Updated on: November 6, 2025
We work with many types of water heaters and often recommend gas-powered tankless water heaters to our customers. The technology of heating water for a home without a tank has existed for a long time, but it wasn’t until the last few decades that it became practical and effective. Now, the technology is so effective that tankless units have become the primary residential water-heating system in Europe and are growing in popularity in the U.S.
We field many questions about tankless water heaters on the job. We’d like to address a specific one here. Many homeowners ask us, “Are tankless water heaters dangerous?”
Addressing Gas & Carbon Monoxide
Because most tankless systems run on natural gas, they share the same concerns as any gas-powered system: the risk of carbon monoxide leakage.
However, in this way, a tankless system isn’t different from a storage tank water heater that runs on gas. Provided you schedule annual maintenance for your water heater, you shouldn’t experience any problems with it. This single step is the most important part of tankless water heater safety.
Are Tankless Water Heaters Safer Than Traditional Tanks?
Aside from the carbon monoxide concern (which applies to all gas heaters), a tankless water heater is a very safe piece of equipment. When customers ask about safety, we often tell them that tankless models eliminate some of the most common dangers associated with traditional tank heaters.
A common question we get is, “Can a tankless water heater explode?”
The simple answer is no, not in the way a tank heater can. Because there is no large tank of water to overheat or experience a massive spike in pressure, a tankless water heater explosion is not a realistic concern. This risk is present in older or failing tank heaters, but the on-demand design of a tankless system eliminates it.
In fact, tankless systems are generally considered safer for several key reasons:
- No Risk of Bursting: As mentioned, there is no tank to build up pressure, so there is no risk of bursting or exploding.
- Safer for Children: The exterior of a tankless unit stays cool to the touch, unlike traditional tanks, which can become scalding hot.
- No Open Pilot Light: Modern tankless systems don’t use an old-fashioned, always-on pilot light, which reduces the potential for a fire or gas hazard.
- Advanced Safety Sensors: Many high-quality units include overheating sensors that quickly shut down the heat exchanger if the temperature rises too high.
So, Are Tankless Water Heaters Safe?
Yes. When professionally installed and properly maintained, they are an exceptionally safe choice for your home.
If you’re concerned about your family’s safety with a water heater, then you should install a tankless one. Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. has provided tankless water heater services for Winter Springs, FL, for over 50 years!