In previous decades, if you wanted hot water, you didn't have many choices. The hot water tank was state-of-the-art technology. Aside from that, you could heat water on the stove, in a pinch. Today, however, you have a third choice with the tankless—or "on demand"—water heater. In case you're unfamiliar with either system, Carolina Pipe Cleaning Inc, a trusted plumbing service in Rockwell, NC, discusses each type in depth and explains the differences between them. The information below should help you make the right choice when you're shopping for a new water system.

The Conventional Hot Water Tank

The traditional water heater includes a 20- to 50-gallon insulated tank that stores hot water round the clock until it is needed. After a shower or other hot water use, tap water refills the tank automatically, and a burner below the tank ignites to heat the water to a preset temperature. The thermostat controls the burner and keeps the water in the tank hot—usually between 120° and 140°—24 hours a day. The primary disadvantage of this system is that you must expend energy at all times to keep the water heated. Another disadvantage is that hot water is limited to the amount in the tank. For instance, if you're third in line for a shower, you may be out of luck.

The Tankless Water Heater

When you turn on the hot water faucet, a tankless water system sends water through a series of tiny pipes heated by electric coils or gas or propane flames. The water is thus heated on demand, rather than being stored until it's needed. Thus, a tankless water heater improves on the conventional heater in several ways. It heats water instantly, so you don't have to pay to keep it hot all day long. You never have to worry about running out of hot water unless the electricity goes down or you run out of fuel. Lastly, because the on-demand heater is often placed near the point of use, you don't have to run the tap for several seconds before hot water arrives. This conserves water and lowers your utility costs further.

If you're considering the installation of either type of water heater, contact the experts at Carolina Pipe Cleaning Inc, the premier plumbing and septic service in Rockwell, NC. They provide fast, reliable installation at competitive rates. Visit their website to see if you're in their service area, or call (704) 279-1151 to discuss your options with a friendly, knowledgeable professional.