How Many Gallons of Water Does the Average House Bathtub Contain?

Bathtubs contain 25 to 45 gallons of water on average.

Bathtubs come in a range of sizes to fit the different desires and needs of homeowners. Most tubs are designed to fit one average-sized person comfortably. Knowing the size of your bath is useful when determining the amount of water your family uses, whether you are concerned about your water bill or the environment. Taking a long bath actually can be economical and environmentally friendly when compared with taking a long shower because the duration of the bath does not affect the amount of water used.

Average Tub

The average house bathtub contains 25 to 45 gallons of water depending on the fill level, according to the Alliance For Water Efficiency. A bather who fills the tub up to or past the overflow valve typically uses between 40 and 50 gallons of water per bath.

Whirlpool Tub

The average whirlpool tub uses significantly more water than a regular bath. According to the Alliance For Water Efficiency, a whirlpool tub uses 80 gallons of water. In addition, whirlpool tubs use lots of energy, and they are generally not considered to be environmentally friendly or cost effective.

Saving Water

If you take baths on a regular basis, consider some water-saving tips. Taking a five-minute shower is much less wasteful and more efficient than taking a five-minute bath because even the most inefficient shower heads only use 30 gallons of water for this duration. A 30-minute bath with the tub half-full, however, uses the same amount of water, 20 gallons, as a 10-minute shower using a 2.0 GPM shower head. Whenever taking a bath, whether it’s long or short, consider filling the tub half way to save water. Plug the drain at the start and adjust the gradually temperature as you fill the tub.

Recycling Bath Water

Used bath water falls under the category of grey water, another name for waste water that comes from non-toilet plumbing systems. You can use grey water to water plants in your yard, either by carrying out in buckets or installing a device that diverts this water directly to an outdoor tank. If you choose the direct route, consult a licensed plumber before performing any work on existing plumbing systems. Check your system regularly for blockages and only store untreated grey water for 24 hours or less.

References

• Alliance For Water Efficiency: Residential Shower and Bath Introduction
• United States Environmental Protection Agency: WaterSense What You Can Do
• Better Health Channel: Grey Water Recycling Water At Home