When your conventional tank-type water heater fails, it’s usually not catastrophic. The failure usually produces a small little leak that is caught in a drip pan or trickles across the floor into a drain. This slow leak usually gives you some time to think about the issue and plan a replacement strategy. You have an opportunity to shop around, get quotes from water heater installers, and research new technologies. You may opt to simply replace your system with an equivalent water heater or you may look at upgrading to a new tankless water heater with a much higher efficiency. Once thing you should do is examine your water heating rental fees, most people are shocked at how much they pay. Really look at the cost to benefits of renting verse owning your system, remember most homeowners in cities throughout Canada and the US for that matter don’t rent their systems.
If your leak is causing damage to surrounding equipment, floors, ceiling or you’re going without hot water; it may be considered an emergency. In my house a “no hot water situation” is frequent and often (because I continually test different manufactures systems) and usually just results in some harsh words from my wife. In your home no hot water is probably a result of some type of mechanical failure, a circuit board, igniter, pressure sensor etc. It’s a good idea to replace a troublesome system before it causes too much stress on your relationships. So it may be time to do a bit of research.
A whole house tankless water heater won’t sit on your floor; it will mount to the wall. The tankless system will use either natural gas or propane as a fuel source. The system will likely need you to upgrade your gas lines and change the venting from your old water heater. If you’re considering a tankless and have any question, don’t hesitate to ask.