UBCNews - Business - Are Tankless Water Heaters Worth It? Broken Arrow Plumber Weighs In

Episode Date: March 3, 2026

So, are tankless water heaters actually worth the investment, especially here in Broken Arrow? That's the question we're tackling today. I mean, everyone's talking about energy savings and endless hot water, but what's the real story? Big C's Plumbing Services City: Bixby Address: 13335 South 91st East Ave Website: https://bigcplumberstulsa.com/

So, are tankless water heaters actually worth the investment, especially here in Broken Arrow? That's the question we're tackling today. I mean, everyone's talking about energy savings and endless hot water, but what's the real story? Great question. Look, tankless water heaters can save homeowners between 20 to 50% on their monthly energy bills compared to traditional tank models. That's significant, right? For a family of four, we're talking about roughly $100 to $125. saved annually on average. And here's the thing. You never run out of hot water. No more cold showers when someone else is using the dishwasher. That endless supply is such a huge perk. But I've heard the

upfront costs can be pretty steep. What are we looking at in Broken Arrow? Yeah, installation costs typically range from about $1,400 to $5,400. That includes the unit itself and any necessary home modifications, things like gas line upgrades or electrical panel work. So it's definitely an investment. But when you factor in the lifespan, tankless units last 20 plus years with proper maintenance. Traditional tanks? You're looking at 10 to 15 years, Max. Mm-hmm. Makes sense.

So the longevity really helps justify that initial price tag. Now you mentioned maintenance. What does that actually involve? Maintenance is vital, especially here in Broken Arrow. Our water is moderately to hard around 120 to 180 ppm. of mineral content. That means calcium and magnesium build up inside the heat exchanger over time. Without annual death scaling, you can see a significant reduction in efficiency over time. Worse neglecting it can lead to premature failure, potentially shortening that 20-year lifespan

drastically. Wow. So you're saying hard water is the silent killer of tankless systems? Exactly. Annual death scaling is non-negotiable. You can do it yourself with a desk scaling kit, But honestly, professional service is recommended. A pro can use commercial-grade solutions and catch potential issues early. It typically costs $150 to $250 per year, which is way less than replacing a heat exchanger down the road. Right. That makes sense. And I imagine proper installation is just as critical as maintenance,

especially when you're dealing with gas lines and permits? Absolutely. Professional installation is necessary. gas tankless models require higher BTU input than traditional tanks, often necessitating gas line upgrades. Plus, there are venting requirements and local building codes to comply with. In Broken Arrow, permits are typically required for tankless installations. Homeowners should check with local authorities for current permit requirements and costs. Trying to DIY this can void your warranty, and, uh, honestly, it's a safety risk.

I see, yeah. You know, thinking about proper installation and sizing brings me to something homeowners really need to understand, getting the right unit for their home. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. When you're ready to upgrade to a tankless water heater in Broken Arrow, you need experienced professionals who understand local water conditions and building codes. For over 20 years, our team has provided outstanding plumbing

and leak-locating services throughout Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Vicksby, Claremore, and Mays County. We're licensed and offer 24-7 emergency service. Whatever your plumbing problem, large or small, residential or commercial, we get the job done right the first time. Learn more at big C plumberstulsa.com. Picking up on proper installation and sizing, how do homeowners figure out what size tankless heater they actually need? It comes down to flow rate measured in gallons per minute or GPM, and the temperature rise. needed based on your local groundwater temperature. For most families, gas tankless models with a flow rate of 6 to 8 GPM work best.

Professional sizing is important for all household sizes because it accounts for simultaneous uses. Showers, dishwasher, laundry. A pro will calculate your specific needs to ensure you get consistent hot water without undersizing or overspending. So undersizing means you risk that dreaded cold water sandwich effect? Exactly. If the unit can't keep up with demand, you get fluctuating temperatures. Hot, then cold, then hot again. I actually had a customer call me once, completely frustrated. She said her morning shower felt like a prank, scalding hot, then ice cold, then hot again. Turns out the previous installer had put in a unit way too small for a family of five. Proper sizing calculations prevent that. And honestly, this is where a pro expertise really shines. Ha! A prank shower. That's one way to wake up in the morning, I guess. But seriously, you know, we've covered savings, maintenance, and installation. What about the space-saving benefits? Traditional tanks are bulky.

Oh, definitely. Traditional tanks are bulky and occupy substantial floor space with dimensions varying based on capacity. Tankless units mount on the wall and are much more compact. That frees up a ton of space in garages or utility rooms. Homeowners love reclaiming that square footage. Some turn it into storage. Others just appreciate the cleaner look. That's a great point. And with energy costs rising in Oklahoma, the efficiency gains really add up over time, right? The long-term savings can be substantial. I mean, we're talking about real money back in your pocket year after year. Right.

Traditional tanks lose heat constantly through standby losses, which are a major contributor to water heating energy consumption. Water heating typically accounts for about 18% of a home's total energy use. Tankless systems eliminate that waste by heating water only on demand. The return on investment is usually within three to seven years, depending on usage and energy costs. After that, it's pure savings. So to everyone listening in Broken Arrow, if your current water heater is 10-plus years old

or you're tired of inconsistent hot water, this is definitely something to consider. Have you thought about what your monthly energy bill could look like with a tankless system? And don't forget about rebates and tax credits. Federal programs like Energy Star offer incentives for high-efficiency models, which can help offset that upfront cost. It's worth checking what's available before you make the switch. Perfect advice. Thanks so much for breaking all this down today. For homeowners and Broken Arrow, the key takeaway is clear. Tankless water heaters offer real savings, endless hot water, and longer lifespans, but only with proper installation and diligent maintenance. Absolutely. Get a pro, size it right, and commit to that annual discouling. Your future self will thank you.