Storage or tankless? What's the best option?

Lance Smith on Fox 59 Indianapolis discussing tankless water heaters

It's hard to know if your home is better suited for a tankless or storage tank water heater. Lance Smith, owner of L.D. Smith Plumbing, visited Indianapolis morning show Indy Now to discuss the differences between storage and tankless water heaters. Check out the full interview here: https://fox59.com/video/indy-now-july-18th-l-d-smith-plumbing/8827892/

Tankless FAQ

Who should consider a tankless water heater?

A tankless water heater is for those who desire endless hot water, have space concerns, or want a more efficient product.

Do I need a gas or electric line to install a tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters work with electric, natural gas, or propane.

What brand does L.D. Smith Plumbing recommend?

We are a proud supplier of Navien tankless water heaters. Recognized for its sophisticated engineering and robust design, Navien is one of the fastest-growing companies in the home comfort sector and a leader in providing condensing tankless water heaters.

Is a consultation needed prior to installation?

We highly recommend a consultation to inspect the location of your current water heater and help you determine if a tankless water heater is the best solution for your home.

Will my older home accommodate a tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters work well in most homes – old and new. Again, we highly recommend a consultation with a member of our team to confirm if a tankless water heater is the best solution for your home.
L.D. Smith Plumbing services include installation and repair of water heaters in the Indianapolis area. If you are looking to replace your water heater, our latest deal is $300 of a tankless water heater and $150 off storage water heaters. Financing is available with monthly payments as low as $27  for storage and $75  for tankless. 

Request your appointment with Indy's plumbing heroes today!

Plumbing hacks: True or False?

Have you seen the latest trending topic about resetting your water heater if there's no hot water? What about the hack to use a plunger to remove any item from your sink? Lance Smith, owner of L.D. Smith Plumbing, separated fact from fiction when it comes to those and other hacks on social media. He visited Fox59's Indy Now recently to play a game of True or False with the hosts. Watch Lance's full interview here.

True or False: Reset your water heater when there's no hot water. FALSE

Resetting your water heater has its risks because of the electrical components involved. If you keep resetting it due to no hot water, it means there is a significant problem that needs to be addressed by a plumber.

True or False: Turn off all toilets in your home before leaving on vacation to eliminate the risk of a water emergency. TRUE

Yes, you can turn off the toilets, but an easier solution is turning off the main water shut-off valve, typically located outside the home. The main water shut-off valve supplies water to your entire home.

Use a plunger to unclog a sink. TRUE

Lance says a plunger is a great solution for most clogs in showers, sinks, and bathtubs. He recommends plungers with a plastic handle.

Need a plumber? Request an appointment with L.D. Smith Plumbing. Our latest deals include $50 off any plumbing repair, $300 off tankless water heaters, and $150 off a water softener installed. Review all coupons here.

WATCH: Going tankless...Here's what you need to know

Tankless water heaters are growing in popularity with homeowners. According to Coherent Market Insights, the global tankless water heater market is estimated to experience a 5.7 percent growth rate by 2027.

Unlike a storage-tank water heater, going tankless can be a smart choice for your home and wallet. Water heater usage is the second largest expense for your home, so research is critical to finding the best solution for the needs of your home and family. Here are a few facts about tankless water heaters to make your decision easier.

WATCH: Lance, owner of L.D. Smith Plumbing, shares tips on Life.Style.Live! on WISH-TV.

Cost

A tankless water heater carries a bigger price tag than storage but pays for itself over time in energy efficiency, maintenance, and durability. Purchasing a tankless water heater can earn you a tax deduction or a rebate from your utility company. Moreover, tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years compared to 7-10 for storage which saves you money long-term for a replacement.

Hot water on demand

This is the best reason for many homeowners to say yes to going tankless. Endless hot water is ready when you want it. Storage water tanks keep gallons of hot water ready for whenever you need it but can run out. That can be challenging when your home has guests for the holidays or if everyone in the house decides to take a long bath on the same day. When the tank is empty, the last one in the shower or bath will have to wait for the water to warm up again or deal with cold water.

You don’t have to wait for hot water with a tankless. It heats instantly and gives you hot water for as long as you need it. No cold water surprises in the shower.

Efficiency

Once a plumber installs your tankless water heater, very little maintenance is required, as long as good water quality is maintained. Because it is tankless, it minimizes common risks related to storage water heaters such as leaks and sediment buildup. This generation of tankless water heaters includes wi-fi technology to adjust temperature away from home.

Tankless FAQ

Who should consider a tankless water heater?

A tankless water heater is for those who desire endless hot water, have space concerns, or want a more efficient product.

Do I need a gas or electric line to install a tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters work with electric, natural gas, or propane.

What brand does L.D. Smith Plumbing recommend?

We are a proud supplier of Navien tankless water heaters. Recognized for its sophisticated engineering and robust design, Navien is one of the fastest-growing companies in the home comfort sector and a leader in providing condensing tankless water heaters.

Is a consultation needed prior to installation?

We highly recommend a consultation to inspect the location of your current water heater and help you determine if a tankless water heater is the best solution for your home.

Will my older home accommodate a tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters work well in most homes – old and new. Again, we highly recommend a consultation with a member of our team to confirm if a tankless water heater is the best solution for your home.

Need a new water heater? Contact the experts at L.D. Smith Plumbing for a consultation or replacement.

WATCH: Lance shares fall plumbing tips on Indy Style

As you prepare for pumpkin picking, leaf raking, and all things fall, add a quick plumbing check to your to-do list. Lance Smith, owner of L.D. Smith Plumbing, visited the TV show Indy Style to share plumbing a few plumbing tips for fall. Fall is a great time to check your pipes, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures to ensure your home is ready to handle the cold weather ahead.

Check your water heater
If it’s older than 10 years old, now is the time to consider a replacement to guarantee warm
water. For energy savings, set the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees.

Disconnect outdoor water hose
This prevents freezing pipes and damage to your plumbing in the winter months.

Schedule major sewer line or drain repairs

No one wants to replace sewer pipes in winter. It’s no fun. Temperatures affect your sewer
pipes. Even if you have a small crack in your pipe right now, freezing temperatures can create a
bigger problem if not treated such as a flooded home or blockage. If there are any concerns
about sewer line, schedule an inspection to find leaks or cracks and treat those issues to ensure
your pipes are winter-ready.

Make it easy to access your water shut-off valve
This is very important for homeowners, especially if you have winter vacation plans. The shut-off
valve turns off water flow to your home preventing significant damage to your home in case
there is a hard freeze or flooding while you are away. Make sure you know the exact location of
your shut-off valve and have a plan for how to access it if there is heavy snow.

Check all pipes
Inspect all pipes in your home to make sure they are in a conditioned area and crawl space
vents are closed. Also, make sure no siding or insulation has been removed or damaged that
would allow cold air in.

Keep your plumbing operating efficiently year-round with our Plumbing Protection Plan for $89 annually. Learn more. 

Water Heater 411

What’s going on inside your water heater? Lance Smith, owner of L.D. Smith Plumbing, breaks down what's inside your water heater and how it works. If you need a water heater repair or replacement, contact the experts at L.D. Smith Plumbing.

Please call the experts at L.D. Smith Plumbing if you need a new water heater or your current one needs repair.

We've got tips for choosing your new water heater

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As a homeowner, buying a new water heater is inevitable. And, like most large appliances in the home, water heaters break down without notice. Here are a few things to consider now before you need a new water heater. As always, feel free to contact Lance Smith, owner at L.D. Smith Plumbing, with any questions about replacing your water heater:

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