That is a question that many people ponder. It seems like it would be a simple answer, but when you really think about it, the answer is not so clear.

On one hand, tubs require more water because they hold more of it. On the other hand, showers use more water per minute than baths do. So, which one uses more water in the end?

To answer that question, we have to do some math. A tub typically holds about 70 gallons of water, while a five-minute shower usually uses 10 to 25 gallons of water. So, on average, showers use more water than baths do.

Now, this might not be the case for everyone, as some people take baths that only use a few gallons of water, while others take long showers that use up to 25 gallons. But, on average, showers use more water than baths do.

So the next time you are wondering whether to take a shower or a bath, remember that showers use more water – on average.

How Much Water Does A Standard Bathtub Hold?

An average bathtub usually holds around 80 gallons of water. Of course, you won’t fill the bathtub to the top because once you get into it your body will displace some of that water and cause it to overflow onto the bathroom floor.

So, on average, most individuals will fill a bathtub with about 40 to 50 gallons of water.

How Much Water Does A Shower Use Per Minute?

A standard shower head typically uses 2.5 gallons of water per minute. So if you shower for five minutes, that’s 12.5 gallons of water. If you shower for 10 minutes, that’s 25 gallons of water. And if you shower for 15 minutes, that’s 37.5 gallons of water.

Can A Shower Head Reduce Amount Of Water Used In A Shower?

Yes, installing a low-flow showerhead can reduce the amount of water used during a shower by about 50%. So if you have a standard showerhead, replacing it with a low-flow showerhead can save you gallons of water per minute.

  • So, for a 5 minute shower that would be 6.25 gallons of water
  • For a 10 minute shower that would be 12.5 gallons of water
  • For a 15 minute shower that would be 18.75 gallons of water

This can add up to a lot of savings month after month. If every shower in your household has a low-flow showerhead, you can save many gallons of water per month! And that translates into saving a lot of money.

Other Ways To Save Water While Showering

There are other ways to save water while showering, even if you don’t have a low-flow shower head.

  • Shorten the amount of time you spend in the shower. This seems easy but there are times you just want to lounge under that warm water!
  • Turn off the shower water while you are soaping up or shampooing and conditioning your hair.
  • Place a bucket in the shower with you. It will collect some water and you can then use that water for your plants.

Conclusion

Baths may seem more luxurious, but in the long run they use more water than showers. So, if you’re looking to save some money on your water bill, opt for a quick shower instead. And if you’re looking to save even more, try any of the tips we mentioned above.


If you have any questions about saving water, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-505-8570. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.