If you’re planning to replace or install a water heater, choosing the right type is important for long-term efficiency, comfort, and cost. Most homeowners will choose between a tank water heater, which stores and heats a large amount of water, and a tankless water heater, which heats water only when it’s needed.
At 412 Plumbing, we work with Pittsburgh homeowners to assess their water usage, space, and budget to determine which option is the best fit. Below, we’ll outline how each system works, compare their advantages and limitations, and help you understand what might work best in your home.
A tank water heater is the traditional model installed in most older and many newer homes. It includes an insulated tank that holds a fixed volume of water, typically ranging from 30 to 80 gallons. The water inside the tank is heated continuously so that it’s ready for use whenever you turn on a faucet, run a washing machine, or start the dishwasher.
Once the hot water in the tank is used up, cold water flows in to refill it, and the system begins reheating. The time it takes to fully reheat the tank varies depending on the tank size, temperature setting, and whether it’s gas or electric.
Most tank models use either natural gas or electricity as their energy source. Gas water heaters usually recover hot water faster than electric models, which can be an important consideration if your household uses a lot of hot water at once or back-to-back.
Gas models tend to be slightly more efficient in cold climates like Pittsburgh because of their quicker recovery time and lower operating costs over time. However, they may also require proper venting and gas line availability, which can add to the installation cost if not already in place.
Installing a tank water heater is usually more straightforward, especially if you’re replacing an older tank model with a similar one. In many cases, existing plumbing and electrical or gas connections can be reused.
Routine maintenance includes:
Failure to perform basic maintenance can shorten the lifespan of the unit and reduce efficiency. On average, tank water heaters last about 8 to 12 years depending on water quality and usage.
A tank water heater takes up more space than a tankless model and is typically installed in a basement, utility room, or closet. In homes with limited space, especially in city row houses or apartments, this can be a limiting factor.
A tankless water heater operates differently from a traditional tank model. Instead of storing hot water in a tank, it heats cold water as it passes through the system. When you turn on a hot water tap, water flows through a heat exchanger that brings it up to the desired temperature almost instantly.
Because tankless systems heat water only when it’s needed, they don’t experience “standby heat loss”—a common issue with tank systems, where energy is constantly used to keep water hot. This can result in measurable energy savings over time, particularly in homes that don’t use hot water continuously.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that tankless water heaters can be 24–34% more energy efficient than traditional tanks for households that use 41 gallons of hot water per day or less. For homes that use more hot water, the efficiency gap may narrow, but the energy savings still tend to be favorable in the long run.
One of the primary benefits of a tankless system is the ability to supply hot water continuously—as long as water is flowing and the unit is operating properly. However, tankless systems have a limited flow rate. This means that if several people are using hot water at the same time, the system might struggle to meet demand unless it’s sized appropriately.
In some cases, homeowners may need to install more than one unit to supply sufficient hot water for larger homes or high-usage households.
Tankless water heaters have a higher upfront cost than tank models. In addition to the price of the unit, installation may require electrical upgrades, new venting, or gas line changes. Homes that have never had a tankless unit before might require more extensive modifications.
That said, once installed, tankless systems require less physical space and are typically wall-mounted. They are a good fit for homes with limited floor space and can be installed in smaller mechanical rooms, closets, or utility spaces.
Tankless water heaters should be descaled annually, especially in areas with hard water. This prevents mineral buildup that can reduce efficiency and damage components over time.
With proper maintenance, tankless systems can last 15 to 20 years or more. The longer lifespan may help offset the higher initial investment, depending on the system’s usage and maintenance history.
Choosing between a tank and tankless water heater comes down to a few practical considerations. Here’s how to evaluate your options based on your needs.
Tank models are usually a good fit for small to medium households that use hot water in a more routine or staggered way. If you typically run one or two fixtures at a time and don’t have large spikes in demand, a traditional tank may work well.
Tankless systems can serve homes with greater or more unpredictable hot water usage. However, it’s important to choose a unit that matches your household’s peak water demand. For homes with four or more people, it may be necessary to install multiple units.
If energy savings are a top priority, tankless systems generally use less energy over time. Tank systems tend to cost less upfront but use more energy due to the need to maintain stored water temperature around the clock.
Tank water heaters are typically less expensive to install and replace. However, they also need to be replaced more frequently—usually every 8 to 12 years. Tankless systems are more expensive up front, but their longer lifespan and lower energy use may offer greater value over time.
Tank water heaters require floor space and clearance, while tankless models are compact and wall-mounted. In homes with limited utility space, a tankless model may be easier to accommodate.
Pittsburgh’s cold winters can affect how well a water heater performs. Incoming water temperatures are colder in winter, which means water heaters need to work harder to reach the desired temperature. Tankless models must be appropriately sized to account for this seasonal drop in water temperature.
Older homes in Pittsburgh may also need electrical or plumbing updates to support a tankless system. In these cases, a professional assessment is recommended to determine whether additional upgrades are required.
Some local utility providers also offer incentives or rebates for installing energy-efficient water heaters, which may help offset installation costs. Be sure to check with local programs or ask your plumber during your consultation.
412 Plumbing installs, replaces, and services both tank and tankless water heaters. Our team works with homeowners across Pittsburgh to determine the most practical option based on household needs, space, energy use, and long-term plans.
We offer full system installation, annual maintenance services, and repairs. Whether you’re replacing a failed system or upgrading to improve efficiency, we can help make the process straightforward.
If you’re considering a new water heater or have questions about your current system, contact 412 Plumbing to schedule a consultation. We’ll provide straightforward recommendations based on your specific situation.
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Highly recommend 412 Plumbing. Our hot water tank wasn’t working and they were able to send someone out that same day and fixed it in no time! Will definitely be using their services in the future. Very friendly and explained what happened in detail so we can fix the issue ourselves in the future if it were to happen again!
I can’t say enough good things about this company. The water in my tub would not shut off. Brett was here within an hour. Very nice young man. Excellent job and reasonable price. Will definitely use him again.
