Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters: Pros and Cons

Fall is a good time to consider the purchase of a new water heater.   If your current unit is at least 7 to 10 years old, shows signs of corrosion, or has melted plastic on top of the unit, you may benefit from replacing it.   Water heaters can have a large tank that holds 30, 50, even 100 gallons of water, depending on the homeowner’s needs, or they can be tankless, heating the water only when it’s needed.

There are several pros of owning a tank water heater.   “Tank water heaters require little maintenance, and have fewer components that can go wrong,” explained Mike Krejci, a professional plumber with Jay’s Plumbing in Downers Grove.   “If you lose power, you’ll still have the hot water left in the reserve tank until it’s depleted.   While very little maintenance is required, the unit should still be checked annually, just like your HVAC system.   Having the sediment drained and the burner assembly cleaned annually and using an expansion tank can potentially expand its life expectancy upwards of 20 years.”   If not maintained regularly, and if water quality isn’t great, the average life expectancy of a tank water heater will be closer to 10 years.

A tankless water heater has specific benefits, too.   “A tankless system provides endless hot water, providing multiple back-to-back showers,” said Krejci.   “A tankless unit also takes up a lot less space, making it ideal for smaller homes.”   A tankless water heater needs regular maintenance, including being flushed out each year, and may need an additional filtration system if the water quality isn’t very good.   It has more components than a tank heater, but has an average life expectancy, if well maintained, of 20 years.

“The installation and service are more important than the brand of water heater,” added Krejci.   “Make sure your installation contractor will service the unit long term so it is properly maintained.”   For more information, please contact:

Jay’s Plumbing

1509 Ogden Avenue

Downers Grove, IL 60515

Phone:   630-434-9200

office@jaysplumbing.net

www.jaysplumbing.net