Top 5 Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters have become one of the most talked-about plumbing upgrades for homeowners and businesses across Central Texas. As energy costs rise and space becomes more valuable, many people are rethinking the traditional tank water heater.
How is it possible to have all the hot water you want without a tank full of hot water? It’s a question many businesses and homeowners are asking more often as demand grows for tankless water heaters. Your local plumbing company, Reliant Plumbing, offers customers throughout Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and nearby areas this modern plumbing option that can increase hot water efficiency and lower energy bills.
What Are the Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater?
Tankless water heaters provide “on demand” service versus conventional hot water heaters. Cold water flows through the heating element – fueled by gas or electric – and then into the hot water tap of a sink or shower. This is different from the conventional option where water is heated and stored in a tank. The conventional heater uses more energy because of this need for hot water storage – it must heat and store the hot water with regular use. A tankless system only heats water as it is needed – whenever a hot water tap is opened.
Here’s how that difference translates into real-world benefits.
1. Endless Hot Water
One of the biggest advantages of a tankless system is that you’re no longer limited by the size of a storage tank. Because water is heated on demand, multiple showers, appliances, and sinks can run back-to-back without running out of hot water.
2. Save Energy and Money
Tankless water heaters also lower energy costs, so this savings benefit adds up with each year of use. Since the system only heats water when you need it, there’s no wasted energy keeping a full tank hot all day and night.
3. Save Space
Tankless water heaters also lower energy costs, so this savings benefit adds up with each year of use. Since the system only heats water when you need it, there’s no wasted energy keeping a full tank hot all day and night.
4. Hot Water on Demand
Because cold water flows directly through the heating element, hot water is delivered exactly when a tap is opened. There’s no waiting for a tank to refill or reheat after heavy use.
Storage water heaters average 10–15 years before failure and maintenance and repair costs add up over the years. By comparison, tankless water heaters are expected to last 20 years or more.
Tankless system parts can easily be replaced. This helps extend use for many years beyond expectations. Regular maintenance increases length of life for tankless water heaters. Maintenance is recommended at least once each year.
5. Last Longer Than Traditional Water Heaters
The initial cost of a tankless water heater system may seem high compared to installing or replacing a conventional water heater. Once you calculate average purchase, maintenance and repair costs over the life of either option the tankless water heater system reveals its cost benefits. Storage water heaters average 10-15 years before failure and maintenance and repair costs add up over the years. By comparison, tankless water heaters are expected to last 20 years or more. Tankless system parts can easily be replaced. This helps extend use for many years beyond expectations. Tankless water heaters also lower energy costs, so this savings benefit adds up with each year of use. Regular maintenance increases length of life for tankless water heaters. Maintenance is recommended at least once each year.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of a Tankless Water Heater
While tankless systems offer major advantages, it’s important to understand the full picture before making a decision.
Pros of a Tankless Water Heater:
- Endless hot water
- Increased energy efficiency
- Lower long-term operating costs
- Compact, space-saving design
- Longer lifespan than tank water heaters
While tankless systems offer major advantages, it’s important to understand the full picture before making a decision.
Cons of a Tankless Water Heater
The initial cost of a tankless water heater system may seem high compared to installing or replacing a conventional water heater. However, once you calculate average purchase, maintenance and repair costs over the life of either option the tankless water heater system reveals its cost benefits.
Read more about common maintenance issues with tankless water heaters.
Annual Maintenance Is Required to Maintain the Warranty
Tankless water heaters must be flushed at least once per year to maintain manufacturer warranty coverage and ensure proper performance. Minerals naturally found in water—especially common in Central Texas—can build up inside the heat exchanger over time. If not removed through routine flushing, this buildup can reduce efficiency, cause error codes, and lead to premature wear.
Annual flushing is a simple, preventative service that helps:
- Maintain warranty protection
- Preserve energy efficiency
- Extend the life of the system
- Prevent costly repairs down the road
When performed as part of regular maintenance, this requirement is minimal compared to the long-term benefits and extended lifespan of a tankless water heater.
How to Choose the Best Tankless Water Heater
Choosing the right system depends on household size, usage demands, fuel type, and installation requirements. Working with a professional plumber ensures the system is properly sized and installed.
Some of the most trusted manufacturers we install include:
Navien – Known for high-efficiency condensing tankless systems with advanced technology.
Bradford White – A long-standing manufacturer recognized for durability and professional-grade equipment.
Learn more about our favorite brands of tankless water heaters.
Next Steps: Tankless Water Heater Installation
We recommend professional installation of tankless water heater systems. Professional installation followed by proper maintenance can increase energy efficiency and avoid costly problems. You don’t want to invest in this great system only to have it not work properly or cause damage from leaks.
Work with a qualified plumbing contractor. Here are key contractor hiring tips:
- Ask for references, review testimonials
- Request written cost estimates
- Check ratings such as Better Business Bureau
- Verify plumbing license
- Make sure contractor gets necessary permits
- Contractor must follow local building codes
Whether you need regular maintenance, emergency repairs, or any related plumbing service, you’ll need a professional plumbing company ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You deserve the best tankless water heater system possible, provided by professional plumbers with the skills and knowledge to make it happen.
Your residential plumbing or commercial plumbing needs deserve quality service from a local company.