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At the time of Federation in 1901, Sydney, along with most Australian
cities did not have a reticulated water supply. This did not happen
until 1920 and the horse drawn water carts, which delivered water
from local pumping stations, became obsolete.
Although the reticulated supply was unreliable, a hot water market began to emerge in the 1930’s. A comparison of Homes Beautiful floor plans from the 1920’s and 1950’s shows little variation. At best the 1950’s home would have an overhead bath shower, and the inclusion of a separate shower only became common in the 1960’s.
The development of the hot water market has been quite dramatic in only fifty years. What was once considered average or normal can vary greatly within a few decades. The attitude regarding the “right sized” water heater in 1960 is completely different when applied to the 1980’s lifestyle. The new home of the 1980’s usually has two bathrooms as standard. Real Estate agents say it is very hard to sell a new home without an ensuite. Other inclusion such as pulsating showers, dishwasher and spa baths require a large volume hot water heater. The bathroom has evolved beyond personal hygiene and has become the “RECREATIONAL ROOM WITH WATER”. Other factors that increase the demand for hot water are our changing lifestyle. Statistics show that over 60% of families are two income homes. This enables the family to improve the quality of their life but also shortens the peak demand period. For example, all the family may shower before work within the space of an hour. The water heater must be large enough to cope with these requirements.
Who needs a potential recovery of 1000 litres when everyone is at work. Enthusiasts of jogging, aerobics and home gyms all need extra hot water.
Unhappy customers are more likely to broadcast their dissatisfaction and this can be summarised as follows: "Somebody told everybody about anybody who forgot that nobody complains about too much hot water!"
Article Courtesy of | ||||||||||||||||||
The standard electric water heater in 1950 was a low pressure roof
model and it’s major task would be to fill a bath one a day. It was
usual practice for mum to have the bath, then this was shared by the
children.
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