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Tankless water heaters
Tankless Water Heaters: Is One Right for Your Home?
Endless hot water and a unit the size of a suitcase on the wall. We look at your gas line, venting, water and household before recommending one, and install it properly.
- Gas tankless
- Sizing & venting
- Descaling service
- Tank vs. tankless advice
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Tell us what is going on. We call you back to talk it through and set up a visit. For water running right now, call (734) 228-7852.
No obligation. By sending, you agree we may call, text or e-mail you about this request. Calls may be recorded. Privacy Policy
Tank vs. tankless
Tankless vs. Tank Water Heaters
| Tankless | Tank | |
|---|---|---|
| Hot water supply | Continuous, up to the unit’s flow rate | Limited to the tank, then recovery time |
| Space | Small, wall-mounted | A tank on the floor |
| Up-front cost | Higher, especially if gas or venting must be upgraded | Lower |
| Energy use | Heats only when you use hot water | Keeps a tank hot around the clock |
| Maintenance | Periodic descaling, important with hard water | Periodic flushing; anode rod checks |
| Typical life | Often longer than a tank | Often around a decade |
Installation
What a Tankless Installation Involves
Tankless heaters need a lot of gas, all at once. Many homes need a larger gas line from the meter, new venting through the wall or roof, a condensate drain for condensing models and an electrical outlet.
Sizing is based on how many fixtures run at once and how cold the incoming water is. Michigan’s cold winter groundwater means a unit has to raise the temperature more than in warmer states, which affects the size you need.
- Flow-rate sizing for your household
- Gas line sizing and upgrades
- Venting and condensate drain
- Isolation valves for easy descaling
- Permit and inspection
Cost
What Tankless Installation Cost Depends On
- The unit’s size and whether it is condensing or non-condensing
- Gas line upgrades from the meter
- Venting route and materials
- Removing the old tank and any relocation
- Water treatment to protect the unit
- Permits
We price your installation after looking at the house. How we price plumbing work.
FAQ
Tankless Water Heater Questions
Will a tankless heater run out of hot water?
Not in the sense a tank does, but it has a maximum flow rate. Run more showers and appliances at once than the unit is sized for and the water cools. Correct sizing avoids that.
Is tankless worth it in Michigan?
It can be for households that use a lot of hot water and plan to stay put. Cold incoming water in winter means sizing matters more here, and installation can cost more if gas or venting needs upgrades. We give you an honest comparison with a new tank.
Do tankless water heaters need maintenance?
Yes. Scale builds up inside the heat exchanger, especially with hard water. Descaling (flushing) on a schedule set by the manufacturer and your water hardness keeps it efficient.
Can I replace my tank with a tankless unit myself?
Michigan lets homeowners do plumbing in a single-family home they live in, with a permit. Gas line sizing and venting mistakes can be dangerous, though, so most homeowners hire a licensed plumber.
Does a tankless water heater need a bigger gas line?
Often, yes. Tankless units draw much more gas while running than a tank heater. The gas piping is sized for all the gas appliances in the home together.
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Get an Honest Tank vs. Tankless Answer
Call (734) 228-7852. We will look at your home and give you both options.
Request service
Tell Us What’s Going On
Send a few details and we will call you back to talk it through and set up a visit. We answer 24/7: for water running or sewage backing up right now, call (734) 228-7852.
- 24/7 emergency service, nights, weekends and holidays
- $99 diagnostic fee, applied to the repair
- Financing: 25 months same as cash, on approved credit
- The price explained before work starts
- Call(734) 228-7852
- Service areaAnn Arbor & Washtenaw County
- LicensingMichigan plumbing license #A111705
Request a Plumber
Tell us what is going on. We call you back to talk it through and set up a visit. For water running right now, call (734) 228-7852.
No obligation. By sending, you agree we may call, text or e-mail you about this request. Calls may be recorded. Privacy Policy