Water Heater Repair: Tankless Or Regular?
Water heater repair isn’t always possible and it’s not always the best answer for your home, either. If your water heater is old and inefficient or if you’ve had to repair it several times before, it might be time to get a new unit. When that time comes, you have to decide if you want a traditional or tankless system. Which works better for you? This is a major purchasing decision so you will want to weigh the benefits with both options before you decide.
Traditional Water Heaters Pros
Normal water heaters have tanks that store and hold the hot water until you use it. They generally are less expensive and easy to install. Their labor costs are reasonable and you can have them installed same day if your old one stops working. You just need to know what size unit you need and you’ll be all set to get a new one. You can also have hot water even when the power goes out because the water is heated ahead and stored in the tank. Once the tank runs out, you will have to wait for more hot water, but if the power is out temporarily, you can still have running, hot water.
Traditional Water Heaters Cons
Regular hot water heaters take up a lot of space and they are always heating water to keep the tank filled and to keep the water at the right temperature within the tank. That can add to your utility bills. If the unit fails and leaks, a lot of water can end up on the floor and if you run out of hot water, it takes a bit of time for the tank to fill up again.
Tankless Water Heater Pros
These water heaters are more like an on-demand system. When the hot water is turned on, cold water flows through the system and heats up. You have unlimited hot water and the heater has a longer lifespan. The smaller unit takes up less space and can cut down cost on your utilities bills.
Tankless Water Heater Cons
Tankless units are usually two or three times the cost of a standard hot water heater. The installation can be more arduous and take more than one day, depending on your set up. You can spend money upsizing pipes to get the right supply as well. Older homes aren’t always set up right. If you don’t have power in your house after a storm, you won’t have hot water, either.
Water Heater Repair And Replacement
If your water heater repair doesn’t seem possible and you need to replace your unit instead, which system will you choose for your home? It depends on your preferences and your specific circumstances as well as your lifestyle and water demands. If you’d like advice as to which direction to go, or you need a professional for any water heater repair, contact Pete Fer & Son Plumbing and Supply Co. We’re here to help with all of your plumbing needs.
