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Want to know what to expect when installing a tankless water heater? Check out our guide for everything you need to know about this popular home improvement project.
When you need to install a new tankless water heater in your home, you might have mixed emotions. You are probably excited that you will have endless hot water but you might be a little anxious as to what the process is to install it.
A plumber who is familiar with installing tankless systems can make the process as simple and hassle-free as possible. Installing a tankless system requires a bit more specialized knowledge than other types of plumbing projects, but that isn’t something you have to worry about if you choose a plumber that specializes in it.
This home upgrade can offer you energy efficiency, water conservation, and cost savings. Here are some things you should know when hiring a professional for this task:
Tankless water heaters are different from traditional water heaters in a few key ways. The most obvious difference is that a tankless water heater has no storage tank, so it relies on a continuous supply of water instead of a separate tank.
This can be useful in certain situations, such as if you have a small home that doesn’t have room for a separate tank, or the fact that you will have on demand hot water. Another difference is the way the water heater is installed. Tankless water heaters are installed inside your plumbing system where they connect to an existing water line and main drain line.
There are two main parts of a tankless system: a heat exchanger and a water source. The heat exchanger is the part that transfers heat from hot water to cold water, so it needs to fit inside your existing plumbing system. The water source is the location where the water comes into your home. In most cases, your existing water line will be able to support a tankless system.
Before you schedule an appointment for your tankless water heater installation, you’ll have to make sure there’s room in your plumbing system for the new unit. The water source for a tankless system is usually a cold water line, so you’ll have to make room for the water to go through the system.
During your inspection of your plumbing system, the plumber will look for any obstructions or other issues that could impact the installation of the new tankless water heater. These issues could include:
Installation costs will vary depending on your location, the size and complexity of the job, and the amount of experience of the plumber you choose. In some cases, the cost of tankless water heater installation may be covered by your current insurance. Typically, these installations cost between $5,000 and $10,000, and the cost is usually determined by the size and complexity of your plumbing system.
It can be easy to get overwhelmed by the choices and prices you find when researching tankless water heater systems. Before you start looking, make sure you have a basic idea of what you want to spend. Start by listing out all your housing costs (e.g. mortgage, taxes, insurance, electricity, etc.) and all your water costs currently (e.g. water bill, bottled water, etc.). You can use the information in your budget to help you decide how much to spend on your new tankless water heater.
The length of time it takes to install a tankless water heater will depend on a number of factors, including the experience of the plumber and the complexity of your plumbing system. For instance, if your home has an older plumbing system, your plumber may need more time to make adjustments. On the other hand, if your home has newer plumbing, a tankless water heater installation can be completed in a day or two.
Leaks can be a sign that there’s something wrong with the installation of your tankless water heater. If you notice a leak after your system has been installed, you can call your plumber and report the issue. Most plumbers will come out and inspect your system to make sure everything is installed correctly and there are no other issues that could be causing the leak. However, in some cases, a leak could be a sign that the new water heater is damaged.
The last tip we have for you is to schedule a home inspection. This way, you can make sure you’ve inspected your plumbing system for any issues before the installation of your new tankless water heater. When you schedule an inspection, be sure to ask for a home plumbing inspection, not a home energy inspection. A home energy inspection typically looks at things like the efficiency of your heating and cooling units, while a home plumbing inspection focuses on your pipes.
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