Is it time to replace that old rusting water heater? If you have found yourself here in search of the best water heater for well water look no more we have some answers for you.
Let’s dive in, What is the best water heater for well water?
The best water heater for well water is a tankless water heater with a stainless steel heat exchanger for gas. If you have an electric water heater, a marathon heater is the way to go. Both the marathon and a tankless will not corrode or build up with minerals.
Below will we go over the individual options you have for the best water heater for well water.
Table of Contents
What Is The Best Tankless Water Heater For Well Water?
Our number one recommendation for a tankless water heater in any situation is a Navien. The Navien is our number one installed heater. The Navien offers a dual stainless heat exchanger that will not corrode making it the perfect choice for well water.
Some other great features about the Navien are the fact you will not have to cut a new chase in your roof. The Navien tankless water heater is very efficient. So efficient you can vent the heater with PVC, CPVC, SYSTEM 636, or polypropylene. You can use these types of venting systems because of the low gas temps. This keeps you from hiring a roofer and saves you time; when your plumber leaves, the heater will be fully functioning.
Another great feature of the Navien is it can be installed with an existing gas line. The gas line can be 1/2 inch for up to 24 feet. A 1/2 gas line is typical of what is ran to a traditional tank-style gas water heater. Other tankless on the market will require the gas line to be upsized to 3/4
Rinnai also has a comparable tankless water heater that will work well for well water. The Sensei tankless water heater is Rinnai’s latest tankless. They have changed their copper heat exchange to an all stainless steel heat exchange making the Sensei an good option for well water.
The Rinnai can also be vented with PP, PVC, CPVC and is 1/2 gas compatible.
Both tankless water heater options offer a recirculation pump for faster hot water in a situation where you may have a long run to a fixture.
Warranty On Tankless Water Heater
Navien and Rinnai offer a 15-year warranty on the heat exchange, 5 years on parts, and 1 year on Labor.
Here is a quick spec chart to help you choose which heater is right for you.
| Specs | Rinnai Sensei RUR199i | Navien 240- A |
| Dimenstions | 18.5W X 26.4H X 11.5D | 17.3″ W x 27.4″ H x 13.2″ D |
| Weight | 73lbs | 82lbs |
| Install Type | Indoor ( Outdoor- RU199EN) | Indoor/Outdoor |
| Heat Capacity | 15,000-199,000 | 19,900-199,900 BTU/H |
| Temp Range | 98° F – 140° F / 37° C – 60° C | 98° F – 140° F Commercial Mode Up to 182° F |
| Venting Options | CONCENTRIC OR PVC/CPVC/PP | PVC, CPVC, Polypropylene |
| Gas Line | 1/2 | 1/2 |
| Heat Exchange | Both Stainless Steel | Both Stainless Steel |
| Warranty | 15-YEAR ON HEAT EXCHANGER, 5-YEAR ON PARTS, 1-YEAR ON LABOR | 15-YEAR ON HEAT EXCHANGER, 5-YEAR ON PARTS, 1-YEAR ON LABOR |
| Gallons Per Min | 9.8 GPM | 11.2 GPM |
| Wifi Ready | Yes | Yes |
The Advantages Of A Tankless Water Heater
Choosing a tankless water heater is a good choice for well water, but you will also get some other advantages of going tankless. The number one perk of having a tankless water heater is never running out of hot water. Yes, endless hot water! You can fill your jacuzzi tub up without issue.
The tankless is a high energy-efficient appliance that will only kick on and heat water when you turn your facet on. Unlike the traditional tank-style units that continuously heat water to keep it at a certain temperature.
It’s a space saver you can install in the attic, garage, or even outside. Another reason I recommend many of my clients to upgrade to a tankless is simple because you don’t have to worry about 50gals of water sitting in your attic waiting to rust out and cause some significant damage.
The only time we don’t recommend a tankless water heater is when you have electricity. There are a number of issues with the electric tankless that we will save for another day but the main issue is they are not efficient and they certainly would not be a good choice for well water.
If you have an electric water heater and looking for the best water heater for well water we have a great option for you.
Best Electric Water Heater For Well Water
The best electric water heater for well water is a Rheem marathon. The marathon water heater offers a plastic seamless blow molded tank with a titanium element making it an excellent choice for well water.
The features marathon offers with its seamless plastic molded tank design makes this water heater corrosion resistant. So no matter the makeup of your water, you will not have to worry about the tank eventually corroding.
This water heater doesn’t require an anode rode, also contributing to a corrosion-free life.
Another feature worth mentioning if your main worry is corrosion is that the elements are made of titanium for ultimate corrosion protection and long life.
Advantages Of Marathon Series Electric Water Heaters
- It’s the most durable water heater made, with a warranty to match
- The tank comes complete with a factory-installed vacuum relief valve, ¾” brass tee, and ¾” brass nipple for easy, professional installations.
- Replaceable brass drain valve
- All wiring run in conduit for easy control wiring
- Seamless blow molded polybutene tank with no anode rod required for a corrosion free life
- High temperature, commercial-grade dip tubes for greater durability
- The filament wound fiberglass outer tank is designed to be more flexible and withstand more pressure than conventional tanks
- Our unique high temperature dip tube is offset from the concave bottom, creating a “whirlpool effect” which helps prevent sediment build-up
- Every tank includes 4′ of pipe insulation for even greater savings
The Marathon is also an extremely energy efficient choice for a traditional tank-style water heater. If you were to cut open one of these marathon water heaters you would find 3 inches of foam surround the tank. These water heaters also come with a lifetime warranty.
The marathon is one of our most installed electric water heaters due to its durability and efficiency. As a licensed plumber, this was my choice for my own home that also has well water.
Take Away
If you have well water and looking for a long lasting water heater that won’t corrode. Your best option if you have gas in your home is to go with a tankless. Which ever tankless you choose to go with make sure it has a stainless steel heat exchanger. Not all tankless are made equally! If your home runs just on electricity, the marathon is a great choice. Its highly efficient, durable, and will not corrode. We hope you found the article informative and helpful.