In this brief article brought to you by Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air, we take a closer look and separate fact from fiction when it comes to tankless water heaters. If you’d rather consult with a plumber directly, then call Rooter Hero to schedule a face-to-face meeting or on-site visit for as soon as possible.

Myth 1: Tankless water heaters provide instant hot water

While the term “on-demand” suggests the idea of immediate heating, the reality is a bit different. Tankless water heaters do heat water only when it's needed, but this doesn't necessarily translate to instant hot water at your faucet.

Water still needs to travel through the pipes to reach your fixture, which can take a few seconds depending on the distance between the heater and the tap. A tankless water heater eliminates the need for standby heat (constantly reheating water in a tank), but it won’t cut down on the time it takes for the hot water to arrive at your tap.

Myth 2: Tankless Water heaters can’t keep up with high demand

Another misconception is that tankless water heaters can’t handle high-demand households, especially if multiple people are using hot water at the same time. While it’s true that tankless water heaters deliver hot water at a set flow rate (measured in gallons per minute), that doesn’t mean they’re incapable of keeping up with household needs.

Modern tankless units come in various sizes, and some are designed for larger households. By selecting a properly sized unit or installing multiple heaters in parallel, you can ensure plenty of hot water even during peak times.

Myth 3: Tankless water heaters are too expensive to justify

It’s true that a tankless water heater has a higher upfront cost compared to a traditional storage water heater, but focusing only on the initial investment misses the bigger picture. Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient because they don’t waste energy maintaining a tank of hot water 24/7.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a tankless water heater installation can be 24%–34% more energy efficient than traditional tank heaters. Over time, this translates into lower energy bills, which can offset the initial cost of installation. Plus, tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan than their stank-style counterparts.

Myth 4: Tankless water heaters are difficult to maintain

Like any water heater, tankless units can accumulate scale, or mineral buildup. However, the solution is simple: manufacturers typically recommend descaling the unit once a year. Some tankless systems even have maintenance alerts or built-in flushing valves to make it easier to take care of the heater.

Plus, you can always leave the plumbing service to a plumber. Rooter Hero offers competitive and upfront pricing. Call now to learn more about our prices and fees.

Need emergency plumbing assistance?

If you need an emergency water heater repair, you can call the professionals at Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air. Our team is on standby to take your call at any time of the day – or night.