Water Heaters: Beware of the Wrong Choice

The service life of your water heater depends primarily on the materials it's made from. Corrosion-resistant materials are the first step toward reliability. Small heaters are usually made of copper or polypropylene, and steel is also common. Steel is non-toxic, durable, and handles high temperatures and chemicals well. Want to extend the life of your heater even more? Install an anti-corrosion anode – and forget about it for the next 10 years.

If the water in your area is hard, water heaters need protection from scale. Special filters help soften the water and reduce hardness. Otherwise, scale will build up on the heating element, and you'll need to clean it regularly.

In case your tap water is hard, we recommend choosing a tankless (on-demand) heater – they tend to collect less limescale.

However, these models can cost more — $70 to $600. Want to calculate the real cost of hot water? Don’t forget to add installation fees and electricity bills. So it's important to consider the heater’s operational characteristics too. Don’t focus only on power — check real user reviews. For a well-installed, quality heater, two years without repairs is absolutely normal.

Italian heating equipment has a great reputation. Italian-made water heaters cost between $70 and $500 — more affordable than British or German brands, which start at $200. And their quality isn't much better — higher prices are mostly due to better insulation.

To install an electric water heater, you’ll need a proper cable. Most storage heaters already come with a cord and plug. Of course, your bathroom must have a grounded outlet. For 220V — use a 3-wire cable; for 380V — a 5-wire cable. Don’t forget a circuit breaker and residual-current device (RCD) for safety.

Connect the heater to the plumbing using metal-polymer or polymer pipes. Tankless models may need extra safety fittings — including a filter and pressure regulator. For storage heaters, install a pressure-reducing valve and a non-return valve at the inlet. You’ll also need a safety valve with a drainage pipe.

It’s best to let professionals handle the installation. Certified technicians know how to safely work with your home’s power and water systems. Plus, professional installation usually includes a warranty (at least one year). If problems arise during this period — repairs will be free of charge.

The market offers a wide range of models. Only an expert can tell you the key differences. You'll also need to choose how to mount your heater — vertical or horizontal. Vertical models are usually recommended: they’re more affordable and accessible for people with modest budgets.