Hi! My name is Eric Fleckstein and I’m the owner of Wiseway Plumbing.
I’ve been a plumbing technician for 27 years and have worked on tankless water heaters just as long.
If you’re considering a tankless water heater in Torrance or the South Bay, you’ve probably heard mixed opinions.
I service, troubleshoot, repair, and replace tankless systems throughout Southern California every single day.
My honest opinion on tankless water heaters?
They’re all good systems when installed properly.
Noritz, Rinnai, Navien – they all work well. They all provide endless hot water.
The difference between success and failure isn’t the brand. It’s the installation.
First, let’s clear up a few common questions:
Are Tankless Water Heaters Worth It?
Yes. Tankless water heaters are excellent long-term systems when installed correctly and maintained properly. They provide endless hot water, strong efficiency, and 15–20+ year lifespan potential. Most failures are not caused by the equipment itself, but by improper installation, poor venting, incorrect gas sizing, or ignored water quality.
Are Tankless Water Heaters Actually Good?
Yes — when installed correctly. Tankless systems provide endless hot water, compact wall-mounted design, 15–20+ year lifespan potential, high efficiency, and strong resale value. However, they are precision appliances. They require engineering, proper gas sizing, correct venting, and water quality planning.
What Actually Causes Most Tankless Failures?
In my experience, approximately 90% of tankless water heaters are not installed properly. Common issues include undersized gas lines, improper venting, no combustion analysis, lack of water conditioning, missing isolation valves, and poor condensate management. When these shortcuts occur, the unit struggles — and then the brand gets blamed.
Helpful Tankless Water Heater Articles
Why Installation Matters More Than Brand
The difference between a unit lasting 5 years vs. 20 years almost always comes down to:
- Gas sizing
- Venting design
- Installation quality
- Water quality planning
In the South Bay, we regularly see systems fail early-not because of the equipment, but because they were installed without proper planning.
Why Improper Venting Is a Safety Issue
Tankless systems are high-BTU appliances. Improper venting can cause carbon monoxide backdrafting, internal corrosion from condensation, and premature failure. This isn’t just about performance – it’s a home safety issue.
Water Conditioning Must Be Addressed
Hard water accelerates scale buildup inside the heat exchanger. Without water conditioning or filtration planning, flow restriction and overheating can occur. Water quality should always be part of the installation discussion.
How Hard Water in the South Bay Impacts Tankless Systems
In Torrance and surrounding areas, water hardness often averages 12–15 grains per gallon.
That level of hardness accelerates scale buildup inside the heat exchanger, which can lead to:
- Restricted water flow
- Overheating
- Reduced efficiency
- Early system failure
If water conditioning isn’t addressed during installation, problems are almost guaranteed over time.
Tankless Water Heater Maintenance
Maintenance is not optional with tankless systems – it’s essential.
Annual service should include:
- Descaling flush
- Combustion analysis
- Vent system inspection
- Recirculation system check
Skipping maintenance reduces efficiency, affects combustion quality, and shortens the lifespan of the unit.
This is worth repeating:
Maintenance Is Not Optional!
Tankless vs Traditional Water Heaters: What’s the Difference?
Tankless Systems:
- Endless hot water
- Higher upfront cost
- Longer lifespan
- Requires maintenance
- Requires proper install
- Energy efficient
Traditional Tank Systems:
- Lower upfront cost
- Limited hot water supply
- Shorter lifespan
- Less sensitive to installation variables
- Requires maintenance
For many South Bay homeowners, tankless is the best choice – but only when installed and maintained correctly.
When You’re Making an Investment in Your Home, Cheapest Isn’t Always the Best
A tankless water heater is a long-term investment. Choosing the cheapest installation often results in reduced lifespan and higher costs later. Lower bids frequently mean shortcuts in gas sizing, venting materials, and maintenance planning.
But Expensive Doesn’t Automatically Mean Better
A higher price must be supported by clear, factual explanations. Homeowners deserve to understand why upgrades are needed, why specific materials are used, and how the installation is engineered. Blindly expensive is not better – price must match workmanship.
Tankless Water Heater Installation Costs
Installation costs can vary significantly depending on:
- Gas line upgrades
- Venting requirements
- Electrical modifications
- Water conditioning systems
Lower-priced installs often skip critical steps. Higher-priced installs should come with clear explanations—not just a bigger number.
The goal is simple: Price should reflect workmanship- not shortcuts.
What Happens When a Tankless System Is Installed Incorrectly
When a tankless fails three to five years after installation, homeowners often believe the product is defective. In reality, improper combustion setup, excess condensation, poor venting, or unaddressed hard water has already wrecked the products lifespan.
I Practice What I Preach
At my own home, I have a tankless system that is 14-15 years old and still going strong. It was installed properly with premium parts, correct gas sizing, proper venting, water quality protection, and receives annual maintenance. I’m not just talking about doing it right – I live with the results of doing it right.
Either Do It Right — Or Don’t Do It at All
If you’re going to invest in tankless, install it correctly, use proper materials, address water conditioning, schedule maintenance, and hire experienced professionals. Otherwise, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
Why Being in Business 20+ Years Matters
A company that has been in business for over 20 years demonstrates stability, accountability, and long-term commitment. Tankless systems require support long after installation. You want a company that will be there tomorrow.
Final Thoughts from the Owner of Wiseway
Tankless water heaters are great systems.
They work, they last, and they provide endless hot water. They are not the problem. Improper installation is. Cheapest isn’t always best. Blindly expensive isn’t better either. Price must match workmanship, workmanship must be backed by experience, and experience must be backed by accountability. At the end of the day, this is an investment into your home. You want it to last.
Need Tankless Water Heater Installation in Torrance or the South Bay?
If you’re considering upgrading to a tankless system – or fixing one that isn’t performing correctly – Wiseway Plumbing can help.
We specialize in:
- Tankless water heater installation
- Tankless repair and troubleshooting
- Water quality and filtration solutions
- Long-term system maintenance
Contact Wiseway Plumbing today to schedule your consultation and get it done right the first time.