Tank vs. Tankless: Which Water Heater Needs More Maintenance in Tennessee?

If you’re deciding between a tanked or tankless water heater, or already own one, you might be wondering: which one requires more maintenance?

The answer might surprise you.

Tanked Water Heaters:

• Store 40–80 gallons of hot water at all times

• Sediment builds at the bottom over time

• Need to be flushed at least once a year in areas like Nashville or Hendersonville, where water hardness is high

Tankless Water Heaters:

• Heat water on demand—more efficient

• But scale can quickly clog the narrow internal heat exchanger

• Need descaling flush service annually

Bottom Line:

Both systems need flushing every 12 months.
But tankless units are less forgiving when it’s skipped. At FlowTech Tankless, we service both types with expert care and a simple $250 flat rate.