How many water heaters to install in a 4 unit bldg?

Question

If i put 4 water heaters in a 4-plex, then the tenants can pay for the cost of heating the water, but I have to pay for 4 heaters and worry about capex on 4 heaters. If I put in 1 heater then I have to pay to heat the water (unless I bother to charge the tenants a proportionate amount every month which is a hassle in my mind), but only have one tank to buy. Which would you recommend? Also, if I go with one tank, then do I have to have 5 meters? 4 for the tenants, and one for me?

Russell Brazil · Answer

17.

Jeremy Hunsicker · Answer

I would go with a water heater for each unit.  keep the water and power cost on the tenant.  if you went with 1 tank, you would more than likely need a commercial unit to keep up with the demand which would cost more anyway, 1 point of failure, and would need to pay for water and power, or the hassle to figure out how to charge back to each tenant

Todd Plambeck · Answer

If they aren't individually metered, two 50's should plenty but it's really a question for your plumber.  If they are electric water heaters, you're going to require some electric work; gas is going to require some new gas lines most likely.

Brian Cooke · Answer

Currently it is individually metered electric. It is very common here for water to be included in rent, so each unit isn't individually metered for water. The units are each 1 bedroom.

I'll probably go with the 4 individual, thanks for the inputs!

Jack Edgar jr · Answer

Questions to consider: How many beds are each unit? Is it metered separately? Is there room for individual? What is common practice in that area?

Rocky V. · Answer

Is the 4 plex individually metered water and electric?  If not then I'd probably only go with 1 WH.  What's there currently?

Scott Weaner · Answer

4

How many water heaters to install in a 4 unit bldg?

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