I'm considering replacing our current 50-gallon water heater with a tankless system, mainly because the current unit is in the attic above my child's bedroom. I'm worried about the potential for a major leak causing hot water damage, which would be a real hassle. On the other hand, I'm unsure if the expense of switching to tankless (it's about twice the cost and comes with ongoing maintenance) makes sense for our small family's hot water needs, which the tank seems to meet just fine. Are we being unreasonable in thinking about this switch?
3 Answers
If you're after unlimited hot water, a tankless system is the way to go! However, if you don’t take long showers, a traditional tank heater should serve you just fine. It's worth checking out all the discussions on Reddit too; plenty of folks weigh in on this. Just keep in mind, tankless isn’t leak-proof either, so weigh that option carefully!
True, tankless heaters can leak just like traditional tanks. I've had both, and usually, tanks fail slowly, with drips rather than a huge spill. If your main concern is the leak, consider leaving the tank in place or think about a heat pump water heater, and make sure you have a drain pan under it. Adding leak detection is smart when it’s above a living space.
Moving a water heater, especially to a garage or basement, can be a costly project. If you really want to switch, ensure the gas line can handle it; tankless units need more gas supply. Many people find that with a busy family, sticking to a traditional tank is more reliable. My kids take long showers too, and with a tank, you at least know when you’re out of hot water. Also, maintenance on tankless can be a chore, especially with hard water!