Frequently Asked Questions

A traditional tank water heater stores 40-50 gallons of hot water in an insulated tank, keeping it heated at all times so it’s ready when you need it. A tankless water heater doesn’t store water, it heats water on demand as it flows through the unit, providing a continuous supply. The trade-off: tanks cost less upfront ($1,200–$1,900 installed for gas) but use more energy maintaining temperature around the clock. Tankless units cost more ($3,850–$6,495 installed) but only heat water when you use it, saving roughly $100–$200 per year on energy bills.

It depends on your situation. Tankless is worth it if you have a large family that regularly runs out of hot water, you plan to stay in your home 15+ years, and you’re willing to keep up with maintenance. Over 30 years, tankless typically saves money despite the higher upfront cost because tanks need replacement every 10-12 years while tankless units last 15-20 years. However, for most average-use NJ households, a traditional tank heater provides reliable hot water at a lower total cost over 10 years. New Jersey’s moderate-to-hard water also means tankless units need professional descaling every 1–2 years, which adds $200–$400 per service.

Yes, but sizing matters. In winter, New Jersey’s incoming water temperature drops to 35-45°F, meaning the tankless unit must work at maximum capacity to reach your target temperature. A properly sized unit handles this fine. However, if you buy a mid-range unit that’s undersized for your household, you may experience reduced flow rates on cold January mornings when multiple people are showering. This is why we always recommend sizing tankless units conservatively for NJ installations, what works in summer may struggle in winter.

Tank water heaters should be flushed annually to remove sediment that settles at the bottom of the tank. This is especially important in New Jersey, where many areas have moderate-to-hard water that accelerates sediment buildup. Tankless water heaters need professional descaling every 1-2 years, minerals from hard water coat the heat exchanger and reduce efficiency over time. Skipping maintenance shortens lifespan and increases the risk of unexpected failures.

New Jersey’s water hardness varies significantly by region. For example, Jersey City measures around 140 ppm (hard), Paterson is approximately 89 ppm (moderately hard), and East Orange can reach 485 ppm (very hard). Hard water causes mineral buildup inside both tank and tankless heaters, but the impact is different. In tanks, sediment settles at the bottom and is removed by annual flushing. In tankless units, minerals coat the heat exchanger and require chemical descaling, a $200–$400 professional service. If you live in a hard-water area and are considering tankless, installing a water softener first can significantly reduce maintenance burden and extend the life of your unit.

In many New Jersey installations, yes. If your home has a closed plumbing system (common when a backflow preventer or pressure-reducing valve is installed on the water main), thermal expansion from heating water has nowhere to go. An expansion tank absorbs this pressure and protects your plumbing and water heater. Current NJ code requires expansion tanks on closed systems. Our technicians assess your plumbing during installation and include an expansion tank when required, bringing your system into full code compliance.

If you smell gas, do not use any electrical switches, light matches, or ignite anything. Leave your home immediately, leave the door open as you exit, and call your gas company’s emergency line or 911 from outside. Do not re-enter until the gas company confirms it’s safe. Gas leaks near water heaters are a serious safety hazard and require professional inspection before the heater is operated again.

It depends on where the leak is. A small drip from a valve or fitting may be repairable and not immediately dangerous. However, a leak from the bottom of the tank itself usually means internal corrosion and tank failure, this can escalate to a burst tank and significant water damage. If you see water pooling around your heater, call us for a same-day inspection. In the meantime, you can turn off the water supply to the heater and set the unit to “pilot” or turn it off to reduce risk.

120°F is the recommended setting for most households. It’s hot enough for comfortable showers, effective dishwashing, and laundry, while reducing the risk of scalding and minimizing energy waste. Going above 140°F increases scalding risk and costs more in energy. If you have an immunocompromised household member, consult your doctor, some health conditions benefit from slightly higher temperatures to reduce bacteria risk.