40, 50 or 75 gallons: choosing a water heater size
We carry 40, 50 and 75 gallon water heaters on our trucks because those three sizes cover almost every home and apartment in the city. Here is how to tell which one you need.
The quick answer
| Tank | People | Typical home |
|---|---|---|
| 40 gallons | 1 to 2 | Studio or 1-bedroom, one bathroom |
| 50 gallons | 2 to 4 | 2 to 3 bedrooms; most private houses and floor-through units |
| 75 gallons | 5 or more | Large households, several bathrooms, soaking tubs, light commercial |
What else changes the answer
- Peak use, not daily total. What matters is how many showers run back to back in the morning.
- Big tubs and body sprays empty a tank quickly. Size up if you have them.
- Recovery rate. Gas tanks reheat faster than electric ones of the same size, so a gas 50 often performs like a larger electric tank.
- Space and venting. A larger tank needs room, a suitable vent and enough gas supply. We check all three before upsizing.
Running out of hot water already?
It may not be the size. Sediment build-up, a broken dip tube or a thermostat set too low can make a correctly sized tank run short. A plumber can tell the difference before you buy a bigger one.
Do not forget the expansion tank
A new water heater on a closed system needs a working expansion tank. We check it on every replacement.
Ready to replace? See hot water tank replacement.
Questions
Is a 40 or 50 gallon water heater better for a family of four?
50 gallons is the usual choice for four people. A 40 gallon tank can run short with back-to-back morning showers.
When do I need a 75 gallon water heater?
For five or more people, several bathrooms, large soaking tubs, or light commercial use.