Things to consider before buying a tankless water heater

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Thoughts & Items to consider before making the purchase:

The name 'tankless' is the commonly used term for an instantaneous water heater.  Tankless water heaters are not new appliances. They've been around for many years.

Designed and equipped initially for industries where storage space was limited but huge quantities of endless hot water were needed. For the same reasons these units are also used in large multi-unit residential complexes and mid-sized businesses.  Instantaneous water heaters are also used as residential pool and spa water heaters.

Over the years, the design and applications have been modified and changed, becoming much smaller. This smaller size requires less space, and able the unit to be placed closer to the point of use. This benefit of the smaller size instantaneous water heaters appeals to the broader residential retailer market.

The only real problems found with tankless water heaters were parts availability and qualified services repair personal.

In some parts of the country, this type of water heating unit used in homes may be more common then in others.

The main problems of tankless hot water heaters are not with the system itself, but rather with the lack of distributors, retail outlets, and available parts.  The second problem is the need for qualified, and experienced plumbing companies,
as well as independent service agency who are available locally to answer your questions and if needed service the system.

Besides, from these two issues, there is another factor; meeting city, state and local plumbing codes. These three issues have made the residential ownership of tankless hot water heaters uncertain in the minds of many prospective buyers.

This however, may not be the case in every part of the country. Before purchasing a tankless system, regardless of brand name, inquire about your local plumbing codes, call a few plumbers, and ask if they can service a tankless system. If your neighborhood-plumbing store does not advertise or display a tankless system, it could be as simple as not in stock at the time, or this could because local plumbing codes may not permit them. Your nationwide retailers may have them in stock, but may not have any one qualified to service them if a problem arises.

The larger nationwide chain objective is selling a product not servicing them after the sale. In addition, the installations may be handled by subcontractors. If problems arise or when it is time for service, this may not be in your best interests.
Your local plumbing company will benefit you more over the cost savings offered by a hardware chain store.

If money is an issue, then do research. Be sure that they carry replacement parts if something does need to be replaced. Ask for a list of qualified installation contractors from that retailer you wish to purchase your tankless system. If possible,
also acquire references of prior residential installations in your area. Then call and ask questions.

This preliminary background work could save you time and money. Consider this, what to do when your unit fails and you are without any hot water?

The last thing you want to do is search for a qualified plumber or service agent to repair your system. By acquiring a list first, half of your work has already been completed. In addition, by making sure that any replacement parts are readily
available will insure you wont have to wait for the part to be shipped, before you have hot water.

The scenario can quickly turns a tankless system into a nightmare.

Shop around, then purchase any named brand, or model of tankless system sold by your local authorized and licensed plumbing contractor, company, or dealer. You will insure getting the better product, installation will be done correctly, and
service and maintenance will be available to you in the future.