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🔥 The Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters for Cambridge Homes

June 27, 2025

💧 Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?


If you’ve ever run out of hot water mid-shower—or want to save space and lower your energy bills—you’ve probably heard about tankless water heaters.

But are they right for your home in Cambridge?


This guide will walk you through the pros and cons of tankless systems, local considerations (like our hard water), and what Reliant Plumbing recommends for different types of homes across Galt, Hespeler, Preston, and the KW Region.

A gas heater and a water heater are sitting next to each other on a blue background.

✅ The Pros of Tankless Water Heaters


1. ♻️ Endless Hot Water


Because they heat water on demand, tankless systems provide a continuous flow—great for large families or busy mornings when multiple people need showers.


2. 💰 Energy Efficiency = Lower Bills


Tankless heaters only turn on when hot water is needed, unlike traditional tanks that keep water warm 24/7.

📉 This can reduce energy costs by 25% to 40%, especially if you're upgrading from an older, inefficient tank.


3. 🧱 Space Saving Design


No bulky tank! Most units are wall-mounted and take up far less space—perfect for homes with small utility rooms or basements.


4. 🛠️ Longer Lifespan


With proper maintenance, tankless units can last 20+ years, compared to 10–15 years for traditional tanks.


5. 🌎 Environmentally Friendly


Tankless systems use less energy and produce fewer emissions, making them a greener choice for eco-conscious homeowners.


❌ The Cons of Tankless Water Heaters


1. 💵 Higher Upfront Cost


Installation and the unit itself can cost 2–3 times more than a conventional tank. However, many homeowners see long-term savings on energy bills.


2. 🛠️ Installation Requirements


Tankless units often require:


  • A gas line upgrade (if using natural gas)
  • Venting modifications
  • A larger electrical panel (for electric units)


Reliant Plumbing offers free site assessments to determine compatibility.


3. 🚿 Flow Rate Limitations


If multiple people are using hot water at once (e.g., shower + dishwasher + laundry), tankless systems can struggle to keep up—unless you install a high-capacity unit or multiple units.


4. 💧 Hard Water = More Maintenance


Cambridge's hard water can cause mineral buildup inside tankless heaters. We strongly recommend:


  • Installing a water softener
  • Scheduling annual maintenance flushes


This helps prevent damage and maintain efficiency.


5. 🕑 Slight Delay in Hot Water Delivery


Some tankless systems may have a 2–5 second delay before hot water reaches your faucet. This is normal, but worth noting.


🔍 Cambridge Considerations


Here’s what homeowners in Cambridge should factor in:


Hard Water


Reliant Plumbing recommends pairing tankless units with a water softener to extend lifespan and reduce buildup.


Cold Winters


Look for tankless units rated for Canadian winters and professionally insulated lines to prevent freezing.


Local Rebates


Check for rebates from Enbridge or Greener Homes programs that may apply to energy-efficient water heaters.


👷‍♂️ Real Example: Upgrade in West Galt


A couple in West Galt wanted more space in their laundry room and were tired of running out of hot water. We installed a Navien high-efficiency tankless unit.


They now enjoy:


✅ Endless hot water
✅ A roomier laundry space
✅ Lower gas bills
✅ Reliable service with no mineral damage


🔧 Should You Switch?


Choose Tankless If:


  • You have 2+ bathrooms and frequent hot water use
  • You want to reduce energy consumption
  • You’re planning to stay in your home long-term
  • You want to free up space in your utility area


Stick With Traditional If:


  • Budget is your top concern
  • You have minimal hot water usage
  • You’re moving in the next 1–2 years
  • You don’t have a water softener and don’t plan to install one


🧑‍🔧 Why Choose Reliant Plumbing?


We offer:


  • Expert advice on tankless vs. tank systems
  • Full installation, including gas line & venting upgrades
  • Hard water solutions to protect your investment
  • Annual maintenance plans for worry-free operation

We're fully licensed and insured, with experience installing top-tier brands like Navien, Rinnai, and Bosch throughout Cambridge and the Tri-Cities.


✅ Final Thoughts


A tankless water heater can be a smart investment—if it’s the right fit for your home. With the right setup and maintenance, you can enjoy long-term savings, convenience, and efficiency.

Not sure what’s best for you? Give us a call. Reliant Plumbing is happy to assess your current system and help you decide with no pressure.



📍 Serving Cambridge • Galt • Hespeler • Preston • Kitchener • Waterloo
📞 519-778-3828
🌐 www.reliantplumbing.ca

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