The average adult uses about 10 gallons of water per shower (at a rate of 2 gallons of water per minute). If you assume that an 80-gallon tank has about 55 gallons of hot water to dispense before refilling, that means you have 27 or so minutes of total shower time before running out of hot water.
With a standard showerhead, around half a gallon more water will emerge each minute, so a 10-minute shower would use somewhere close to 25 gallons. *1 gallon = 4.54 litres.
An average 40-gallon heater will only take about 30 to 40 minutes to provide heat water, while you can expect hot water from a larger tank (80-gallons) in approximately 60 to 70 minutes.
Water Heater Sizes
On the other hand, a household with 5 – 7 people may require a water heater with a 60 – 80 gallon water tank depending on water usage patterns. If you live alone with a spouse, a 30 gallon water heater will provide you with enough warm water to shower, do laundry, and wash dishes.
The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 2015 has significantly restricted the availability of electric water heaters over 55 gallons due to stringent energy efficiency requirements.
The national average cost range to replace an 80-gallon water heater is $2,600 to $5,000, with most people paying around $3,500 for a high-efficiency 80-gallon gas-powered water heater in a direct replacement.
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.
The average adult uses about 10 gallons of water per shower (at a rate of 2 gallons of water per minute). If you assume that an 80-gallon tank has about 55 gallons of hot water to dispense before refilling, that means you have 27 or so minutes of total shower time before running out of hot water.
For those considering an 80-gallon gas water heater, expect the initial costs to be higher compared to smaller units due to the increased material and manufacturing requirements.
It only takes about 15 to 30 minutes to completely drain a water heater. A typical 40- to 60-gallon residential tank found in most homes will take no more than 15 minutes. However, larger tanks (80 gallons or more) found in homes with larger families can take longer, usually from 30 to 60 minutes; sometimes more.
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.
When hot water is called for at a faucet or appliance, heated water is pumped out the top of the tank and through the home's hot-water supply pipes. As the water level drops in the tank, it's automatically refilled with cold water, and the whole process starts over again.
You'll know when your water tank is full when the hot water tap, which you turned on earlier, runs normally without any residual air coming out.
The single, 10-minute long shower will cost you $0.46 or $168.93 if you repeat it daily for a full year.
A broken or burned-out heating element (immersion) could be the culprit for cold water in the hot water tap. As we use our water heater, the heating element gets worn out over time, which reduces its efficiency and lowers the maximum water temperature, until it completely stops heating the water.
The total running time of this kind of shower can last less than two minutes – using an initial thirty seconds or so to get wet, followed by shutting off the water, using soap and shampoo and lathering, then rinsing for a minute or less.
Naturally, tanks that heat more gallons of water typically have a higher price point, so the larger the tank size, the more you can expect to pay. For example, the average 40-gallon water heater installation cost runs between $1,000 and $2,500, while its 80-gallon counterpart runs between $2,650 and $3,910.
The death knell for the 80-gallon tanks sounded in 2015, impacting all conventional residential electric water heaters with a storage volume greater than 55-gallons.
Whether or not homeowners insurance covers water heater leaks depends on the specific circumstances of the leak and the terms of your policy. In general, if the leak is sudden and accidental, and not caused by your negligence, your policy will likely cover the cost of repairs.
On average, an 80-gallon tank water heater can take anywhere from 1-2 hours to recover. However, this is just a ballpark figure.
Raising the temperature setting on your water heater ultimately makes your hot water supply last longer. It will ensure everyone gets a hot shower, with plenty leftover to run your dishwasher and washing machine.
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.
Most homeowners should flush their water heaters every 6 months or so, but if you have extremely hard water, you may want to do it more often. Flushing your hot water heater could be necessary as often as every few months depending on the mineral content of your local water supply.
Tankless water heaters have many advantages over traditional tank-style and heat pump water heaters, and this is especially true when it comes to average life expectancy. A new gas or electric tankless water heater will typically last for a minimum of 20 years, and some units may last for 30 years or more.