Tankless Water Heater Installation

Posted on: July 29, 2016
By: Alan O'Neill
Posted in: Plumbing

Tankless Water Heater Installation Is Needed For Houston Homeowners

People often ask us about “instantaneous,” or tankless water heaters. Many people believe they are substantially more energy-efficient than tank -type heaters. Usually, they have heard about how much better they are than tank heaters since they heat water only when its needed.

There comes a time when we say goodbye to our old water heater. With foresight we can replace it with a new model that saves energy and money, and sometimes even space, But try to install it.

Installing a Tankless Water Heater

A home’s water heater affects both the comfort level in the shower and bath, as well as the monthly utility bill. If a conventional heater is the wrong size, hot water may run out too soon, while constantly heating and reheating stored water for the home’s needs can be costly.

A gas-fired, tankless water heater addresses both problems since the water is only being heated when it is needed, thereby conserving energy while ensuring an adequate and dependable supply to the household.

Before you install this type of water heater, check with your gas company for proper sizing of your gas main. Typical tankless heaters require more gas than the largest residential furnaces.

Once you have that information, here’s how to install the heater:

Measure and cut your copper pipe.
Burr and polish the pipe, then apply flux to it and the fitting.
Dry fit the copper pipes to ensure a tight fit.
Pre-drill the holes for the expansion anchors and secure the pipe clip in place.
Sweat the plumbing joints by heating the ends of the pipe and soldering together.
Install your black iron gas piping with a shut-off valve and a dirt leg at the water heater. Use Teflon tape on the pipe threads.
To install the vent piping, make sure the outlet is kept away from windows, doors and ventilation air intake hoods.
Most tankless water heaters require disconnect switches, which should be installed next to the water heater.
Run water through the unit before powering it up.

Pros of Tankless Hot Water Heaters

One of the greatest advantages of tankless hot water heaters is the fact that water is heated extremely fast. Depending on the gpm of the tankless water heater, it will produce continuous hot water based on the consumer’s needs.

Another very attractive pro is the savings tankless water heaters offer. Because water heating accounts for almost 30 percent of a home’s energy bills, a tankless water heater can cut these costs by up to 50 percent savings. These savings amount to about $80 annually.

Tankless hot water heaters last an average of 20 years and are easy to maintain. They are also very small and can be put in many places that won’t allow conventional hot water tanks. The average size is about 28 inches tall by 20 inches wide and 10 inches deep. Read more.

The Importance of Instant Hot Water Heaters in the Home

Having instant hot water is no longer a luxury but a necessity in the modern home. Today, it’s more a question of how you get you hot water. Traditional, bulky hot water tanks are quickly being replaced with instant hot water heaters that are tankless. Call us (713) 812-7070 for your home service and repair needs.

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