You’ve likely fielded the call a dozen times this month alone. A homeowner is remodeling their master bath, or perhaps their old 50-gallon tank just sprung a leak in the attic, and they are looking for an upgrade. They want something better, smaller, and more efficient. They are asking about tankless options.
As a plumbing professional, you know the landscape is shifting. The days of simply swapping out one standard tank for another are fading as customers become more tech-savvy and energy-conscious. They want endless hot water, and they want to reclaim that precious square footage in the garage or utility closet. This is where the Trutankless water heater enters the conversation.
But recommending a switch to electric tankless isn’t just about satisfying a customer’s wish list; it’s about providing a solution that reduces callbacks, increases your ticket value, and positions you as a forward-thinking expert in the trade. If you haven’t fully embraced the electric tankless revolution yet, it’s time to take a closer look at why these units are becoming a staple in modern plumbing projects across Arizona, Nevada, and Texas.
How the Technology Works
To sell it, you have to explain it. While you know the mechanics, articulating the “magic” to a client can sometimes be tricky. The Trutankless water heater operates on a simple but sophisticated premise: it eliminates the need for storing hot water.
Unlike traditional units that keep 40 to 80 gallons of water hot 24/7—burning energy even when the house is empty—a Trutankless water heater is reactive. When a hot water tap is opened anywhere in the home, the unit detects the flow. Powerful electric heating elements activate instantly, heating the water as it passes through the system.
What makes the Tru Tankless brand specifically interesting for installers is its internal brain. These units are designed with advanced modulation technology. They don’t just blast heat at 100% capacity every time the faucet turns on. Instead, the system calculates the exact amount of energy needed to reach the set temperature based on the flow rate and incoming water temperature. This modulation is what delivers that consistent temperature output that homeowners love, avoiding the dreaded “cold water sandwich” effect that older tankless models were notorious for.
TruTankless vs. Traditional Tanks: The Showdown
When you are standing in a client’s garage looking at a rusted-out tank, the comparison is your best sales tool. Let’s break down the major differences so you can help your customers make an informed choice.
The Energy Equation
The biggest selling point for a tru tankless water heater is energy efficiency. Traditional tanks suffer from standby heat loss. Even with good insulation, heat escapes, and the burner (or element) has to kick on to bring the water back up to temp. It’s like leaving your car idling in the driveway just in case you need to drive to the store later.
Tru Tankless units operate at near 99% thermal efficiency. Every dollar your client spends on electricity for water heating is actually going into the water, not heating the surrounding air. For eco-conscious clients in the Southwest, this is a massive win.
Longevity and Durability
We all know the lifespan of a standard tank—about 8 to 12 years if you’re lucky and the anode rod does its job. After that, it’s a ticking time bomb for a leak. Because a Trutankless water heater doesn’t store water, it isn’t subjected to the same constant corrosion pressure. With proper maintenance (we’ll get to that later), these units can last significantly longer, often up to 20 years. That is a “peace of mind” investment many homeowners are willing to pay for.
The Volume Constraints
A tank runs out. It’s a simple fact. If the teenagers shower before the parents, someone is getting a cold rinse. A tru tankless water heater, provided it is sized correctly for the home’s electrical capacity and flow demand, provides a continuous supply. As long as there is water and power, there is hot water.
Why Pros Are Choosing TruTankless
Okay, those are the benefits for the homeowner. But what about you? Why should a busy plumbing outfit bother with the switch?
Space-Saving Design
Space is a premium commodity. A tru tankless water heater is about the size of a carry-on suitcase. It mounts on the wall. This frees up massive amounts of floor space. For you, the installer, this means no more wrestling a heavy, awkward tank up a narrow flight of attic stairs or maneuvering it through a tight door frame. One tech can easily lift and mount a Tru Tankless unit, saving your back and your labor hours.
Digital Integration and Diagnostics
We live in a connected world, and plumbing is catching up. Tru Tankless models often feature Wi-Fi connectivity. This isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a diagnostic tool. Through an app, homeowners can track usage and adjust temperatures. More importantly, if there is an issue, the system can provide specific error codes.
