Ask PETS+: Should I Get a Tankless Water Heater for Grooming and Self-Wash?

QUESTION: Does anyone use a tankless water heater for grooming or self-wash? Thoughts? — Sheila Spitza, Wet Nose, Geneva, IL

• We have had one since we opened in 2011. The only problem we have, intermittently, is clients becoming impatient waiting for the water to heat up first thing in the morning. We have five self-wash tubs, and until last year, they were often in use simultaneously. Never had to service or replace it. — Jane Bond, Eco Dog Care, Los Angeles, CA
• Yes. I have two locations, one with a tankless and one with a traditional water heater … definitely regret getting the traditional water heater. — Julie Sterling, Julz Animal Houz, Marysville, WA
• How many self-wash/grooming stations does it serve? We are looking to install three self-wash and grooming, and I am concerned if it can handle the load. — Sheila Spitza
• My tankless is two tubs, and my tanked is four tubs. The store with the four tubs that uses a traditional water heater has run out of hot water on a few occasions. — Julie Sterling
• We had one, but as we got busier, we switched back to a tank. We started consistently having 30-plus dogs a day for grooming, and it just seemed to not keep up. — Brian Gregg, Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, DeLand, FL
• I do! I love it! It works great and doesn’t take up near as much room as a regular water heater! — Elaina Stanley, Three Happy Hounds, Fernley, NV
• Yes, and the city I am in actually gives tankless gas water heaters for free! I’ll have six at our new location. Pretty cool! — Kendra Conze, Health Mutt, Tampa, FL

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