Ask a Plumber Blog: Guidance from a Master Plumber

Your Top 17 Questions Answered about Tankless Water Heaters

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Interested in going tankless?! Here are the top questions that clients asked before installing a tankless water heater.

How long does a tankless water heater last?

The average life expectancy of a tankless water heater is 20 years, according to The US Department of Energy. This lifespan, of course, depends on the frequency of the service and usage. Since the heater is an assembly of independent and replaceable parts, you can extend its life to as many as 50 years with proper maintenance and part upgrades.

How long does it take water to get hot with a tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters use high-powered electrical coils or gas burners to generate warm water on demand. A typical tankless water heater takes about 15 seconds to bring water to temperature.

How much hot water can a tankless water heater provide at once?

The amount of hot water a tankless water heater can provide at once depends on the size of the unit and the hot water demand of the home.

Can you run out of hot water with a tankless water heater?

One of the advantages of tankless units is the constant stream of hot water – when you need it for as long as you need it. As long as there is water in the inlet and power to heat it, a home cannot run out of hot water.

Note: Be sure to install a unit with the right capacity for household size and usage.

Will a tankless water heater meet the hot water demands of my home?

A tankless water heater may not meet the hot water demands of every home, so it’s important to have a professional assess your hot water needs and determine if a tankless water heater is right for you.

Do tankless water heaters need maintenance?

Good news, tankless water heaters require minimal maintenance. To extend the lifespan and maintain optimum performance, schedule regular and thorough preventive maintenance, especially if you use hard water.

How many tankless water heaters do I need?

The number of tankless water heaters your home requires depends on the size of your home. Since the heater is installed in the house’s plumbing lines, its efficiency depends on the water flow rate in the inlet pipe. Therefore, the higher the demand for hot water, the more heaters are required.

A typical heater has a total water flow rate of 2 gallons per minute (GPM). The number of units you need depends on your household usage at peak demand.

  • a single unit is all you need if you use less than 2 GPM
  • 2 units may be required if your usage is higher than 2GPM
  • you may need 3 heaters installed if your usage is 6 GPM

Trinity Plumbing will help you determine the right sized unit based on your needs.

Can the homeowner install a tankless water heater?

The warranty on most tankless units is only effective when “installed by a properly licensed plumber or contractor”. To make sure that you’re covered under warranty for repairs and/or replacement, don’t attempt to install a tankless water heater yourself. A tankless water heater is a investment and hiring a professional to install it properly is a worthwhile expense.

However, if you decide DIY is right for you, be sure to:

  • read ALL the instructions as different types and sizes of tankless heaters have differing installation instructions
  • properly vent the unit
  • check all water connections to make sure they are leak-free
  • check your incoming water pressure, if it’s higher than your unit specifies be sure to install a reducing valve upstream of your heater
  • (for units that run on electric) – have sufficient electrical capacity, correct gauge wires, dedicated circuit, and proper size breaker
  • (for units that run on gas) – vent the system with the proper materials and provide adequate air flow for combustion; have the proper diameter gas line; check that there are no leaks

Remember: Installing a tankless water heater is a complex process that requires professional installation. A professional plumber will be able to ensure the unit is installed correctly and safely.

Is a tankless water heater worth it?

When we follow up with clients after a tankless install, they rave about how much they LOVE their new water heater. More specifically, it’s worth investing in a tankless water heater because when compared to a traditional water heater, tankless definitely have their advantages:

  • constant stream of hot water – when you need it for as long as you need it
  • more efficient – eliminates the extra cost of keeping 30-80 gallons of water heated in a storage tank when no one is using it
  • more compact – small in size (most are about the size of a suitcase) and hangs on the wall freeing up valuable floor space
  • double the lifespan – average lifespan of a tankless is 20 years
  • longer warranty period – most units have warranties for both residential and commercial usage
  • increases the resale value of your home

How much does a tankless water heater cost?

The cost of a tankless water heater varies depending on the size, fuel type, and brand, but on average they can range from $800 to $4800. We have done extensive research on numerous brands and only use reputable brands with a history of:

  • quality
  • performance
  • stong warranties
  • longevity & durability
  • require less maintenance
  • well-established customer support
  • compatibility with other plumbing fixtures and systems

At this time, we do not recommend knock-off brands, because we want to deliver the best possible results for our customers, while minimizing the risk of problems or issues down the road.

What are the benefits of a tankless water heater over a traditional tank water heater?

A tankless water heater provides an unlimited supply of hot water, is more energy-efficient, and has a longer lifespan compared to a traditional tank water heater.

Is a tankless water heater more energy-efficient than a traditional tank water heater?

Yes, a tankless water heater is more energy-efficient than a traditional tank water heater because it only heats water as needed, rather than continuously heating a large tank of water.

Do I need to make any changes to my home’s plumbing or electrical system before installing a tankless water heater?

In some cases, changes to your home’s plumbing or electrical system may be necessary before installing a tankless water heater. A professional will be able to assess your home’s needs and make recommendations.

What is the warranty and maintenance required for a tankless water heater?

The warranty and maintenance requirements for a tankless water heater will depend on the specific unit and manufacturer. It’s important to review the warranty and maintenance requirements before making a purchase.

Can a tankless water heater be used in conjunction with solar hot water systems?

Yes, a tankless water heater can be used in conjunction with a solar hot water system.

What is the expected lifespan of a tankless water heater?

A tankless water heater typically lasts between 20 and 25 years.

Info About Tankless Water Heaters

Want to learn more about tankless water heaters? Check out these blog posts:

Tankless Water Heater For Your Home & Business

In the past 24 months, we’ve had a significant increase in the number of clients replacing their standard water heaters with a tankless unit. At Trinity Plumbing, we know that purchasing a tankless water heater is a big decision. That’s why we’re happy to answer any questions you may have and help you decide which water heater is right for you and your family.

Contact Trinity Plumbing to schedule service for your Tankless Water Heater.

Robert (Master Plumber)

Robert (Master Plumber)

Owner of Trinity Plumbing, LLC
Residential & Commercial Plumbing

Serving: Acworth, Dallas, Kennesaw, Marietta, Smyrna, & surrounding Metro Atlanta areas

Full Bio & All Author Posts
Robert (Master Plumber)

Robert (Master Plumber)

Owner of Trinity Plumbing, LLC
Residential & Commercial Plumbing

Serving: Acworth, Dallas, Kennesaw, Marietta, Smyrna, & surrounding Metro Atlanta areas

Full Bio & All Author Posts