Debunking 6 Myths About Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand or instantaneous water heaters, have revolutionized the world of plumbing, growing in popularity due to their energy efficiency and compact size.

However, despite the increasing demand, there remains a cloud of misconceptions that can be misleading to potential users – and even prevent them from switching to tankless water heaters.

That’s why Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wilmington and Brunswick Counties has taken the time to debunk some of these common myths– so that you can make an informed decision about your next plumbing installation or water heater replacement!

Myth 1: Tankless Water Heaters Are Expensive to Install

While it's true that the upfront installation cost of a tankless water heater can be more than traditional water heaters, this myth often neglects to consider the long-term savings and benefits. The initial cost may be daunting, but these units are designed to last up to 20 years – double the lifespan of a traditional water heater.

Moreover, tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient, using only the exact amount of energy needed to heat the water you're using in real time. This means you're not wasting energy (and money) to heat and reheat water in a storage tank.

Over time, the savings on energy bills can significantly offset the initial installation cost, making tankless water heaters a cost-effective choice in the long run. Tankless water heaters are not necessarily more expensive than their conventional counterparts.

Myth 2: Tankless Water Heaters Don't Provide Hot Water Instantly

This is simply not true. It's a common misconception that tankless water heaters don't provide hot water instantly. In reality, they can deliver hot water just as quickly, if not faster, than traditional water heaters.

Here's a brief explanation of how tankless water heaters work:

1. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels into the unit.
2. A gas burner or an electric element heats the water instantly.
3. As a result, tankless water heaters deliver a constant supply of hot water.

This myth can arise from a specific interpretation of the word 'instantly.’ People often associate 'instant' with something happening instantly, without any delay.

However, in the case of tankless water heaters, 'instant' refers to the time it takes for cold water to travel through the unit and get heated by the gas burner or electric element. While this process is incredibly quick, typically just a few seconds, it's not truly 'instant' in the way some people might expect.

Myth 3: Tankless Water Heaters Aren’t Durable

Contrary to this myth, tankless water heaters are incredibly durable, often outlasting traditional tank heaters.

The reason lies in their design. Traditional water heaters are constantly exposed to the strain of keeping a large quantity of water heated, which can lead to worn parts sooner. This constant strain also increases the possibility of leaks or ruptures, which can lead to expensive amounts of water damage and safety concerns. Tankless water heaters avoid this altogether.

Myth 4: Tankless Water Heaters Can’t Handle Multiple Tasks at Once

This assertion is far from the truth. While tankless water heaters are indeed smaller in size compared to traditional water heaters, this does not equate to a limited capacity. In fact, they are designed to efficiently manage multiple tasks at once, thus fulfilling simultaneous hot water requirements.

Tankless water heaters are the key to on-demand hot water. They heat water instantly, allowing you to run the dishwasher, take a hot shower, and do laundry simultaneously. Despite their small size, they are powerful enough to meet the hot water needs of the average household!

Myth 5: Tankless Water Heater Technology Is Unproven and Risky

This is a common misconception that could not be further from the truth. Tankless water heaters have been around since the 1950s, originating in Europe and Asia, providing a model of water heater that's been used globally for well over 70 years! Numerous households, businesses, and even large-scale industries depend on this technology for their hot water requirements.

Additionally, tankless water heaters are generally safer than traditional water heaters. This is because they don't run the risk of tank explosion or major flooding.

Myth 6: Tankless Water Heaters Require Extensive Maintenance

The idea that tankless water heaters require extensive maintenance is another popular myth, originating from the belief that these units require special parts and materials that are not readily available (they don't).

Tank water heaters require no more maintenance than traditional water heaters. In fact, their design often demands less attention. Without a storage tank, the likelihood of calcium or lime build-up decreases, reducing the frequency of system flushing. This means you may not have to flush the system as frequently.

Tankless water heaters only require annual inspections and maintenance! Working with a professional water heater plumber will ensure that your tankless system is properly maintained for optimal performance.

Schedule Your Tankless Water Heater Services in Wilmington, NC

Whether it's time to upgrade an existing water heater or install a new one, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wilmington and Brunswick Counties is the go-to plumbing specialist you can count on for professional tankless water heater services.

With our experienced technicians, premium tankless water heater models, and trusted processes, we can assess your needs accurately to ensure that your tankless water heater is installed correctly and working properly for years to come!