Why this matters
You will live with this appliance for a decade or more. Many Markham homes still have rented gas tanks, and replacement time is a natural moment to decide whether to keep renting, buy a tank, or switch to tankless.
Side by side
| Factor | Tank | Tankless |
|---|---|---|
| Hot water | Stored volume that can run out | Continuous flow, limited by rate |
| Space | Floor footprint | Wall mounted |
| Gas supply | Moderate input | High input; may need larger gas pipe |
| Venting | Chimney or power vent | Usually plastic vent through a side wall |
| Maintenance | Drain sediment | Descale heat exchanger |
| Power outage | Conventional tanks may still heat | Usually stops |
Red flags around the house
- Showers going lukewarm halfway through.
- Popping or rumbling as the burner fires.
- Rust-coloured water from the hot side only.
- Moisture or a puddle under the tank pan.
Step by step: deciding
- Check your current contract if the tank is rented, including buyout terms.
- Count how many showers and appliances run at the same time.
- Look at the space and whether a side wall vent route exists.
- Consider water hardness and descaling.
- Get a gas load assessment for tankless.
Handing it over to us
Get in touch once the tank is old or weeping, or while a renovation is still on paper. See gas water heater replacement, tankless installation and rent or buy.
Markham note: village-core houses tend to hide cast iron and galvanized behind plaster, while Cornell and Box Grove builds run PEX to a manifold. We ask the year your house was built so the right fittings ride along on the truck.
Straight from the phone log
Does going tankless always save money?
No stored water means no heat lost overnight, yet the real saving rises and falls with how much you use and what gas costs.
Is swapping a tank for a wall unit straightforward?
Often, but gas pipe sizing and venting must be checked first.
Ready to get it fixed?
One call, a clear explanation, and work finished tidily before we leave.