Truth Or Dare – The Reality Of Tankless Water Heaters

Originally featured in The OffBeat Business Magazine March 2016 issue.

By Adam Proctor

There is a misconception about “instant” hot water, meaning not having to wait for it. People want ‘endless’ hot water, but that’s dependent on several things.

• Water temperatures,
• Gas and electrical demands and supplies,
• Distances to fixtures,
• Temperature loss between unit to fixture(s), etc.

Costs and expectations vary. An average install on a traditional water heater (with permit) ranges from $1100-$1400.00. If your water heater is upstairs, in an attic, or worse yet – a second floor attic – you can expect to pay more. Depending on the age of the unit, there may be necessary adjustments to agree with code. If your water heater is 20 years old you will probably need more than minor upgrades.

The average install of a tankless unit is harder to predict because of unit variations and values. Cost for the tankless electric water heaters are $200-$2000 and the gas fired units range between $1000-$3000.00.

Now apply labor.

Removing the old water heater,

Re-plumbing for water drains,

Vent piping (vent piping is often specialized, etc.)

Gas piping systems in most homes in the Dallas area do not supply the demand needed for most single unit tankless systems. Gas work is often needed for a tankless gas unit and a subpanel is often required for electrical units.

Life expectancy of a traditional water heater is 8-10 years, but usually have a standard warranty of 6 years. Generally speaking, it will not need a lot of maintenance. You could figure about $600 somewhere down the line. Tankless warranties vary – 5 years is average, 8 is best, lifetime on some models ($$$$$). Life expectancy on a tankless unit is 20-25 years. At 25 years it will be well past its prime and ready for boat anchor duty. They have computers and motors andstuff in them. They are generally not cheap to repair unless under warranty . Like a Jaguar, fun to drive but expensive to fix. This requires budget math.

Expectations of “endless” hot water need consideration also. Tankless units run on “endless” hot water under certain circumstances. Volume, gallons per minute. How many fixtures can really be provided a good flow with desired temperatures?

You know what you have with your traditional tank, well, a tankless unit typically supplies 7-11 gpm (gallons per minute), so:

• To shower head – 2 gpm,
• Kitchen faucet – 1 gpm,
• Washing machine – old 7 gpm, new 2 gpm, etc.

Single, small or large family? Teenager that you can’t get out of the shower? More math. Every house and needs are different.

In the end the real question is “Why?”

Are you tired of wasting water waiting for hot water?

Answer: Circulating pump(s)can be installed on traditional as well as tankless units.

Are you afraid of the Poseidon in your attic or closet waiting to unleash its fury on your lovely home?

Answer: While nothing is failsafe, there are products on the market that do provide some extra safeguards, such as proper safety pans with drains, automatic shut off devices that turn off the incoming water supply in the event of a leak. There are many labels but they all work the same way and can be installed at any new or existing tanked or tankless water heater. These are not mandatory code in all areas, although I think they should be, especially in second floor applications. Costs vary $400.00-800.00.

Finally, With so many variables to think about the best thing to do is to learn and understand your family’s needs and wants. Research products, and consult with professionals. Get a gas load/ demand pipe size graphic of your home once, and use it as often as you need. Free eyeball estimates do not always work out. Call it exploratory surgery. Simple solutions or total overhaul, a few different views won’t hurt.

J. Adam Proctor, M38474, is a Registered Master Plumber by Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, offering 20 years of experience with Gary’s Quality Plumbing and serving the North Dallas, McKinney and outlying areas.