Water Heaters

Water heaters are powered by natural gas, propane, or electricity depending on the model and fuel availability. Sizing is determined by household size, peak hot water demand, and the number of fixtures running simultaneously. Tank models are rated by gallon capacity. Tankless models are rated by gallons per minute (GPM) and temperature rise.

The Trade Table carries water heaters from Rinnai, Eccotemp, Marey, PrecisionTemp, Noritz, and other leading manufacturers in tankless, tank, and specialty configurations for residential homes, off-grid properties, RVs, and commercial installations.

Water Heaters | Tankless, Gas, Electric & On-Demand Hot Water Systems

Tank water heaters store 30 to 80 gallons of hot water in an insulated reservoir and keep it heated continuously so hot water is available the moment a faucet is opened. When hot water is drawn from the tank, cold water enters the bottom and is heated by a gas burner or electric element. Tank models are the most common residential water heater type and are available in natural gas, propane, and electric configurations.

Tankless water heaters eliminate the storage tank entirely and heat water only as it flows through the unit. When a hot water tap is opened, cold water passes through a heat exchanger powered by a gas burner or electric element and exits at the set temperature. Because tankless models heat on demand, they provide a continuous supply of hot water without running out — and they consume no energy when hot water is not being used.

Gas water heaters use a natural gas or propane burner to heat water and typically deliver higher flow rates than electric models. Electric water heaters use heating elements and require no gas lines or venting, making them simpler to install in homes without existing gas infrastructure. Condensing gas models capture additional heat from exhaust gases for higher efficiency ratings.

Water Heater Options

• Tank water heaters in 30, 40, 50, and 80 gallon capacities
• Tankless on-demand water heaters rated by GPM and temperature rise
• Natural gas, propane, and electric fuel configurations
• Indoor and outdoor installation models
• Condensing gas water heaters with high-efficiency heat recovery
• Portable and off-grid water heaters for RVs, cabins, and tiny homes
• Smart-enabled models with Wi-Fi control and recirculation systems
• Residential and light commercial units

Benefits of Water Heaters

• Tank models provide immediate hot water from a stored reservoir
• Tankless models deliver continuous hot water without running out
• On-demand heating eliminates standby energy loss on tankless units
• Gas models offer higher flow rates for large households with multiple fixtures
• Electric models install without gas lines or venting for simplified setup
• Smart features including Wi-Fi monitoring, recirculation pumps, and digital temperature control

Common Uses for Water Heaters

• Whole-home hot water supply for showers, sinks, dishwashers, and laundry
• Replacing an aging or failed water heater with a same-type or upgraded unit
• Converting from a tank water heater to a tankless on-demand system
• Off-grid hot water for cabins, tiny homes, RVs, and outdoor showers
• New construction installations with gas or electric rough-in planning
• Adding a dedicated point-of-use water heater for a remote bathroom or kitchen

Why Buy Water Heaters from The Trade Table?

The Trade Table helps customers select the right water heater based on household size, peak demand, fuel type, and installation requirements. Our team provides guidance on choosing between tank and tankless models, sizing units by GPM or gallon capacity, and selecting the right brand and configuration. We carry water heaters from Rinnai, Eccotemp, Marey, PrecisionTemp, Noritz, and other leading manufacturers.

Also Referred to As

• water heater
• water heaters
• hot water heater
• hot water heaters
• hot water tank
• hot water tanks
• water tank heater
• home water heater
• residential water heater
• new water heater
• water heaters for sale
• hot water system
• hot water systems
• water boiler heater
• boiler water heater
• replacement water heater

Water Heater FAQs

What is the difference between a tank and tankless water heater?

A tank water heater stores 30 to 80 gallons of hot water in an insulated reservoir and keeps it heated continuously. A tankless water heater has no storage tank and heats water only as it flows through the unit on demand. Tank models provide immediate hot water from the stored supply but can run out during heavy use. Tankless models provide continuous hot water that never runs out but require adequate GPM capacity to serve multiple fixtures simultaneously.

How do I know what size water heater I need?

For tank water heaters, household size determines the recommended gallon capacity — a 40-gallon tank typically serves one to two people, 50 gallons serves two to four, and 80 gallons serves four or more. For tankless models, sizing is based on GPM flow rate and temperature rise. Add the GPM of all fixtures that may run simultaneously and select a tankless unit that meets or exceeds that total demand at your region's groundwater temperature.

Should I choose gas or electric?

Gas water heaters deliver higher flow rates and faster recovery times, making them better suited for larger households with high simultaneous demand. Electric water heaters install without gas lines or venting and are simpler to set up in homes without existing gas infrastructure. Operating cost depends on local gas and electricity rates — compare both before selecting a fuel type.

How long do water heaters last?

Tank water heaters typically last 8 to 12 years with standard maintenance. Tankless water heaters typically last 15 to 20 years or more because they have no standing water in a storage tank causing corrosion. Regular descaling and maintenance extend the lifespan of both types.

What is a condensing water heater?

A condensing water heater captures additional heat from exhaust gases that would otherwise be vented outside. This recovered heat is used to preheat incoming cold water, increasing overall efficiency. Condensing models are available in both tank and tankless configurations and meet the latest Department of Energy efficiency standards for gas water heaters.