Call This Monday to Get $35 OFF

Call ThisMonday to Get $35 OFF

24 Hour Emergency Plumbers in Pittsburgh and nearby cities.

4.7 / 5 Ratings based on 1273 reviews

Your Neighborhood Plumbers

image

July 24,2021

Tankless Water Heaters vs. Water Heaters

A little over a century ago, water would be heated on the stove. In fact, residential water heaters were a luxury just a few decades ago. Now, there is a large variety of water heaters for all homeowners to choose from. This creates a new issue where you have to break down the pros and cons of each type of water heater when deciding which to buy. Dont worry, though. Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here to help. We put together this article to compare and contrast tankless water heaters versus tank-style water heaters. We are also at your service when you need an installation or replacement service. Feel free to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing anytime to schedule dedicated plumber. Our live representatives are always ready to take your call.

The Tank-Style Water Heater

Storage tank water heaters are the most common type of water heater primarily because of their low cost of installation. Just as the name suggests, they have an insulated tank that stores water which is heated as a batch. There are electric- and gas-powered models available. Storage tank water heaters have a low upfront installation cost, but they can run up your electricity or gas bills significantly compared to the other types. Another downside is the tank takes up a considerable amount of space.

Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters, also known as demand-type water heaters, heat water as you need it. In this system, cold water is heated by a gas burner or electric elements as it travels through a pipe. This gives you a constant and instant supply of hot water without waiting for a storage tank of water to heat up. While the initial cost of a tankless water heater installation is greater than that of a tank-style water heater, the tankless water heater typically lasts longer. Further, throughout its life expectancy of more than 20 years, a tankless water heater will save money on electricity and water bills. It is estimated that tankless water heaters can be up to 35 percent more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters.

Choosing the Right Size

Comparing the two water heaters is difficult since they each have a unique method of heating water. This becomes an issue when choosing the right size for your home. The output for a storage tank water heater is more or less fixed while the tankless water heaters output depends on its flow rate.

For the tank-style water heater, the general rule of thumb is to have about 10 to 15 gallons per person in the household. A two-person household can make do with a 24- to 30-gallon tank while a 40- to 50-gallon tank is sufficient for a 4-person household.

With the tankless water heater, the metric used is gallons-per-minute (gpm). Here is a list of typical flow rates that common fixtures use:

  • Faucet: 1 gpm
  • Shower: 2.5 gpm
  • Bathtub, Dishwasher, Laundry Machine: 3 gpm

Calculate the maximum amount of hot water you would expect to use and choose your tankless water heater accordingly. So, a dishwasher, shower, and faucet running at the same time will demand about 6.5 gallons per minute.

Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing

If you need help choosing the right water heater for you, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to consult with a representative. We are happy to help with your water heater replacement or installation. Call now to schedule a experienced plumbers.

Recent News

07

February

Dos and Don'ts of Drain Cleaning

When it comes to taking care of your drains, there are a few things you…

Dos and Don'ts of Drain Cleaning
24

January

How Does Hydro Jetting Works

So, you've got a clog that needs fixing. There are several ways to go about…

How Does Hydro Jetting Works
17

January

Where Should You Run Your Plumbing Pipes?

If you are remodeling your home, or even will, one of the jobs that usually…

Where Should You Run Your Plumbing Pipes?
04

January

Benefits of Choosing a Commercial Plumber

There are several advantages to choosing a commercial plumbing service to handle all your plumbing…

Benefits of Choosing a Commercial Plumber
27

December

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Line Repair?

With all the rain this year, sewer problems are inching high on the homeowner’s list…

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Line Repair?
06

December

Common Rental Property Plumbing Issues

Do you ever have an issue with your plumbing? If you own a rental property,…

Common Rental Property Plumbing Issues
29

November

Giving Your Dog a Bath Without Clogging the Drain

When you own a dog, every few days poses a new challenge in grooming. Bathing…

Giving Your Dog a Bath Without Clogging the Drain
22

November

Drain Snake Won’t Go Down Bathtub Drain—Why?

You’ve probably had the experience of a slow drain or your drain that won’t go…

Drain Snake Won’t Go Down Bathtub Drain—Why?
16

November

How to Check a Toilet for Leaks in 4 Simple Steps

If you've ever worked on a toilet, you know it can be very difficult to…

How to Check a Toilet for Leaks in 4 Simple Steps
08

November

The Dangers Of DIY Plumbing Repair

Do-it-yourself plumbing repair is tempting to beginners, but that's a dangerous road to head down.…

The Dangers Of DIY Plumbing Repair