What Size Hot Water Cylinder Do I Need?

📞 022 471 9055 - Betta Plumbing & Gas - Local, Trusted, No-fuss hot water solutions. It’s one of the most common questions we get at Betta Plumbing & Gas Whangaparaoa:“What size hot water cylinder should I get for my home?”

Fair question - and if you're like most people, you probably haven’t thought about your hot water system since the day it was first installed. But when it comes time to replace it (or you're just sick of running out of hot water), choosing the right size cylinder is key.

Let’s break down what matters, what doesn’t and how we help you figure it out without overcomplicating things.

1. Start with the size of your household - What Size Hot Water Cylinder Do You Actually Need?

As a general rule, the number of people in your home gives us a good starting point:

People in Home	Suggested Cylinder Size
1–2	135–180L
2–3	180L
2–5	250L
3–5	270L
3–6	300L

But it’s not just about how many people live there - it’s also about how you use your water.

2. Consider your daily water habits

We’ll ask a few simple questions when we visit your place:

• Do you all shower in the morning, or are things spread out through the day?

• Any young kids that have nightly baths?

• Got someone training hard - like a swimmer, surfer or tradie - who’s in the shower twice a day?

• Are you using a dishwasher or washing up by hand?

  
  

This kind of info helps us dial in the right capacity so you’ve got plenty of hot water without wasting money heating water you don’t use.

3. Got space? Let’s check

Hot water cylinders take up a fair bit of room, so we always check what kind of space you’ve got to work with.

Here’s a quick size guide for comparison:

Cylinder Size	Approx. Dimensions (HxW)
180L	1710mm x 490mm
300L	1815mm x 580mm

If your existing cylinder is tucked away inside the house, this might be a good time to move it outside. We can supply and install outdoor models designed for NZ conditions - and you get some of that cupboard space back.

4. Thinking about future-proofing?

If your family is growing or you’ve got long-term guests (like nan and grandad moving in), it might be smart to go a size up. Likewise, if the kids are nearly out of the house, downsizing could save you money.

We also install heat pump hot water systems, which are a great option for energy efficiency - especially around Whangaparaoa and the surrounding coast. They use way less power than traditional systems and are a smart upgrade if you're renovating or looking to reduce power bills.

Recent Betta Plumbing Rheem hot water cylinder install in Whangaparaoa.

5. What’s the process with us?

We keep it simple:

1. Free on-site visit - We’ll come take a look, have a chat, and check your current setup.

2. Fixed quote - No surprises. You get a full quote to approve before we book anything in.

3. Fast install - Most hot water cylinder installations are done in a day.

4. We take care of the old cylinder - Removal and disposal included.

   
   

We service Whangaparaoa, Red Beach, Orewa, Silverdale, Milldale, Millwater, Wainui, Stanmore Bay, Manly, Gulf Harbour, and all the spots in between.

Not sure what size you need? That’s what we’re here for.

What Size Hot Water Cylinder Do You Actually Need? Get in touch with the team at Betta Plumbing & Gas Whangaparaoa and we’ll help you figure it out - no stress. Whether you’re replacing a failed unit or just sick of running out of hot water, we’ll help you find the right solution for your home and budget.

📞 022 471 9055 - Betta Plumbing & Gas - Local. Trusted. No-fuss hot water solutions. Bonus Hot Water Cylinder Tips

💡 1. Hot water running out faster lately?

That could be a sign your cylinder’s element or thermostat is on the way out - or it’s just not keeping up with changing household needs. If things have changed at home (like extra people or new routines), it might be time for an upgrade.

💡 2. Keep an eye on water pressure.

Low pressure systems are common in older homes and can affect how your hot water cylinder performs. When we do your quote, we’ll check your setup and let you know if a mains pressure cylinder would improve things.

💡 3. Outdoor cylinders are great space savers.

Many homes still have their hot water cylinder inside the hallway cupboard or laundry. Moving it outdoors gives you more room inside — and we install outdoor-rated units built for the coastal climate.

💡 4. Not all hot water is created equal.

If you notice rusty-coloured water or strange smells, your cylinder could be corroding internally. Best not to leave it too long - once it goes, it usually goes fast.

💡 5. Planning a renovation?

If you’re doing a kitchen, bathroom, or laundry upgrade, it’s smart to look at your hot water system at the same time. Future-proofing now can save you having to rip things up again later. 💡 6. Don't count these appliances  Most dishwashers and washing machines heat their own water, so they don’t actually draw from your cylinder.