Written By Davin Womeldorff
Licensed Contractor at Presidential Plumbing
Email questions to: [email protected]
Welcome back to another edition of Ask the Plumber! First, a big THANK YOU to everyone who keeps my inbox full. Between the questions, the photos of mysterious leaks, and the occasional email that starts with “Please don’t judge me, but…,” you all keep this column lively— and my coffee consumption high.
This month’s question comes from Bobby C. in Sun City Palm Desert, who asks: “Should I switch to a tankless water heater, and what are the pros and cons?” Great question, Bobby. Let’s dive in—no snorkel required.
Tankless water heaters, also known as “on-demand” heaters, only heat water when you need it. Imagine a personal butler whose only job is to give you hot water—exactly when you ask for it. That’s the biggest pro: endless hot water.
If your household is famous for back-to-back showers, laundry marathons, or teenagers who treat the shower like a spa day, tankless might be your new best friend.
They’re also energy-efficient, take up less space, and can last longer than traditional tanks.
BUT (and there’s always a “but” in plumbing)—they do cost more upfront. Installation can be pricier, especially if your gas or electrical system needs upgrading. And while the hot water is endless, it’s not always instant. You may still have that “waiting for it to warm up” moment.
Traditional tanks, on the other hand, cost less to install and repair, but they use more energy and eventually run out of hot water—usually right when you’re covered in shampoo.
Bottom line: If you want efficiency and endless hot water, tankless is worth considering. If budget is the priority, a standard tank still gets the job done.
Keep those questions coming! Email questions to: [email protected]
