Tankless water heaters have an electric element or gas burner that heats the water through a pipe inside the unit. The on-demand system provides an endless hot water supply, making it unmatched for comfort and convenience.
Unlike the traditional water heaters, tankless models do not store water in a tank. This design makes them a cost-effective and energy-efficient choice for conserving resources.
Curious about how tankless water heaters work and which one to install in your home? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know!
Tankless Water Heaters Flow Rate
| Appliance | Typical Flow Rates |
| Bathroom Sink Faucet | 0.5 – 1.5 GPM |
| Low-Flow Kitchen Tap | 1.0 – 2.5 GPM |
| Shower | 1.0 – 2.0 GPM |
| Dishwasher | 1.0 – 2.5 GPM |
| Clothes Washer | 1.5 – 3.0 GPM |
Hot water consumption is measured in gallons per minute (GPM), which signifies the steady delivery rate of hot water your water heater can provide.
Read, What Are The Different Kinds Of Water Heaters?
Understanding Hot Water Usage and GPM
Hot water usage is measured in gallons per minute (GPM), the flow rate of hot water your water heater can produce.
How to Calculate Your GPM Needs:
To calculate the total GPM that your household needs, add up the GPM for all major appliances you normally use simultaneously. Most tankless hot water heaters heat water at a rate of 2 to 5 GPM.
Determine the GPM of a Fixture with the “Bucket Method”:
You can easily determine the flow rate of any faucet or fixture in your home using a simple “bucket method.” This is how you do it:
- Get a timer and a one-gallon container.
- Place the container under the faucet.
- Turn the faucet on full blast and start the timer.
- stop the timer and turn off the water when the container is full.
- Round the recorded time to the nearest 5 seconds (for example, 17 seconds rounds to 20).
- Divide 60 by the rounded time. For instance, if it took 20 seconds, then 60 ÷ 20 = 3 GPM.
Example Calculation for Simultaneous Usage:
If you frequently run a bathroom faucet at 1.0 GPM and a showerhead at 1.5 GPM at the same time, your water heater must be able to supply at least 2.5 GPM to meet the demand.
Knowing your household’s GPM needs will ensure that your water heater is sized appropriately to provide consistent hot water for your daily activities.
More Tankless Water Heaters Considerations
The types of tankless water heaters differ in how they heat water. Some use heating elements, which is the case for electric models. Others use burners to warm up water. Determine the most suitable type based on your house’s preference, whether gas or electricity tankless water heater.
Each tankless water heater lists its maximum water flow rate (GPM) at different temperature rises. To pick the right one, determine how much hot water your household uses at peak times and the temperature increase you’ll need.
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Hot Water Continuously:
- Tankless water heaters ensure continuous hot water, ideal for long showers or relaxing baths.
- Most of the models have safety features like sensors and auto shut-off to prevent overheating and scalding.
- For high water usage in homes, you can install multiple units or dedicate heaters to specific appliances like dishwashers or washing machines.
Compact and Convenient:
- Their compact design saves space and works fine in new homes, renovations, or vacation properties.
- They’re versatile enough for outdoor sinks, pool showers, or jacuzzis.
- Advance features like digital thermostats and remote controls make them an easy device.
Energy-Efficient and Long-Lasting:
- Best tankless water heaters have less energy consumption, cutting down household energy bills by up to 40%.
- They last as long as 20 years and can outlast a traditional water heater. In addition, there are replaceable parts that could further extend its life, therefore, less waste.
A tankless water heater is one of the good decisions for comfort, convenience, and energy savings.
Also read, Electric vs. Gas Tankless Water Heaters: Which One is Right for You?
Installing and Maintaining a Tankless Water Heater
To get the best performance as well as your tankless water heater’s full energy efficiency, proper installation combined with regular maintenance is essential.
Installation Tips
The right kind of installation has to do with some factors such as your fuel type, local climate, building codes, and safety requirements–especially for gas-fired models. Of course, professional plumbing and heating contractors are highly advisable for the installation.
When looking for a contractor:
- Obtain written cost estimates.
- Check references from past customers.
- Verify the company’s standing with the Better Business Bureau
- Ensure they’ll handle permits and meet local building codes.
If you prefer a DIY approach, refer to the manufacturer’s installation manual. Also, contact local authorities about permits and installation codes for their requirements.
Read, How To Drain a Water Heater?
Maintenance Tip
Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your tankless water heater and keep it running efficiently. Refer to the owner’s manual for specific maintenance instructions for your model.
By ensuring proper installation and upkeep, you’ll enjoy reliable hot water and energy savings for years to come.
The Bottom Line
Tankless water heaters revolutionize hot water supply through efficiency, convenience, and cost savings. With on-demand heating, they get rid of large storage tanks to maintain continuous hot water flows while saving energy. Knowing the GPM requirements of your household and selecting the appropriate model will allow you to maximize your home’s hot water system for peak performance.
Proper water heater installation and regular maintenance are also key to maximizing the lifespan and efficiency of your tankless water heater. At PlumbSmart, we specialize in making the transition to tankless water heaters for homeowners in Texas as seamless as possible.
From expert installation for your home’s unique needs to reliable maintenance services, our skilled team ensures your system runs efficiently for years. Trust PlumbSmart for energy-efficient solutions and lasting comfort. Contact us today for professional assistance and make the smart choice for your home!
