Going Tankless: Everything You Want to Know About Tankless Water Heaters

David E.

Have you ever been looking forward to a long, hot shower only to realize a few short minutes in that the hot water was gone? Yeah, we’ve all been there at some point. When our hot water tank runs out of hot water, it can take a while for more to be heated. With tankless water heaters, running out of hot water is a thing of the past. The difference is that it heats the water when you need it and for as long as you need it, so essentially, it won’t run out! They’ve been in the United States since the 1990s, so they’ve been refined and improved for around 30 years and we think they can be a great option. Let’s explore how they work and a few other things you probably want to know about tankless water heaters. As your Birmingham residential plumbing experts, we want to help you make the best plumbing decisions for your home! How They Work Tankless water heaters heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. When the hot water knob is turned on (or an appliance on a hot setting), cold water travels through a pipe into the unit, then a heating element or flame heats the water. So essentially, it delivers a constant supply of hot water. You don’t have to wait for a storage tank to fill up again- how nice! Because they are actively heating the water, tankless water heaters provide hot water at a rate of 2–5 gallons (7.6–15.2 liters) per minute, which can be a slower flow rate than you’re used to if you switch (information from Energy.gov). While gas-fired versions produce higher flow rates than electric ones, sometimes even the biggest model cannot supply enough hot water for simultaneous, multiple uses- like taking a shower and running the dishwasher at the same time. No need to worry- one solution is to install two or more tankless water heaters, for those instances of simultaneous demands of hot water. You could also install separate tankless water heaters for appliances (i.e. dishwasher and/or washing machine) that use a lot of hot water in your home. Tank vs. Tankless: Which is better? Let’s look at the pros and cons of a tankless hot water heater: PRO: More energy efficient = lower utility bills You could save 27 to 50 percent of fuel costs over tank-type heaters. The initial cost is typically higher than that of a conventional storage water heater, but the savings on energy costs adds up and can actually start saving you money. PRO: Longer lasting Most tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of more than 20 years whereas storage water heaters last 10–15 years. Additionally, replacement parts for tankless units are easy to install and can further extend the life of the system. PRO: They’re Compact Tank-type water heaters take up a lot of room, even if it’s tucked away- think about the extra storage space you could have without it there. Tankless gas heaters are about the size of a suitcase and hang on the wall. PRO: They’re Safer Traditional hot water heaters have the potential to spring a leak or even burst. This shouldn’t happen, but we know that things break down over time, so it is a possibility. If a leak happens, flooding happens. No one wants water damage. Because there’s no tank to fail, there’s almost no chance of a catastrophic leak with a tankless system. Also, tankless versions are safer because the air-supply and exhaust vents are sealed, so carbon monoxide can’t leak into the house. CON: They’re Sensitive to Slow Flow If there’s too much buildup in the pipes, or a faucet is clogged, the slowed flow can make these units automatically shut off. So they can be more sensitive than their tank-style counterparts. CON: More expensive and the payback takes a while Tank heaters can cost an average of $400, whereas tankless models are $1,000 on average. Going tankless may save you about $100 per year, depending on how efficient it is and how much hot water your household uses. So it could take several years for it to start saving you money. It’s also important to note that it’s recommended to have them professionally cleaned by All City Plumbers about once a year. That’s a good thing because it means your water heater will remain functional for longer and will run efficiently, but it does add something else to your home that needs professional cleaning. A tankless water heater is a great option for many households looking for energy-efficiency, decreased risk, and “never ending” hot water, but does that mean it’s the right option for your home? Your Birmingham residential plumbing experts at All City Plumbers can help with the decision making. We can access your current situation and let you know what we recommend. If you decide to switch to a tankless water heater, we’re able to install and service it for you! Contact us today to make your appointment!

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Bathroom Water Hammer Explained and How to Stop the Loud Banging?

by Hadi Masood • 30 January 2026

Unpack bathroom water hammer—causes like sudden valve closures and high pressure—and learn proven fixes like arrestors and PRVs for silent pipes.

