Tank-Type versus Tankless Water Heaters

Tank or Tankless Water Heaters?

While tank-type heaters are the norm in the United States, a tankless heater is sometimes the better choice. Tankless heaters (also known as instantaneous or demand water heaters) heat the water as it is called for at the tap. Here’s how they compare with tank-type heaters.

Cost

  • Tankless heaters, ranging from about $300 to $1,000, usually cost two to three times as much as comparable tank-types.

Installation

  • Tankless water heaters, being smaller, can fit into spots where you’d never get a tank.
  • If you replace a tank with a tankless, both gas line size and venting or power supply (if electric) will probably need to be increased. The heating elements or burners are typically much larger than in storage units. (A tankless gas unit has a capacity up to 170,000 Btu/h versus 40,000 Btu/h typical for gas storage.)

Ability to Serve

  • Tank heaters (with adequate distribution plumbing) can serve multiple taps simultaneously. Tankless water heaters are limited. Smaller gas models and essentially all electric models are meant for one-person households or point-of-use applications. All but the largest gas units have difficulty serving multiple taps.
  • When the flow is kept within range, tankless water heaters can, however, provide unlimited hot water (if it is needed). However, if minimum flow isn’t met, the heater will quit heating. If maximum flow is exceeded, water at the tap will cool down. In addition, temperatures can fluctuate with changing water demand.

tankless water heater
Maintenance

  • Upkeep on tank-type heaters is simpler. They’re less complex, and it’s easier to find people who can work on them. Parts for tankless heaters are often difficult to get.
  • A tankless will generally outlast an unmaintained tank-type.

Other Considerations

  • Tank heaters are less likely to be damaged by freezing weather.
  • Tankless heaters pose less risk in an earthquake (less weight to restrain).
  • Tankless have no anode and so are not susceptible to sulphur odor.
  • Tank-type heaters are more tolerant of hard water conditions. Lime buildup in tankless heaters (essentially mini-boilers) cuts efficiency significantly.
  • Having tankless units in easily accessible locations in kitchens and baths would be a big change from current practice and codes.

 

 

Discoloration Or Sewer Odor? You May Need Toilet Flange Repair

Professional Toilet Flange Repair

Patriot Plumbing often receives phone calls from customers that complain about foul odors or discoloration around the bottom of their toilet. This is often caused by a rotted flange that is leaking sewer onto your floor causing the discoloration and odors .

The reason this can happen in most cases is very old pipes that become brittle and crack, the flange itself rotting and wearing down, or improper re-installation of a toilet after new flooring is installed around a toilet.

toilet flange repair

If you are experiencing any of these issues call the professionals at Patriot Plumbing Networks, Inc and have your toilet flange repair done today!

Hot Spots On Your Floor? You May Have A Slab Leak!

Latest Technology For Slab Leak/Re-Route Detection

Have you ever walked around your house hearing the faint sound of water? How about feeling a warm spot as you walk across your carpet or floors? Has your water bill spiked up? These are all signs of a possible slab leak below the foundation or even in the wall.

Patriot Plumbing has the latest technology in determining if you have a slab or wall leak. If you do have a leak, Patriot Plumbing can assist with the whole project from start to finish.

 

 

slab leak

All projects start with proper prepping to ensure a clean environment.

slab leak

Once the best route is determined, only the top quality materials are used to ensure that highest plumbing standards are met.

 

CALL TODAY (714) 396-3977 and have the professionals at Patriot Plumbing Networks, Inc help you.