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Water Heater Sizing · 5 min read

What Size Water Heater Is Recommended for a Family of 3 to 5?

Use household routines, connected bathrooms and consecutive showers to compare 20L and 30L models.

What Size Water Heater Is Recommended for a Family of 3 to 5?
Bathroom Warehouse practical guide

For a storage water heater for a family of 3 to 5, a 20L or 30L model is a useful starting point to compare. However, household size is not the only consideration, as the number of bathrooms, shower habits and whether several people use hot water one after another can affect the capacity you need.

Bathroom Warehouse currently carries storage water heaters in several capacities, including 15L, 20L and 30L models, giving households different sizes to consider.

First consider how your family uses hot water

A larger household will normally use more hot water, but five people who take short showers may have very different requirements from three people who prefer longer showers.

When choosing a storage water heater for a family of 3 to 5, consider:

  • Number of people using the heater
  • Number of bathrooms connected
  • How long each person normally showers
  • Whether showers are taken one after another
  • Whether hot water also supplies basin or kitchen taps

Bathroom Warehouse recommends considering both the number of users and number of bathrooms when deciding on storage heater capacity.

Is a 20L storage water heater enough?

A 20L storage heater may be worth considering where space is limited and the household does not have heavy hot-water use. Bathroom Warehouse currently carries 20L slim storage heaters alongside larger 30L units.

For a storage water heater for a family of 3 to 5, the main question is whether the heater can comfortably meet the family's normal shower routine rather than simply choosing according to headcount.

When should you consider a 30L model?

A 30L storage heater provides a larger stored volume and may be more suitable to compare if several family members shower consecutively or if the heater supplies more than one outlet. Bathroom Warehouse notes that storage heaters can be useful for larger households and homes with multiple bathrooms.

Bathroom Warehouse carries several 30L models from Ariston and Viessmann, including compact and slim designs.

Which water heater size should you choose?

When choosing a storage water heater for a family of 3 to 5, start by comparing 20L and 30L models, then consider your actual hot-water use and available installation space.

The most suitable storage water heater for a family of 3 to 5 is one that provides enough hot water for normal household use without selecting a tank that is unnecessarily large for your bathroom and daily routine.

Important: Renovation, electrical and regulated plumbing work should follow current HDB and PUB requirements. Confirm the final proposal with your contractor and Licensed Plumber before work begins.
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