Tankless vs Tank Water Heater: Which Is Right for You?

Tankless water heaters are the hot product in the plumbing aisle, but they aren't the right answer for every home. Here's a real-world comparison. ## Upfront cost A quality tank heater runs $1,800–$3,000 installed. A tankless unit with the right gas line and venting runs $4,500–$7,500. ## Lifespan Tanks: 10–14 years. Tankless: 18–25 years with annual descaling. ## Hot water capacity A tank gives you 40–80 gallons, then you wait. Tankless gives you endless hot water — but flow rate matters. Two showers plus the dishwasher can outpace a small unit. ## When to choose tankless - Family of 4+ that runs out of hot water - You want to free up floor space - You plan to stay in the home 7+ years ## When to stick with a tank - Tight budget and old gas line - Single-bathroom home with low demand - You're selling within 2 years