Tankless Water Heaters

Shawn Martin, Boone Creek Plumbing

As full service residential plumbing experts, Boone Creek Plumbing has been serving clients with their expertise in plumbing services, home improvements and repairs since 1989. Their website proudly states they “hold ourselves to a higher standard than most with quality, integrity and transparency at the forefront of our beliefs.” From home repairs such as drain cleaning, water heater replacements and leaky faucets to commercial under slab leak repair, water and sewer line breaks and water filtration systems, technicians are licensed, insured and experienced. The home office is in Bon Aqua, TN but Shawn who we interviewed lives here locally.

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quenching your curiosity about water heaters:

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How does a tankless water heater work vs. the traditional storage tank water heater?

A storage tank water heater keeps the temperature in the tank at a set point by heating the tank multiple times a day. The tankless water heater heats the water as needed.

Is it more expensive to install a tankless compared to the traditional water heater?

The short answer is yes. The cost difference is of a tankless water heater installation is about double the price.

Are there different types of tankless water heaters? What is most common?

Yes, the biggest difference is the type of fuel used to heat the water- natural gas, propane or electric.

Additionally, Shawn does not recommend electric as in his experience they have been found to be less reliable and are more expensive to run due to the cost of electricity.

How would you compare the speed of hot water delivered when comparing tankless vs traditional tanks?

The delivery of hot water from both tankless and tank water heaters is the same, as they both require the same distance to the fixture. A recirculation pump or the location of the heater in the home is the only way to affect the speed of delivery.

There are gas and electric tankless water heaters. What do you see being the most popular choice and why?

Gas heat is a more efficient heating source. The cost efficiency of a gas vs electric is large. Gas is preferred as electric requires more power.

How much space do you need to install a tankless water heater versus a traditional one?

Depending on the size of the heater the space needed for a traditional tank water heater is 21” wide by up to approx. 64” tall. The tank water heaters do not need extra space on the sides as the fuel vents through the roof. A tankless water heater is approx. 17” wide by 32” long- this includes the service valves. It is required to have at least 6” on either side of the tankless water heater to leave room for combustible air.

A tankless water heater is initially more expensive than a traditional tank water heater. Can you elaborate a little more on that?

Yes, there is a significant cost difference between the two heaters. This can vary based on the vendor and the plumber that installs it. Installed, a tankless water heater’s average cost is about 75% more than a standard tank water heater.

What is the biggest challenge with a tankless water heater?

The two major challenges with installing a tankless water heater are whether the fuel source available at the home is sufficient to fuel the tankless water heater and is there an ability to penetrate the wall/roof of the residence for the two ventilations that a gas tankless water heater requires.

In some areas it’s necessary for the water to be filtered to use in a tankless system. How would one find out if their water is hard or is suitable?

Neither tank or tankless water heaters require a filtration system. Depending on your homes specific needs it is best to check with the heater manufacturer for any additional equipment needed. If you are concerned about the hard water in your area, we recommend looking into a thorough water quality testing for your home.

Is there constant flow of how water with a tankless heater?

If a recirculation pump is installed with the heater, there will be constant hot water when the pump is on. However, a tankless heater by itself will not have constant hot water, it will heat like a standard tank heater.

With a traditional tank system there is always a possibility of a water leak which can lead to damage depending on its location. Is this a big factor in people going with tankless versions instead?

Both heaters can create a leak. The only difference between the damages is when you isolate the water service (turn off water to the heater), the tankless water heater will stop immediately. While the storage tank water heater will have to drain down completely due to the water stored in the tank.

What are your most common water heater related calls and what can homeowners do better to maintain or prevent issues?

The most common water heater calls we receive are no hot water, the duration of hot water, and speed of hot water to the fixture. Best thing to do is to have your water heater (tank or tankless) serviced yearly.

Anything else you’d like to say? :)

Fun fact: Water heaters are sized by how many people are living in the home and using the hot water, not the square ft of the house. 🏡

Ask the pros!

We asked local home related professionals some commonly asked questions.

Tankless vs Traditional Water Heaters

Shawn Martin, Boone Creek Plumbing

quenching your curiosity about water heaters:

Water heaters explained!

Ask the pros!

We asked local home related professionals some commonly asked questions.

Tankless vs Traditional Water Heaters

Shawn Martin, Boone Creek Plumbing

quenching your curiosity about water heaters:

Water heaters explained!

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