The Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

February 9, 2025

We’re the Demmis Plumbing Team, your go-to experts for all things plumbing, especially when it comes to keeping your home cozy and warm with a reliable water heater

When it comes to choosing a water heater for your home, there are two main types: traditional water heaters and tankless water heaters. While both have their benefits, it’s important to understand how they compare to one another in terms of popularity, maintenance, and overall efficiency. In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes each option unique, with a focus on the descaling process for tankless systems and why traditional water heaters may still be a great choice for many households.

What’s More Popular: Tankless or Traditional Water Heaters?

In recent years, tankless water heaters have been gaining popularity. Homeowners are attracted to the promise of endless hot water and the energy efficiency of these systems. However, despite the growing interest in tankless units, traditional water heaters are still the most commonly used option in many households.

Traditional water heaters are often more familiar to homeowners, and they come with a lower upfront cost. Many people find it easier to replace an old tank-style heater with a similar unit. Tankless systems, while growing in popularity, still represent a smaller share of the market.

Descaling Process for Tankless Water Heaters

One key factor that sets tankless water heaters apart from traditional models is the need for regular maintenance, specifically the descaling process. Over time, minerals in your water—such as calcium and magnesium—can build up inside the unit. This mineral buildup can reduce the heater’s efficiency and may even cause it to malfunction.

The descaling process involves flushing the system with a descaling solution to remove these minerals. This process is essential for maintaining the tankless water heater’s performance and should be done every 1-2 years, depending on your water quality. While this maintenance task is relatively simple, it does require some knowledge of the system, so many homeowners prefer to hire a professional plumber to handle it.

If you’re using a tankless system in a hard water area, descaling may need to be done more frequently to ensure the heater continues to operate at its best. On the flip side, traditional water heaters do not require this level of maintenance, making them a more low-maintenance option for some homeowners.

Why Traditional Water Heaters Might Be Better for Some Homes

While tankless water heaters offer many benefits, they aren’t the right fit for every home. For some homeowners, traditional water heaters are the better choice. Here’s why:

Lower Initial Cost Traditional water heaters tend to be more affordable upfront. They don’t require as much installation work as tankless models, which often need special venting or plumbing adjustments. If you’re on a budget, a traditional water heater may be a more cost-effective option.
Simplicity and Familiarity Traditional water heaters are simple to operate, and most people are already familiar with how they work. There’s no need to worry about regular descaling or complex maintenance tasks. They are reliable and get the job done without the need for special attention.
No Need for Frequent Maintenance Unlike tankless models, traditional water heaters don’t need to be descaled regularly. While they do require periodic maintenance, such as flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup, they don’t require the level of upkeep that tankless models do. This makes them a good choice for homeowners looking for a hassle-free option.
Better for Large Households If you have a large family and use hot water in multiple places at once, traditional water heaters may be a better fit. Tankless water heaters can struggle to keep up with high-demand households, especially if multiple taps or appliances are running at the same time. Traditional systems, with their large storage capacity, can handle this demand without issue.

Conclusion

Both tankless and traditional water heaters have their strengths and weaknesses. While tankless units offer endless hot water and energy efficiency, they require more maintenance, particularly the descaling process. Traditional water heaters are lower maintenance and more affordable upfront, making them a solid choice for many homeowners.

If you’re unsure which option is best for your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to Demmis Plumbing. We can help you weigh the pros and cons and choose the water heater that best suits your needs.

Why Choose Demmis Plumbing?

We’re not just experts in making water flow where it should. From general maintenance to emergency plumbing services near you, we’ve got the tools, the talent, and the elbow grease to tackle it all. Plus, we’re right here in Lemont, so we’re practically neighbors.

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