A top load washer can use anywhere from 20 to 60 gallons of water per load depending on the model, settings used, and size of the load. Most standard top load washers use between 30 and 45 gallons per load. High efficiency top load washers generally use less water, in the range of 15-30 gallons per load.
Quick Answer
On average, a standard top load washer uses between 30 and 45 gallons of water per full load. High efficiency top load washers use 15-30 gallons per load. The exact amount depends on the specific model, settings, and size of the load.
Factors That Affect Water Usage
There are several factors that impact how much water a top load washing machine uses:
- Washer model and efficiency – Standard top load washers typically use more water (30-45 gallons per load) than high efficiency models (15-30 gallons per load). Look for an ENERGY STAR certified high efficiency washer to save water.
- Tub size – Larger tub capacities equal more water used to fill the tub. A super capacity 5.0+ cubic foot tub will use more water than a standard 3.5-4.5 cubic foot tub.
- Wash settings – The water level or load size settings you choose impact water use. Lower water levels use less water. Large load sizes use more.
- Load size – A full large load will use the maximum amount of water for that setting. Smaller loads use less.
- Cycles – Heavy duty cycles like whites and bulky items use more water. Delicates and quick washes use less.
- Features – Options like prewash and extra rinse will increase water usage.
Water Usage by Washer Type
Here is an overview of approximate water usage for different types of top load washers:
Standard Top Load Washers
- Average water per full load: 35-45 gallons
- Large tub (5.0+ cu ft): 40-55 gallons
- Medium tub (4.0-4.5 cu ft): 30-40 gallons
- Small tub (3.5 cu ft or less): 25-35 gallons
High Efficiency (HE) Top Loaders
- Average water per full load: 15-25 gallons
- Large tub: 20-30 gallons
- Medium tub: 15-25 gallons
- Small tub: 10-20 gallons
Water Usage by Load Size
The amount of laundry you wash in a load also impacts water use. Here are some estimates for how load sizes affect water usage for an average standard efficiency top load washer with a medium 4.5 cubic foot tub:
| Load Size | Water Used |
| Extra Large/Overloaded | 45-55 gallons |
| Large/Full | 40-50 gallons |
| Medium | 25-35 gallons |
| Small | 15-25 gallons |
| Very Small | 10-15 gallons |
As you can see, water usage increases significantly with larger load sizes. Washing smaller loads uses much less water, so only running full loads can help maximize efficiency.
How Settings Impact Water Use
The settings and options you select on your top load washer also influence water consumption:
- Water level – Most washers allow you to manually select a low, medium or high water level. High uses the most water and low uses the least. Selecting a lower water level can conserve water.
- Wash cycle – Heavy duty cycles like super wash or whites use extra water to provide more aggressive cleaning. Choose lighter cycles like normal or permanent press to use less water.
- Soil level – Settings for heavily soiled laundry add more water. Light soil options use less. Match the soil level to your load.
- Spin speed – Faster spin speeds remove more water from clothes, reducing the amount of rinse water needed.
- Extra features – Options like prewash and extra rinse will increase water usage.
Comparing Washers by Water Efficiency
Not all top load washers use the same amount of water. Here is how the main factors compare between standard and high efficiency models:
| Standard Washer | HE Washer | |
| Average Water/Load | 35-45 gallons | 15-30 gallons |
| Tub Volume | 4.0-5.5 cu ft | 3.5-4.5 cu ft |
| Fill Method | Flood fill | Low-water spray/tumble |
| Agitator | Yes | No |
| Spin Speed | Up to 800 RPM | Up to 1300 RPM |
As you can see, high efficiency washers use less water due to differences in tub volume, fill method, spin speed and lack of an agitator. Their optimized design allows them to use significantly less water while still delivering effective cleaning performance.
Water Usage in Top Load vs Front Load Washers
Front load washers are also highly water efficient, often using even less water than a top load HE washer. Here’s how the two designs compare:
| Top Load HE Washer | Front Load HE Washer | |
| Average Water/Load | 15-30 gallons | 12-18 gallons |
| Capacity | 3.5-4.5 cu ft | 2.5-4.5 cu ft |
| Fill Method | Low-water spray/tumble | Tumble only |
| Wash Action | Impeller or agitator | Tumbling only |
| Spin Speed | Up to 1300 RPM | Up to 1600 RPM |
Front load washers tend to use less water than even high efficiency top loaders. Their horizontal tumbling wash action allows them to fully immerse and clean clothes while using very little water.
Tips for Conserving Water
Here are some tips to reduce the amount of water your top load washer uses:
- Only wash full loads whenever possible
- Select low or medium water level settings
- Choose lighter soil and cycle settings
- Set your washer to match load size for sensor controlled models
- Skip prewash cycles unless laundry is very dirty
- Use faster spin speeds to reduce rinse water needs
- Consider a high efficiency washer when buying new
The Bottom Line
On average, most standard top load washers use between 30-45 gallons of water per full load. High efficiency top load models use 15-30 gallons. Factors like washer type, tub size, settings, and load size impact just how much water is needed for cleaning. Following best practices for loading and using cycle settings wisely can help minimize water consumption.
