1. What is a Hot Water Tank Capacity Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the required hot water tank capacity by summing the demand from all connected fixtures.

Purpose: It helps plumbers, engineers, and homeowners properly size a water heater to meet peak demand.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( C \) — Required tank capacity (gallons)
• \( F \) — Demand from each fixture (gallons)

Explanation: The total capacity needed equals the sum of hot water demands from all fixtures that might be used simultaneously.

3. Importance of Proper Tank Sizing

Details: Correct sizing ensures adequate hot water supply while avoiding energy waste from an oversized tank.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the hot water demand for each fixture in gallons. Leave unused fixture fields blank or set to zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical fixture demand?
A: Standard values: shower (2.5 gpm), sink (0.75 gpm), dishwasher (1.5 gal/load), washing machine (3.0 gal/load).

Q2: Should I include all fixtures in my home?
A: Only include fixtures that might be used simultaneously during peak demand periods.

Q3: How does recovery rate affect capacity?
A: Tanks with higher recovery rates can be smaller since they reheat water faster during use.

Q4: What about tankless water heaters?
A: For tankless systems, calculate flow rate (gpm) rather than capacity (gal).

Q5: Should I add a safety factor?
A: Consider adding 10-20% to the calculated capacity for safety margin.