Tankless vs Tank Water Heater — Space Comparison for Vancouver Homes
Published: July 23, 2026 — BC Wide Home Services Ltd, doing business as BC Wide Heating & Air Conditioning — Greater Vancouver, BC
Tank Water Heater Space Requirements
A standard tank water heater requires: 40-gallon tank: 20 inches diameter × 50-60 inches tall, 50-gallon: 22 inches × 55-62 inches, 60-gallon: 24 inches × 58-64 inches. Plus clearance for: vent pipe (above), gas and water connections (side), T&P discharge pipe, and seismic strapping. Total footprint: approximately 36 × 36 inches.
Tankless Water Heater Space Requirements
A tankless water heater: 14-20 inches wide × 24-30 inches tall × 10-14 inches deep. Mounts on a wall — no floor space needed. Requires: gas line connection, water connections, vent termination (horizontal or vertical), and condensate drain (condensing models). The gas line may need upgrading, adding space for the larger pipe.
Which Fits Your Space?
Tankless is ideal for: condos and apartments (no floor space needed), homes with tight mechanical rooms, homeowners wanting to reclaim floor space for storage. Tank is better for: homes with existing tank space, basements with ample room, homeowners who prefer simpler installation. Consider that tankless saves wall space but may need gas line work.