When you rely on hot water every day—for showers, laundry, cooking, and cleaning—your water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home. If you’re thinking about replacing yours, you might wonder: Should you go with a traditional tank water heater or upgrade to a tankless system?
At Midtown Plumbing, we install, repair, and maintain both types, and we’re here to help you make the best choice for your family, budget, and comfort.
What Is a Traditional Water Heater?
How it works:
Cold water fills the tank. A gas burner or electric heating element keeps it heated to your preferred temperature. When you turn on the tap, hot water flows out, and new cold water comes in to be reheated.
Why homeowners choose a traditional heater:
Lower upfront cost
Simple to install and maintain
Ideal for larger families who use lots of hot water at the same time
Things to consider:
The tank can run out of hot water if everyone showers back-to-back. It also uses more energy since it keeps water heated 24/7.
If you’d like a dependable, cost-effective solution, a traditional water heater could be a great choice. You can learn more about our traditional water heater services on our website.(Link out)
What Is a Tankless Water Heater?
How it works:
When you turn on a faucet, cold water flows through the unit. A heat exchanger warms the water instantly. You get a continuous stream of hot water.
Why homeowners love tankless heaters:
Endless hot water
Compact and wall-mounted, great for saving space
More energy-efficient because there’s no standby heating
Important note:
While tankless systems are highly efficient, they’re often best for smaller households or homes with lower daily hot water use. If you have a big family and often run multiple showers, dishwashers, and laundry at once, a traditional tank may keep up with demand better.
Things to consider:
Tankless heaters have a higher upfront cost and may require gas line or electrical upgrades. If you run too many fixtures at once, the flow can slow down.
If you want to maximize energy savings and never worry about running out of hot water, tankless could be the perfect upgrade. You can read more about our tankless water heater services on our website. (Link out to tankless page)
Which One Is Right for You?
If you’re on a budget and have a larger household where multiple people need hot water at the same time, a traditional tank water heater is likely your best bet.
If you have a smaller household, want to save energy, and don’t usually have everyone using hot water at once, a tankless water heater can be a smart, efficient option.
Not sure which to choose? We’re happy to help you compare your options and find the right fit.
Ready to Upgrade Your Water Heater?
At Midtown Plumbing, we make replacing or installing your water heater simple and stress-free. Our licensed plumbers will help you choose the best system for your home and budget, provide transparent upfront pricing, handle installation safely and efficiently, and remove your old unit when we’re done.
Don’t wait for a cold shower—let’s make sure your hot water is reliable year-round.
Call us today at 855-482-7913 or contact us online to schedule your estimate.
Midtown Plumbing, LLC – Your trusted local plumbers serving Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and the surrounding areas.