Plumbing Upgrades: Do Tankless Hot Water Tanks Make Sense?

If you’re considering plumbing upgrades, you might be asking: do tankless hot water tanks make sense? It’s a great question, especially if you’re deciding whether to fix up your home or sell it without making major repairs. Tankless water heaters sound appealing, but they come with hidden costs and maintenance needs you should understand first.

Tankless hot water tanks make sense for newer homes with efficient plumbing, offering energy savings and endless hot water. However, for older homes needing major upgrades, installing one can be costly, making selling as-is a smarter option.

At BuysHouses.co, we help homeowners who don’t want to spend thousands on big repairs, including plumbing systems. Let’s dive into the details of tankless water heaters, traditional water heaters, alternative systems, and when it might be smarter to sell your home as-is.

Traditional Hot Water Heaters: The Old Reliable

Traditional water heaters with storage tanks have been around for decades.

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost compared to tankless systems
• Simple to replace with minimal plumbing changes
• Good for moderate hot water needs

Cons:

• Limited supply — you must wait if the tank runs out
• Energy loss from continuously heating stored water
• Typical lifespan of 8 to 12 years before major issues arise

If you’re thinking about quick repairs without upgrading plumbing, a standard replacement might be easier and more affordable.

Tankless Hot Water Heaters: Energy Efficient, But Not Always Simple

Now back to the key question: do tankless hot water tanks make sense?

Tankless units heat water on demand without storing it, leading to potential energy savings.

Pros:

• No standby heat loss
• Endless hot water supply
• Smaller footprint — mount on a wall and save space

Cons:

• High upfront costs for unit and installation
• May require major plumbing upgrades (venting, gas lines, electrical upgrades)
• Sensitive to multiple simultaneous water uses unless multiple units are installed
• Regular descaling maintenance is critical, especially in hard water areas

Proper descaling at least once a year is essential for tankless systems. Without it, mineral buildup can dramatically shorten the unit’s lifespan, cause performance issues, and void warranties. Even with good maintenance, tankless water heaters typically last around 10 to 15 years, not 20 years as often advertised.

Also Read: Renovations That Could Hurt Your Property Value in Pittsburgh

Quick Comparison Chart

Feature	Traditional Hot Water Heater	Tankless Hot Water Heater
Installation Cost	$800 – $1,500	$2,500 – $4,500
Average Lifespan	8-12 years	10-15 years (with maintenance)
Energy Efficiency	Lower	Higher
Space Needed	More	Less
Maintenance	Lower (basic upkeep)	Higher (annual descaling needed)
Typical Repairs	Tank failure, leaks	Descaling, sensor or burner issues
Best For	Budget-friendly replacements	Long-term energy savings seekers

Other Water Heating Alternatives

If neither tankless nor traditional fits your needs, there are two other options worth considering.

Heat Pump Water Heaters

Heat pump water heaters pull heat from the surrounding air and transfer it to the water.

Pros:

• Uses up to 60% less energy than standard electric units
• May qualify for energy rebates and incentives

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost
• Works best in warmer spaces like basements or garages
• Efficiency drops in colder climates, making them less ideal for northern regions

Heat pumps are becoming more popular, but the location of your home and its typical temperatures can greatly impact their effectiveness.

Also Read: Selling a House with Water Damage 

Solar Water Heaters

Solar water heaters use panels to absorb sunlight and heat your water supply.

Pros:

• Extremely low operating costs after installation
• Environmentally friendly and sustainable

Cons:

• High upfront costs for equipment and installation
• Weather dependent; systems need backup heating for cloudy days
• Pittsburgh, PA has relatively low sun exposure, which can cause poor returns on investment and reduced system lifespan compared to sunnier states like Arizona or Florida

The Real Cost of Plumbing Upgrades

Installing a tankless system is rarely as simple as swapping out one device for another. Major upgrades might be needed, such as:

• Larger gas lines or upgraded gas meters
• Stainless steel venting systems for exhaust
• Electrical upgrades for electric tankless models
• Water line modifications to maintain pressure and flow

Homes with outdated plumbing could face total costs ranging from $8,000 to $15,000 or more once labor, permits, and materials are factored in. For some homeowners, those costs just aren’t worth it — especially if other parts of the home need repairs too.

If you’re facing big renovation costs, sometimes it’s smarter financially to skip the repairs and sell your house in its current condition. Companies like Buyshouses.co specialize in helping sellers avoid costly upgrades while still getting a fair deal.

When Selling Might Make More Sense

There are a few tell-tale signs that selling could be the better option:

• Plumbing costs are higher than your home’s expected value increase
• Plumbing is outdated, including old galvanized or lead pipes
• Your water heater is failing alongside other major systems like HVAC or roofing
• You’re planning to move anyway and don’t want the hassle

Selling as-is means no costly repairs, no waiting months for upgrades, and no complicated permitting processes. It’s often the fastest way to unlock your home’s value without the headache.

If you’re curious how much you could get without making major repairs, reach out today for a no-obligation cash offer.

Final Thoughts: Do Tankless Hot Water Tanks Make Sense?

So, do tankless hot water tanks make sense? If your home already has modern plumbing and you’re planning to stay for many years, a tankless system could offer long-term energy savings. But if installing one requires massive upgrades and other repairs, selling your home as-is might be a much better decision.

If you don’t want to deal with major plumbing upgrades, reach out to the Buys Houses Contact Page. Our team will make you a fair offer so you can move forward without the expense and stress of heavy repairs.

External Resource:
For more expert advice on plumbing and water heater systems, check out The Climate Master.