Start with conditions, not a product
Choosing tank or tankless comes down to household demand, fuel, venting, and what's actually failing on the unit being replaced—not a one-size answer.
Build a complete scope
- Tank versus tankless for the household's demand
- Venting, fuel, and electrical capacity on site
- Drainage and overflow protection for the location
- Permits where the city requires them
- What's excluded and how the warranty works
Wilmington context
Coastal humidity and the flood-compliant elevated utility closets common on the barrier islands both affect how long a water heater lasts and how it needs to be installed here.