One thing comes to mind. Baths take more water. I did the calculations
onetime, and the tub in my parnets house holds about 50 galons of water when
it's full (measure length times width times depth, in inches. Multiply these
three. Divide by the capacity of a galon of water, which is 231 cubic
inches).

So you figure 30-40 galons to fill a tub, less if it's shallow fill for
small kid.

But, a shower.... I had a place ahwile back which had a 12 galon water
heater. And somehow I was able to take quick showers. I've known of 5 galon
water heaters in campers, and somehow it is possible there too.

Maybe showers when possible? Less water,a nd it's quite cleaner, cause there
is always new water. Not sitting in the tub like a piece of meat in your own
stew.

--

Christopher A. Young
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"Jim" wrote in message
om...
The builder of our new home (we bought after 95% completed)has
installed a 50 gallon electric water heater in a house that has 3.5
baths. Our house is less than 3 months old. We soon noticed that we
were running out of hot water after two baths and a shower. We have 3
small kids, so the baths were close together.

I have tried to convince the builder that the electric water heater
needs to be a minimum of 66 gallons, but more like 88 when you
consider a washing maching, dishwasher and jacquzi tub. I've done the
research and followed the calculation method, but the builder is not
willing to do anything about it after several conversations and
providing them with the calculation method.

I even called several local plumbers hoping that would influence the
builder (we've moved in from out of town). I don't know what else to
do beside spreading out the showers, baths, clothes washing and
dishwasher times, which is something my wife is not willing to
do....yet! We feel the builder should replace the water heater with a
more sizeable one. The argument from the builder is that this is what
they install in all their house (apparently regardless of size and the
fact that this one is electric and the rest of the new neighborhood is
gas). Also they said that the one we have now could not be installed
in another new house as the warranty would not be valid.

What can I do besides buying one myself at my cost? Is this my problem
or the builders?

What help can anyone provide?

Thanks...Jim