Tandem water heaters

Priscilla V February 20, 2012

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biguggy February 20, 2012

Thom - For what it is worth we have a tandem arrangement but only with 40 gallon tanks. With just the two of us and even a couple of guests the one 40 gallon tank is sufficient, much more than that the second one is needed. The kitchen is on its own 6 gallon tank as it is the proverbial 3 days camel ride away from the main tanks, laundries and bathrooms. When the 40 gallon tank on its own is not sufficient is when people start taking baths which utilise more than one tub at the same time, larger waterjet type tubs ould also place an extra load on the system.

Thom February 20, 2012

Thanks for your input Biguggy. I should have mentioned that our main house has three and 1/2 baths and a full finished basement with wet bar (well used). There is also a fully self sustainable quest suite, full kitchen bath and laundry room. Really need the extra water capability when guest arrive. Grandkids are here quite often.

Scott D EXPERT February 21, 2012

Thank you for your question. I understand your concern about hot water usage. You have received some good information. Based on the information listed, most of the time, the one 50 gallon tank should be sufficient. However, if you do a lot of entertaining, have guests stay over and the grand kids and run low on hot water, a second 40 gallon water heater may be needed. I hope this will help you.

Thom February 21, 2012

Thanks Scott One question, will a 40 gallon tank work in a tandem (parallel configuration) with my existing 50 gallon tank, assuming that the piping is installed properly? I don't want the second tank to be only (or primarily) a storage tank. I want to draw equally from both as a source of hot water.

biguggy February 21, 2012

Thom - All things being equal, which of course they never are, equal quantities of water would be drawn from each tank in which case the '40' would run out first and start supplying 'cold' water to the system which result in 'cool' water coming from the faucet at the point of use. The way I pipe ours was that one tank can supply the 'main house' and the other can supply the 'guest appartment' or we can use either to supply both, which is what we normally do. We can also run them 'in parallel', I believe we have only ever done that once, but encountered no problems that I remember. Hope that helps.

Scott D EXPERT February 21, 2012

Thom, if the 50 gallon water is working ok most of the time and it's just occasionally that more hot water is needed, the 40 gallon should work just fine. If a lot more hot water is needed, at times, then I suggest another 50 gallon. The way biguggy has his water heaters connected, is a very good method. However, in this case, it may not be practical to rework the water pipes. I would recommend checking with a local plumber about this matter. I hope this will help you.