Emergency Plumbing in Tacoma & Pierce County 24/7 Live Answer Free Second Opinion Quality Plumbing Services
Emergency Plumbing in Tacoma & Pierce County 24/7 Live Answer Free Second Opinion Quality Plumbing Services
Text Us: 253-231-7015
Call Us: 253-231-7015
Everyone loves a long, warm shower, especially during cold mornings. But if you have several people in the home, waiting for the water to heat up can be a pain. Enter the tankless water heater: a modern solution that delivers hot water on demand. But how do you choose the best one for your home? Let’s delve into the key specifications to keep in mind when shopping for a tankless water heater.
Every tankless water heater requires a fuel source to heat the water. While gas-powered heaters often heat water more quickly, they may require you to install additional venting.
Electric models, on the other hand, are generally easier to install and can be more energy-efficient, though they might not heat water as rapidly as their gas counterparts. Determine what’s more convenient for your home setup and choose accordingly.
Electric models require expensive electrical upgrades on the panel as well as running new wire to the desired location. The ones that actually work require dual 40-amp fuses and a very large gauge wire. On average, depending on the local utility, gas has almost always a lower operating cost than electricity.
In Tacoma, gas-powered tankless units typically require a 3/4-inch or 1-inch gas line, which is larger than what most older Tacoma homes have for a traditional tank water heater. If your home has a PSE gas connection but the existing gas line was sized for a 40-gallon tank, you may need to upsize the gas supply when switching to tankless, which adds to the install cost.
One of the most crucial specs to check is the flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM). This determines how much hot water the heater can supply. If you have a large family and multiple bathrooms, you’ll need a heater with a higher GPM.
On the other hand, smaller households can opt for a unit with a lower flow rate. Ensure you choose one that matches your daily water usage to avoid cold water surprises.
In Tacoma and the Pacific Northwest broadly, incoming water temperatures sit in the mid-40s to low-50s°F most of the year. This affects flow rate math directly: a tankless unit rated 6 GPM at a 35°F rise in a southern state may only deliver 4 to 4.5 GPM at the 60°F+ rise PNW homes require. Size up by 20% or more compared to national sizing recommendations.
Most tankless water heaters allow you to adjust the water temperature. Look for models that provide precise temperature controls. This feature ensures that the water is just the right temperature every time, reducing the risk of accidental burns and enhancing comfort.
Efficiency is crucial when it comes to appliances. An efficient tankless water heater not only ensures you get hot water fast but also reduces energy consumption, leading to lower monthly bills. Check the Energy Factor (EF) rating of the heater; a higher EF indicates a more efficient unit. Over time, a more efficient heater can save you money, making it a worthy investment.
Contrary to traditional water heaters, tankless models are more compact. However, they’re not one-size-fits-all. Before purchasing, make sure you have adequate space in your home for installation. Also, consider professional installation. While some homeowners might be tempted to install the heater themselves, getting a professional ensures it’s done right, optimizing performance and lifespan.
Safety should always be a top priority. Look for features like overheat protection, which turns off the heater if the water temperature gets too high. Some models also come with freeze protection, ensuring the unit doesn’t suffer damage during colder months. These features not only prolong the life of your heater but also ensure the safety of your household.
When investing in a tankless water heater, it’s important to consider the warranty and support provided by the manufacturer. A comprehensive warranty indicates the company’s confidence in its product’s durability and longevity.
Always check the length and terms of the warranty, ensuring it covers both parts and labor. Choosing a heater backed by a solid warranty and excellent customer support gives you peace of mind, knowing you’re covered for years to come. Some companies even offer an extended warranty if installed and registered by a professional at no additional cost.
Tankless water heaters last 20+ years when maintained properly. The maintenance schedule is different from a traditional tank unit:
A tankless water heater is a brilliant addition to any home, offering quick access to hot water while being energy-efficient. Remember to consider factors like fuel type, flow rate, efficiency, size, and safety features when making your choice.
Ready to make the switch and need expert advice or installation? At Spartan Plumbing Inc. (LIC #SPARTSI794OC), we have installed tankless water heaters for Tacoma and Pierce County homeowners since 1958. Our licensed team can size the unit to your household demand, evaluate your gas or electrical capacity, and put the full project on a flat-rate written estimate before any work begins. Call or text 253-231-7015 to walk through your tankless options.
A like-for-like replacement of an existing tankless unit typically takes 4 to 6 hours. A first-time tankless install (replacing a tank water heater) takes 6 to 10 hours, depending on whether the gas line needs upsizing, venting needs reconfiguration, and electrical work is required. Plan for one full day of plumber time for the conversion install.
Yes, outdoor tankless models exist and are popular in milder climates. In the Pacific Northwest, outdoor installation works but requires a freeze-protection model since overnight temps can drop into the 20s during cold snaps. Indoor installation is more common in Tacoma because it simplifies maintenance and protects the unit from extreme weather.
Condensing tankless units use a second heat exchanger to capture heat from exhaust gases, achieving 90 to 95% efficiency versus 80 to 85% for non-condensing models. Condensing units cost 20 to 40% more upfront but pay back through lower operating costs over the unit’s 20+ year lifespan. Most new gas tankless installations today are condensing models.
In hard water areas, yes. Mineral buildup on the heat exchanger reduces efficiency and can void the warranty. In Tacoma, where Tacoma Public Utilities delivers soft to moderately soft water by U.S. standards, a softener is rarely needed for tankless protection. Annual descaling with vinegar or commercial solution covers most local installations.
A properly sized tankless unit can. Two simultaneous showers typically require 4 to 5 GPM at the temperature rise needed for the Pacific Northwest’s cold incoming water. That maps to a 9 to 11 GPM rated tankless unit (accounting for the GPM derating that cold incoming water causes). Undersized units cause frustrating mid-shower cold drops.
All tankless water heaters (including gas models) require electricity to operate the ignition, sensors, and circulation pump. Loss of power means no hot water until power returns. For homes prone to power outages, consider a battery backup unit (like an uninterruptible power supply) sized for the tankless heater, or keep a portable generator available.
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