Most homeowners only think about their water heater when something goes wrong: a cold shower on a winter morning, rusty water filling the tub, or a sudden leak spreading across the garage floor. In that stressful moment, you start searching online, talking to neighbors, and asking for quick advice. Unfortunately, this is where myths about water heater installation spread the fastest. Misleading “tips,” half-true shortcuts, and outdated rules can push you toward unsafe choices, wasted money, or constant problems with your hot water supply.
In and around McKinney, TX, these myths are especially common because so many homes are a mix of older construction and newer builds, with different plumbing setups, codes, and energy needs. One neighbor swears by a tankless unit, another insists you can just swap a bigger tank in without any other changes, and someone else claims you never need a permit as long as the unit is “about the same.” Sewell Plumbing hears these stories all the time when homeowners call after a DIY attempt has gone sideways. Understanding the truth behind these myths is not just a matter of opinion; it directly affects safety, efficiency, and long-term costs.
When you sort out myth from reality, you gain control over your water heater installation instead of letting random advice drive your decisions. You can ask better questions, spot red flags, and recognize when something doesn’t sound right, whether you are replacing a failing unit or upgrading for better efficiency. The goal is not to make you a plumber, but to arm you with enough clarity to make smart, safe choices for your McKinney home and your family’s comfort.
Myth 1: Any DIYer Can Install One
One of the most persistent myths is that installing a water heater is just a matter of “hooking up a few pipes.” Online videos, weekend project blogs, and big-box store advice can make it look deceptively simple. The reality is that water heater installation involves multiple systems at once: plumbing, gas or electrical supply, venting, drainage, and sometimes structural modifications. A mistake in any of these areas can create hidden leaks, fire hazards, or dangerous gas buildup that may not show up immediately.
In McKinney, TX, many homes use gas water heaters, which adds another layer of risk. Gas line sizing, proper shutoff valves, and leak testing are not optional details; they are essential safety steps. An incorrectly sized gas line can cause poor combustion, soot buildup, or carbon monoxide production. A loose or poorly sealed connection can lead to a gas leak that turns a simple installation into a serious emergency. Licensed professionals like Sewell Plumbing are trained to handle these risks and follow local codes that protect you and your property.
Even with electric water heaters, DIY installation can be more complicated than it first appears. Dedicated circuits, correct breaker sizing, proper grounding, and adherence to the National Electrical Code are all critical. Skipping or guessing on these requirements can lead to nuisance breaker trips, overheating wires, or electrical shock risks. While it is tempting to save money by doing it yourself, the potential cost of a mistake—both in repairs and safety—often outweighs any short-term savings.
Another overlooked aspect is manufacturer warranties and local permit requirements. Many water heater warranties specifically state that improper installation can void coverage. If you install the unit incorrectly and something fails, you may find that the manufacturer will not honor the warranty. In addition, McKinney and the surrounding areas typically require permits and inspections for water heater replacements. A professional installer ensures the job is properly documented and inspected, which protects you when selling your home and helps avoid code violations.
Myth 2: Bigger Is Always Better
It is easy to assume that a larger water heater will automatically solve all hot water problems. If your family runs out of hot water, the instinctive reaction is to buy a bigger tank. But size is not just about capacity; it is about matching your home’s actual usage, plumbing configuration, and energy source. Oversizing a water heater can lead to wasted energy, higher utility bills, and even performance issues, especially if other parts of your system are not designed for the increased demand.
In McKinney, many homes have specific limitations: existing gas line sizes, venting paths, and space constraints in garages or utility closets. A significantly larger tank may not fit the space or may require upgrades to venting and gas supply. Ignoring these factors can cause poor combustion, backdrafting of exhaust gases, or code violations. A unit that is too large for the available gas supply, for example, will struggle to operate efficiently and can wear out faster.
Right-sizing a water heater involves looking at the number of bathrooms, simultaneous hot water uses, family size, and habits such as long showers or frequent laundry. Professionals like Sewell Plumbing use guidelines and experience to calculate the appropriate tank size or tankless capacity. Sometimes, the solution is not a bigger tank but a more efficient model, improved recirculation, or changes to fixtures that reduce demand. Simply upsizing without a plan can mask the real issues and create new ones.