Imagine a customer calls saying they have no hot water. Instead of driving out there blind, you (or the homeowner) can check the code. You might realize it’s a simple flow error or a voltage issue before you even start the truck. That is efficiency that protects your bottom line.
Safe and Clean
Because there is no standing water, there is less risk of Legionella bacteria growth, which can happen in tanks kept at lower temperatures. Furthermore, because there is no tank to rust, the water stays cleaner. Selling health and safety is always a strong position for a service business.
Installation Realities: What You Need to Know
Installing a Trutankless water heater is different from swapping a tank, and setting expectations is key.
The Electrical Load
This is the big one. An electric tankless unit requires a significant amount of power to heat water instantly. We aren’t talking about a standard 30-amp breaker here. Depending on the specific model and the groundwater temperature in your region (which, luckily, is warmer in places like Arizona and Texas compared to Minnesota), you might need up to three separate 40-amp or 50-amp breakers.
Before you sell the job, you must verify the home’s panel capacity. Does the client have 200-amp service? Do they have space in the panel? If not, you might need to bring in a sparky (electrician) to upgrade the service. Being upfront about this prevents mid-project headaches.
Location, Location, Location
Since you don’t need to vent it like a gas unit, you have flexibility. You can install a Trutankless water heater closer to the point of use, which reduces the wait time for hot water at the tap. However, you still need to consider hard water.
Dealing with Hard Water
In our service areas—NV, AZ, TX—hard water is a fact of life. Scale is the enemy of any heating element. While Tru Tankless units are robust, they are not invincible. When you install one of these, you should strongly recommend a filtration system or a scale inhibitor. At the very least, educate the customer on the necessity of annual flushing.
Maintenance Tips to Keep the Calls Away
You want to install it and forget it, right? Well, almost. To ensure your customers stay happy (and give you that 5-star review), give them the lowdown on maintenance.
The primary maintenance task for a Trutankless water heater is flushing the system to remove mineral buildup. If you installed isolation valves (service valves) during the initial install—which you definitely should have—this is a 30-minute job.
- Turn off the power to the unit (safety first!).
- Close the cold water inlet and hot water outlet valves.
- Connect hoses to the service valves.
- Pump food-grade vinegar or a descaling solution through the unit for about 45 minutes.
- Flush with fresh water, close the service valves, open the main lines, and power it back up.
You can even offer this as a recurring annual service plan. It keeps you in touch with the customer and ensures the unit runs at peak efficiency.
Overcoming Customer Hesitation
Sometimes, a customer might balk at the upfront cost. A Trutankless water heater and the necessary electrical upgrades can be more expensive than grabbing a standard tank off the shelf. Here is how you handle that objection.
Remind them of the lifetime value. They aren’t just buying a water heater; they are buying 20 years of hot water. When you factor in the energy savings (which can be substantial over two decades) and the lack of replacement costs in 10 years, the math often works out in favor of tankless.
Also, mention the resale value. A home with a modern, energy-efficient tankless system is attractive to buyers. It signals that the home is updated and well-cared for.
The Future is Tankless
The industry is moving toward efficiency and smart technology. Building codes are getting stricter regarding energy consumption, and homeowners are getting smarter about their carbon footprint. The Trutankless water heater represents where the market is going.
By becoming proficient in installing and servicing these units, you aren’t just keeping up; you’re staying ahead. You’re offering a premium product that solves real problems—space, energy, and supply.
At Van Marcke Plumbing Supply, we know that your reputation rides on the parts you install. That’s why we stock reliable, high-performance brands that you can trust. Whether you need a unit for a custom home build in Scottsdale or a retrofit in Las Vegas, we’ve got the inventory to keep your jobs moving.
Ready to add electric tankless to your arsenal? Check out our selection at PlumbersOnly.com or swing by one of our counters. Let’s get you the gear you need to impress your next customer.