What Makes Showers Suddenly Run Cold and How to Prevent It?

by Hadi Masood • 30 January 2026

Nothing disrupts a morning routine like a shower turning icy midstream, leaving you shivering and frustrated. This common issue stems from imbalances in your home's plumbing and heating systems, often triggered by everyday usage patterns or overlooked maintenance. Understanding the root causes empowers homeowners to diagnose problems swiftly and implement lasting fixes. This guide delves into the mechanics behind sudden temperature drops, explores diagnostic techniques, and outlines prevention strategies to keep your showers consistently warm. Common Causes of Sudden Cold Showers Sudden cold water in showers typically arises from water heater malfunctions or plumbing disruptions. Sediment buildup in tank-style heaters insulates the burner or element, causing inconsistent heating—over time, minerals from hard water accumulate at the bottom, reducing efficiency and leading to temperature fluctuations during peak demand. Similarly, a failing dip tube in the heater fails to direct cold incoming water to the top for proper mixing, so hot water depletes faster than it replenishes. High demand elsewhere in the home exacerbates this; simultaneous use of washing machines, dishwashers, or multiple faucets dilutes hot water supply. Pressure imbalances from clogged aerators or faulty mixing valves can also shift temperatures abruptly. In larger households, undersized heaters struggle with back-to-back usage, mimicking a sudden cold blast. Diagnosing Water Heater Problems Start diagnosis by checking the water heater's thermostat setting—most should hover between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit for safety and performance. Listen for unusual noises like popping or rumbling, hallmarks of sediment; if present, a professional flush resolves it. Test the heating element in electric models with a multimeter for continuity, or inspect the gas burner for a weak blue flame indicating dirty components. Expansion tanks play a crucial role here—they mount on the cold water inlet to absorb thermal expansion pressure, preventing relief valve drips that signal overpressure and potential cold surges. Without one, especially in closed-loop systems, heaters cycle inefficiently, dropping output temperatures. Monitor the pressure relief valve; frequent activation points to expansion issues. For tankless units, error codes on the display often pinpoint flow sensors or igniters as culprits. Identifying Plumbing and Pipe Issues Plumbing beyond the heater often hides the problem. Reverse flow from check valves or backflow preventers can introduce cold water into hot lines, especially if sediment clogs them. Undersized pipes struggle with volume, causing pressure drops that chill the stream. Air locks from recent repairs trap bubbles, disrupting flow until purged by running all hot taps sequentially. Leaky fixtures upstream siphon hot water unnoticed, leading to sudden cools. Inspect for hidden corrosion in galvanized pipes, which narrows passages over time. All City Plumbers emphasize tracing lines with a pipe camera for blockages invisible to the eye, revealing scale or debris that starves the showerhead. The Impact of Water Pressure Fluctuations Pressure swings directly affect shower temperature consistency. Municipal supply variations, like nighttime boosts or peak-hour drops, strain home systems. Faulty pressure regulators fail to stabilize incoming force, overwhelming the heater. Clogged showerheads or aerators restrict hot flow while cold rushes in unchecked. In multi-story homes, gravity amplifies upper-floor issues, where thinner pipes can't maintain velocity. Install a whole-house pressure gauge to baseline readings—ideal is 50-80 PSI. Fluctuations beyond this trigger mixing valve failures, designed to blend water but prone to wear. Step-by-Step Fixes for Cold Showers Addressing the issue begins with simple resets. Flush the water heater by attaching a hose to the drain valve and running it until clear, refilling slowly to avoid air pockets. Clean aerators by soaking in vinegar overnight, then reinstall for restored balance. Insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves to minimize heat loss in unheated spaces. For persistent problems, replace the dip tube or upgrade to a higher-capacity heater. Adding or servicing expansion tanks restores pressure equilibrium. Test post-fix by timing recovery—hot water should resume within 30 seconds of demand spikes. Preventive Maintenance Strategies Prevention hinges on routine care. Annually flush tank heaters and descale tankless ones to banish sediment. Set programmable schedules to avoid simultaneous high-demand usage, staggering laundry and showers. Install low-flow fixtures that ease heater load without sacrificing pressure. Prepare your plumbing before vacations by shutting off the water main, draining lines, and setting the heater to pilot mode—this averts stagnant water growth and pressure builds during absence. Water softeners combat mineral buildup in hard-water areas, extending system life. Upgrading for Long-Term Reliability Consider modern solutions like on-demand tankless heaters, which heat water instantly without standby losses, eliminating cold-start woes. Hybrid heat pump models offer efficiency gains up to 300 percent. Whole-home recirculation pumps deliver instant hot water, minimizing waste and temperature dips. Smart thermostats monitor usage patterns, adjusting preemptively. Pair with pressure-balancing shower valves that auto-compensate for fluctuations, ensuring steady warmth. Conclusion Sudden cold showers disrupt more than comfort—they signal underlying issues that, if ignored, escalate to costly repairs. By pinpointing causes from heater sediment to pressure imbalances and embracing proactive maintenance, you safeguard reliable performance year-round. Implementing these strategies not only restores blissfully warm showers but also boosts energy efficiency and system longevity for peace of mind.