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Yesterday my handyman remarked that there are new codes for water heaters in the county and they have to be 50 gallons! (Probably for new water heaters---I'm sure old ones are grandfathered in.) He said it was so people didn't run out of hot water! Why in the world would the government care if someone ran out of hot water? It's not like it's going to be a public health hazard! I can see them getting involved with energy efficient aspects or something relating to safety, but hot water tank capacity? This doesn't make sense to me. I tried to look up the county codes and never saw anything about capacity. I only have the space and as one person who doesn't shower everyday (yeah, I know. I've always on been in the daily shower club, but no more.) and washes laundry often in cold water I don't need 50 gallons. 40 does me just fine.
Unless it's proportional to dwelling size — and I can see a McMansion being required to have adequate hot water capacity for five bathrooms — this sounds like BS or a misunderstanding of the code to me.
Also, a 50 gallon electric water heater is equivalent to a 40 gallon gas water heater in terms of hot water output.
In my last condo in FL I had a 40-gallon electric. That was all that could fit. It was a 2/2.5, but I don’t know that anyone would be running enough water to require 50 gallons. There must be some sort of size considerations. I don’t know how they would even expect a 50 gallon to fit in a smaller condo/townhome.
Thanks for your replies. In all fairness to the handyman, he wasn't trying to convince me that I needed a new one---just remarking about it. As you said, Ramen, I live in a smaller condo that has a built-in compartment in the garage for a water heater and 50 wouldn't fit.
Many of my 14 year old appliances are starting to go and I've been surprised how some are being made larger than they used to be (like washers, with the theory that people will do bigger and therefore less loads). I was wondering if water heaters were falling in this category---that people always equate "better" with newer and bigger.
Glad I can still do all that stuff myself. First rule of handyman fixes, dont ask permission of government for stupid simple remove and replace stuff that goes bad with age and use. If asked, its always been like that. Now if you are putting an addition onto house or something then of course you need a permit. To replace a water heater, I dont think so though sure some municipalities will try to make a $300 water heater replacement into a $3000 one plus up your property value in process.
Also, a 50 gallon electric water heater is equivalent to a 40 gallon gas water heater in terms of hot water output.
Uh, no.
All water heaters deliver the same amount of water, yes. The larger capacity allows them to deliver fully heated water, with no temperature drops, to more taps and for longer at a time.
All water heaters deliver the same amount of water, yes. The larger capacity allows them to deliver fully heated water, with no temperature drops, to more taps and for longer at a time.
Actually, gas water heaters have a higher First Hour Rating (FHR) than electric, which is why in terms of hot water output the comparison is valid when the water heater is actually being used, since they recover faster.
Actually, gas water heaters have a higher First Hour Rating (FHR) than electric, which is why in terms of hot water output the comparison is valid when the water heater is actually being used, since they recover faster.
Nothing about this was gas-v-electric.
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