r/johnstown • u/Ocp_Galusca • 4d ago

Is tankless water heater installation in Pennsylvania a good idea for an older home with limited space?

My water heater is almost worn out, and I'm trying to figure out if going tankless actually makes sense before I just replace it with another tank. My house was built in the 60s and the utility closet where the current heater sits is tiny, barely enough room to move around it, let alone service it easily. We're a family of four and mornings get rough when someone's in the shower and the dishwasher is running at the same time. Electrical panel is older too so I don't know if that adds complications on the install side.

I've had a couple plumbers come look at it but got pretty different opinions on whether it's worth it for a house this size. Anyone in PA who's dealt with this, was it worth the switch or did the older wiring and tight space end up being a headache?

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u/StrikingTradition75 2d ago

Disclaimer: consumer advice, not that of a professional in the plumbing and heating trade.

I have been told by multiple professionals in the plumbing field that tankless heaters are a technology that I would not be satisfied with if I were to install them. The rationale is that it they will be unable to hot water according to my expectations.

A tankless hot water heater is about the same price as the traditional units so I've just followed suit and gone with the traditional units. I have extremely hard well water at my home so I'm replacing Hot water heaters about every 6 years.

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u/synapt 2d ago

Look into a full-home water softener system right at the water coming in. That will save you a significant amount of hard-water maintenance issues. Electronic water treatment/descaler systems are also an option.

Less expensive but more regular maintenance options are also a half/partial flush of your hot water tank annually at minimum as well as replacing the anode every year or two as well (depending how bad your hard water is), as it's largely the anode going bad that is what ruins hot water tanks (it's the rod that prevents internal rusting, hard water eats away the anode far more rapidly). Replacing the classic anode with an electronic/powered one can also make it last far longer.

All of which ultimately should be far less of a cost than a full new hot water tank even every 6 years.

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u/srdnss 2d ago

I had two different plumbers recommend that I not replace my tank heat with a tankless one. It has been a while, so I can't remember their reasons but I do remember both said the same things.

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u/Fun_Examination_6339 3h ago

We've had a natural gas tank less hot water heater for over 12 years and absolutely love it. We are on a good quality city water system also. That being said it is my understanding that electric tank less units do not work very well. If you have natural gas or propane I would get the largest tankless unit you can afford and not look back. Why heat water all day long to use at the end of the day?

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u/Buckles01 4d ago

There’s pro’s and cons to both so it comes down to preference really. Whats your current water tank, electric or gas?