet the needs of modern homeowners.

Is it bad to oversize a water heater?

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.

Should I buy a water heater from a plumber?

Water Heater Quality

The units available at a retail store or online typically are not the same as those sold through a local plumber. Low retail prices are often possible due to lower product quality and the use of less durable components.

How long of a shower can you take with a 50 gallon tank?

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.

How long does it take to replace a 40 gallon water heater?

Water Heater Installation

Installing a new water heater usually only takes 2 to 3 hours. Keep in mind that if you are switching from a tank water heater to a tankless water heater or vice versa, it could take a little longer.

Is it better to get a 40 or 50 gallon water heater?

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.

What is the life expectancy of a 40-gallon 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.

How many showers can you take with a 40-gallon water heater?

For instance, a typical shower uses about 10 gallons of hot water. So, if you have a 40-gallon hot water tank, you should be able to get four average-length showers out of your hot water tank. This also depends on how much hot water you use for other things.

What water heaters do plumbers recommend?

AO Smith, State, and Bradford White are all very dependable brands and are known by professional plumbers for top-quality gas and electric water heaters. Master plumber Eddie Heil put it this way, “AO Smith, State, and Bradford White are all great choices in our experience.

How much does Home Depot charge to install a water heater?

The labor cost to install a water heater through Home Depot ranges between $50 and $150 per hour. On average, you will spend between $100 and $450 because the installation usually takes two to three hours.

Is carrier or Rheem better?

Build Quality and Durability. Rheem is a mid-range central AC system that offers comfort and affordability. The products are less efficient compared to the Carrier and they are fragile and wear out faster. Carrier is one of the best HVAC brands to offer better build quality and durability.

How much does a new 40 gallon water heater cost?

The cost to replace a 40-gallon water heater is $600 to $1,600 for an electric unit or $900 to $3,000+ for a gas unit, including installation labor. A 40-gallon water heater costs $400 to $2,000 for the unit alone, depending on the brand, features, energy efficiency, and fuel type.

How many gallons of hot water does a 20 minute shower use?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the typical shower head sprays about 2.5 gallons per minute. If you take a shower that lasts 20 minutes, about 50 gallons of water are used. Some high-powered shower heads can use between 20-35 gallons of water for a five-minute shower.

Is AO Smith a good water heater?

A.O. Smith water heaters have long been praised for their durability and excellent performance. This reputation can be partly attributed to the high-quality components utilized in making these heaters. Corrosion-resistant materials, such as glass coated heating elements and stainless-steel tanks, show A.O.

Can I replace a 40 gallon water heater with a 50 gallon?

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.

How long does it take for a plumber to replace a water heater?

Once you decide to (or are forced to) replace your current water heater, there are a few decisions you need to make to get the process started. If there are no issues or complications, a licensed plumber should be able to complete the process in 2-3 hours.

Should I upgrade to 50 gallon water heater?

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.

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