There is also the question of recovery rate—how quickly a water heater can heat new incoming water. Two units with the same tank size can perform very differently depending on their BTU rating or heating elements. Believing that “bigger tank equals endless hot water” ignores this critical factor. A properly selected and installed unit will balance capacity, recovery, and efficiency for your specific McKinney home instead of relying on raw size as the only solution.
Myth 3: Tankless Is Always the Best Choice
Tankless water heaters have become very popular, and for good reason: they can provide continuous hot water and are often more energy efficient over time. However, a common myth is that tankless is automatically the best choice for every home and every situation. The truth is more nuanced. Tankless systems have specific installation requirements and may not be the most cost-effective or practical option for every property in McKinney.
Switching from a traditional tank to a tankless unit usually requires significant changes. Gas tankless units often need larger gas lines and different venting materials than tank heaters. Electric tankless units can demand substantial electrical capacity, sometimes necessitating panel upgrades. If your home’s infrastructure is not ready for these changes, the cost of conversion can be higher than expected. A professional evaluation by Sewell Plumbing can help you understand what upgrades are needed before committing to tankless.
Another factor is how your household actually uses hot water. Tankless heaters are rated based on flow rate—the amount of hot water they can deliver at once. If multiple showers, laundry, and dishwashing are happening simultaneously, a single tankless unit may struggle unless it is properly sized or you install multiple units. In some cases, a high-efficiency tank or a hybrid heat pump water heater may better match your usage patterns and budget.
It is also important to consider long-term maintenance. Tankless systems typically require periodic descaling and flushing, especially in areas with hard water like much of North Texas. Skipping this maintenance can reduce efficiency and shorten the unit’s life. The myth that tankless systems are “install and forget” devices leads some homeowners to neglect necessary care. A balanced view recognizes that tankless units can be excellent solutions when installed and maintained correctly, but they are not a one-size-fits-all answer.
Myth 4: All Installations Are Basically the Same
Another common misunderstanding is that water heater installations are interchangeable: if you have seen one, you have seen them all. In reality, every home in McKinney presents its own combination of plumbing layout, venting path, access constraints, and code considerations. Treating each job as identical can lead to shortcuts that compromise performance and safety.
For example, garage installs, attic installs, and interior closet installs each have different requirements. Attic installations may need drain pans, proper drainage lines, and access clearances. Closets often require specific combustion air provisions for gas units to ensure they receive enough fresh air. Garages may involve seismic strapping, elevation above floor level, or protection from vehicle impact. Assuming that “what worked at the last house will work here” overlooks these critical differences.
Venting is another area where this myth causes problems. Gas water heaters must be vented according to strict guidelines that consider length, slope, material, and termination points. Reusing old venting without checking compatibility with a new unit can cause exhaust leaks or backdrafting. Modern high-efficiency units often need entirely different vent materials than older models. Sewell Plumbing evaluates the existing venting system, checks for corrosion or improper slopes, and makes necessary corrections rather than simply reconnecting what is already there.
Even the water quality in your area affects installation considerations. Hard water can cause mineral buildup in both tank and tankless systems, which may call for additional filtration, softening, or more frequent flushing. The best installations are customized to the home, not just the model number on the box. Recognizing that each installation is unique helps homeowners understand why a thorough site visit and detailed quote from a professional are so important.
Myth 5: Permits, Codes, And Inspections Don’t Matter
Some homeowners are told that permits and inspections are just “paperwork” designed to slow things down or add unnecessary expense. This myth is particularly dangerous because it encourages cutting corners on safety and code compliance. Plumbing and mechanical codes exist to prevent fires, gas leaks, scalding, and water damage—problems that can be life-threatening or extremely costly to repair.
In McKinney, TX, replacing a water heater typically requires a permit and an inspection by the local authority. This process ensures that the installation meets current standards for venting, gas or electrical connections, temperature and pressure relief valve discharge, and seismic or structural requirements where applicable. When you work with a licensed contractor like Sewell Plumbing, they handle the permitting process and coordinate inspections on your behalf. Skipping this step not only risks your safety but can also create issues when you sell your home, as unpermitted work often shows up during buyer inspections.
