Your water heater is one of the most important systems in your home. It works quietly behind the scenes every single day, providing hot showers, clean dishes, and warm laundry. But most homeowners don’t think about it until something goes wrong. Knowing the basics about your water heater can save you money, extend its lifespan, and even improve your home’s water quality.
🔥 The Two Main Types of Water Heaters
There are two primary styles you’ll find in most homes today: tank (storage) and tankless (on-demand) water heaters. Each has its own advantages, and choosing the right one depends on your household’s needs.
1. Traditional Tank Water Heaters
These are the large cylindrical units most homeowners are familiar with. They store anywhere from 40 to 100 gallons of hot water, keeping it ready at all times.
Pros:
- Lower upfront cost
- Simpler installation
- Reliable hot water supply
Cons:
- Can run out of hot water if demand is high
- Always running to keep water hot (higher energy bills)
- Typically lasts 8–10 years
To keep your tank water heater in good shape, it should be flushed once a year to remove sediment buildup. Sediment acts like insulation between the burner and water, forcing your unit to work harder and shortening its life. If you notice popping or rumbling sounds, that’s usually a sign it needs maintenance.
2. Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless (or “on-demand”) systems heat water only when you need it—no storage tank involved. Water passes through a powerful heat exchanger and comes out instantly hot.
Pros:
- Endless hot water supply
- Compact design saves space
- Energy efficient (doesn’t waste gas keeping water hot)
- Long lifespan (15–25 years with proper maintenance)
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- Requires professional installation and proper sizing
- Needs annual maintenance (especially in hard-water areas)
One common misconception is that tankless units are maintenance-free. In reality, they should be flushed every year to prevent scale buildup—especially in areas like Southern California where hard water is common. Installing a water softener or filtration system can greatly improve efficiency and protect your investment.
⚙️ Energy Efficiency and Performance
A water heater is one of the top three energy users in most homes, right behind HVAC systems and appliances. Upgrading to a modern, high-efficiency model can cut energy use by up to 30%. Tankless systems tend to be the most efficient, but even traditional tanks have improved with better insulation, faster recovery times, and smart control options.
If your system is over 10 years old, showing signs of rust around fittings, or running out of hot water faster than it used to, it might be time to upgrade before it fails. Waiting until it bursts can cause major water damage and expensive cleanup.
💡 Expert Tip: Know What You Have
It’s important to know your current system type, fuel source (gas, electric, or hybrid), and size. These details help you make better repair or replacement decisions. If you’re not sure what you have, a professional inspection can tell you everything you need to know—and prevent surprises down the road.
🧰 Flex Plumbing’s Recommendation
At Flex Plumbing, we’ve installed and serviced hundreds of water heaters across the Inland Empire. Whether you’re looking to maintain your existing unit or upgrade to something more efficient, we can help you choose the perfect system for your home.
We also provide annual maintenance programs, tankless flushes, and water quality testing to keep your system running like new.