The basics
A storage tank holds a fixed amount of heated water around the clock, usually forty to sixty gallons. A tankless heater fires a burner only when a hot tap opens. Each has strengths.
- Tank: lower purchase price, simpler installation, works with existing venting in many homes, easy to rent.
- Tankless: endless hot water when sized right, small wall footprint, lower standby losses, longer expected life with maintenance.
- Tank downside: can run out during back-to-back showers.
- Tankless downside: higher upfront cost, needs regular descaling, may need a larger gas line.
Step by step
- Count peak demand. On your busiest morning, how many taps, showers and machines draw hot water together?
- Check your current setup. Is your heater rented? Is there room for a wall-mounted unit and vent route?
- Look at gas supply. A plumber can tell you whether the meter and lines can feed a tankless burner.
- Consider water hardness. Peel's water is moderately hard, so a tankless unit needs periodic service; see hard water in Peel.
- Weigh the timeline. If you plan to move soon, a tank may make more sense.
Time to bring in the shop
Call us for a sizing visit when the current tank is getting old, when you are tired of running out, or when you are finishing a basement and want the floor space. We look at gas lines, venting and fixture count and give you a straight recommendation. See tankless installation and gas tank replacement.
Rented heater?
Read your rental terms before switching. Our rental or buy guide explains what to look for.
Asked at the shop counter
Do tankless heaters really never run out?
Not when sized correctly. Undersized units can struggle with several fixtures at once.
Which lasts longer?
Tankless units often last longer than tanks when descaled regularly.
Can I switch from a rented tank to tankless?
Yes, once you resolve the rental agreement.
Questions about this job? Call (365) 413-9125 and talk to a plumber.