Code requirements also change over time. What was acceptable 15 or 20 years ago may no longer meet today’s standards. For example, discharge lines from temperature and pressure relief valves must terminate in specific ways to prevent scalding or property damage. Earthquake strapping, drain pans, and expansion tanks may be required depending on your home’s configuration and local rules. Assuming that your new water heater can be installed “the old way” ignores the very real improvements that have been made in safety standards.
Permits and inspections provide an extra layer of accountability. If a problem arises later, you have documentation that the installation was done under the oversight of local authorities. That peace of mind is worth far more than the modest permit fee. When you hear someone say, “No one checks anyway,” remember that the person who ultimately lives with the consequences is you, not the installer who cut corners.
Myth 6: Once Installed, You Can Forget About It
Because water heaters are often tucked away in garages, closets, or attics, it is easy to assume they do not need ongoing attention. The myth that “new equals maintenance-free” leads many homeowners to ignore their systems until something fails. Even a perfectly installed water heater in McKinney will benefit from periodic inspection and care to maintain performance and extend its lifespan.
Sediment buildup is a prime example. North Texas water can carry minerals that settle at the bottom of tank-type heaters. Over time, this sediment layer can reduce efficiency, cause rumbling noises, and increase the risk of overheating or premature tank failure. Regular flushing, as recommended by the manufacturer, helps control this buildup. Tankless units, as mentioned earlier, also need descaling to keep heat exchangers operating efficiently.
Other components, such as the anode rod in tank-style heaters, are designed to sacrifice themselves to protect the tank from corrosion. If the anode rod is never inspected or replaced, the tank becomes more vulnerable to rust and leaks. A quick check every few years can add years to the life of your water heater. Sewell Plumbing often combines these checks with general plumbing inspections to catch small issues before they become major problems.
Even something as simple as periodically checking for moisture around the base of the unit, listening for unusual noises, and verifying that the temperature setting is appropriate can make a difference. A water heater is not a “set it and forget it” appliance; it is a working system that benefits from occasional attention. Understanding this helps you plan for long-term reliability instead of being surprised by sudden failures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a professional to replace my water heater? While it is technically possible for a skilled DIYer to replace a water heater, the risks are significant. Gas leaks, improper venting, electrical hazards, and code violations are all common when installations are done without proper training. In McKinney, TX, permits and inspections are usually required, and many manufacturers require professional installation to keep warranties valid. Working with a licensed plumber like Sewell Plumbing ensures your new unit is installed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with local regulations.
How do I know what size water heater I actually need? Sizing depends on more than just the number of people in your home. A professional will consider the number of bathrooms, peak usage patterns, simultaneous hot water needs, and the type of fixtures and appliances you use. For tank heaters, this involves selecting the right tank capacity and recovery rate; for tankless models, it means calculating the required flow rate at your desired temperature rise. An on-site evaluation in your McKinney home is the most accurate way to determine the correct size and type.
Is switching to a tankless water heater always worth it? Tankless systems can offer energy savings and unlimited hot water when properly sized and installed, but they are not automatically the best choice for every situation. The cost of upgrading gas lines, venting, or electrical service can be significant. The real value depends on your household’s usage patterns, existing infrastructure, and long-term plans for the home. A detailed consultation with Sewell Plumbing can compare the total cost of ownership and performance for both tank and tankless options so you can make an informed decision.
Why do I need a permit if I am just replacing an old unit with a similar one? Even a “like-for-like” replacement can involve changes in venting requirements, safety features, and code updates since your last unit was installed. The permit and inspection process in McKinney ensures that your new water heater meets current safety standards for gas, electrical, and plumbing connections. It also provides documentation that the work was done correctly, which can be important for insurance purposes and future home sales. Skipping the permit might seem easier, but it leaves you without that protection.
How can I find a reliable installer in my area? Look for a licensed, insured plumbing company with solid local reviews and experience specifically with water heater installations. Ask about permits, warranties, and whether they handle both tank and tankless systems. A reputable company serving McKinney, like Sewell Plumbing, will be transparent about pricing, explain your options clearly, and prioritize safety and code compliance. When searching online, you might start with terms like Plumbers near me, but take the time to verify credentials and ask questions before you commit.
