Average Hot Water Usage

When sizing a tank-style water heater, make sure that the unit you install can provide sufficient hot water during the daily period of peak usage (based on recovery rate and first hour ratings). Doing so will ensure that you never run out of hot water. It’s important to determine how much hot water you use. Flow rates at fixtures can vary (especially with very new or very old equipment), but the figures below reflect U.S. government data for average hot water consumption by appliance per use.

• Clothes washer: 7 gallons
• Shower: 10 gallons
• Dishwasher: 6 gallons
• Kitchen faucet: 2 gallons per minute
• Bathroom faucet: .05 gallons per minute