Sizing a hot water heater.

Randell Tarin

My wife and I are building two adjoining guest houses that will have a full bath in each.

With a maximum capacity of four adults at any one time, what capacity water heater should I get to assure that everyone gets a hot shower?


added note: The electric service is not sized for an on demand water heater.

Sammy

I would go with a 50 gallon tank. Look for the fastest recovery time you can find within reason. Insulate the pipes and make sure you have a low flow shower head in place.

Ya'll

Randell Tarin

50 gallon was about what I was thinking. I have another problem with hot water heaters out here.

We're on well water with a high mineral content. If we are gone for a few days from our home the hot water aquires the smell and taste of rotten eggs.
It takes a volume of water to purge the lines after that.

From what I've read, it's a bacteria reacting with the anodes within the hot water heater tank itself. If I turn the water heater off, the smell is not as strong. I'm thinking about putting an electric shutoff on the new water heater.

Another solution would be to filter the water coming into the house or add chlorine.

Any other suggestions?