Water Heaters Articles

Guide to Tankless Water Heater Installation

Tankless water heaters are excellent investments that increase comfort and energy savings. With a tankless water heater, you can enjoy an endless hot water supply and consume energy only when you need hot water.

A tankless water heater installation costs slightly more than installing a conventional water heater, but the savings and convenience are worth the price. Learn more about tankless water heaters and their installation process.

What Are the Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters?

Tankless water heaters are different from other types of water heaters because they lack the tank that conventional heaters use to store hot water. Rather than storing hot water in a holding tank, tankless water heaters heat water as needed.

As water flows through a tankless system, it passes through heated coils that warm it on its way to a faucet. Because they are so different from conventional systems, tankless water heaters offer the following benefits:

Energy Savings

Tankless water heaters save energy because they only heat water when a household needs it. Conventional water heaters use energy continuously to keep their stored hot water warm until homes use it. Maintaining a consistent hot temperature within the tank uses a significant amount of energy.

A tankless water heater's lack of water storage eliminates its need for a constant energy source. Rather than using energy all day and night, tankless water heaters only use energy while they are heating and delivering water to a faucet. This can result in incredible energy savings.

Households that consume 41 or fewer hot water gallons per day can save approximately 24%-34% more energy with a tankless water heater.

Space Savings

You can also save a significant amount of space in your home with a tankless water heater. Tankless heaters are much smaller than conventional water heaters because they lack a storage tank. Storage tanks are typically 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide, taking up valuable space in your home. An average tankless water heater is about 18 inches tall, 18 inches wide and 4 inches deep, allowing more space for other things that matter to you.

Water Capacity

Tankless water heaters provide the amount of hot water your home needs as you need it. Whether you and your loved ones enjoy long, comfortable showers or need a lot of hot water for multiple laundry loads each day, a tankless heater consistently delivers water at the right temperature whenever you need it.

Tankless water heaters also deliver fresh water. A conventional heater's tank holds water until you need it, allowing it to become stale in the meantime. A tankless water heater heats water on demand, sending new water through the pipes.

Longevity

Tankless water heaters last much longer than conventional water heaters. While a conventional water heater typically lasts eight to 12 years, tankless water heaters can last up to 25 years. Though a tankless water heater costs more upfront, its longevity saves you money in the long run.

Eliminated Risk of Water Leaks

Water heater tanks can hold 50 gallons or more, which can create some serious damage if a leak occurs. Tankless water heaters eliminate the risk of leaks because they lack a tank. The most damage a tankless water heater could do is equivalent to the damage a leaky faucet could cause, so it's a much safer option for your home.

What Is the Typical Tankless Water Heater Installation Cost?

Tankless water heater installation typically costs more than conventional water heater installation, but it pays off over time. The initial cost to purchase and install a tankless water heater system is between $1,200 and $3,500.

You can expect to pay between $500 and $2,000 for a tankless water heater system, though the cost depends on the model you choose and the size your household needs. Installation costs typically add another $500 to $1,500 to the total cost, but the installation cost varies based on the system's fuel type. You can choose between the following tankless heater fuel types:

• Gas: Gas-powered tankless water heaters can heat more gallons of water per minute than electric tankless heaters, which makes them ideal if you live in a cold weather climate or have a large household. The installation cost for a gas-powered tankless system is typically between $500 and $2,000.
• Electric: Electric tankless water heaters are popular because of their easy installation and maintenance. An electric tankless water heater installation is best for small homes, and the installation cost is typically between $500 and $1,500.
• Solar: Solar-powered tankless systems are the most eco-friendly type of water heater, and they offer the most energy savings. To install a solar-powered tankless water heater, you can expect to pay approximately $1,500 to $4,000.

Installation costs vary because some homes require additional changes depending on the type of water heater a household chooses and how it needs to be installed. For example, you may need to hire a professional electrician to run new wiring if you're installing an electric tankless water heater.

How Long Is the Installation Process?

Installing a tankless water heater typically takes four to five hours, depending on the type of system and a household's needs. The installation process duration also depends on your location and which professionals are available when you need an installation.

How long installation takes also varies based on where you choose to install the system. An outdoor tankless water heater requires fewer alterations, while an indoor system requires more wall alterations. During a tankless water heater installation, a professional will complete the following tasks:

• First, the technician will turn your home's incoming water off.
• If you are converting an existing system to a tankless system, the installer will disconnect the existing system from your home's power and water lines, remove it and dispose of it properly.
• After removing the existing system, the tech will mount the tankless water heater on the wall where they determine it will fit best.
• If you have a gas-powered tankless water heater, the installer will also install ventilation ducts and a large flue.
• Next, the technician will connect the tankless system to your home's water line.
• If you have an electric tankless heater, the tech will plug the system into its power source.
• If you have a gas tankless water heater, the installer will connect the gas supply line and ignite the pilot light.
• Finally, the professional will test your home's hot water to ensure the system operates properly.

Can I Install My Own Tankless Water Heater?

If you're wondering how to install a tankless water heater, you need to understand that hiring a professional is the best way to complete installation unless you have professional experience yourself. Installing a tankless water heater requires plumbing, electrical work and sometimes soldering.

Hiring a professional is the safest and most efficient way to install a tankless system. A professional installation ensures your system operates smoothly and saves you money on potential damages that could occur if you attempt installation on your own.

How Can I Find a Professional Plumber for Installation?

It's essential to hire a professional plumber who can provide quality service and install your tankless water heater properly. An experienced plumbing technician's services may cost more than others, but you receive what you pay for in this situation.

Hiring an inexperienced technician to save money on installation could result in future damage or a faulty system, so take your time and research your best options.

You can find a professional plumber for installation by searching online, talking to friends and family, and comparing reviews. Search for technicians in your area, and browse their website for client reviews. You can also check other websites that provide honest and accurate reviews so you know what you can expect from different technicians. If someone you know recently got a tankless water heater, talk to them about their experiences with any technicians they hired.

Can You Convert an Existing System to a Tankless Water Heater?

You can convert an existing water heater system to a tankless water heater. You can choose from many different types of tankless water heaters to find a system that best meets your home's needs. Whether your home has electric, gas or solar power, you can purchase a system that matches your needs and convert your conventional water heater to a tankless unit.

How Much Does It Cost to Convert to a Tankless Water Heater?

To convert an existing water heater to a tankless water heater, you will need to hire a plumber and pay for installation and conversion services. During a conversion, a plumber will remove your existing system, bring your plumbing system up to code and install the new system. The cost to convert an existing system to a tankless water heater is based on the following factors:

• New tankless water heater system purchase: As mentioned previously, the first cost you will most likely factor into your total installation cost is the new tankless water heater system purchase, which can range between $500 and $2,000.
• Existing tank removal: Technicians typically charge between $100 and $500 to remove and dispose of your existing water tank.
• Gas line upgrade: A gas line upgrade costs between $350 and $750.
• New electrical outlet: A new electrical outlet installation costs approximately $150 to $300.
• Permit: Most towns and cities require homeowners to have a permit before installing or replacing a water heater. You can expect to pay between $25 and $250 for this type of permit.
• Plumbing update: It costs approximately $100 to $500 to have a technician update your plumbing system for your new tankless water heater.

Do Tankless Water Heaters Run out of Hot Water?

Since tankless water heaters heat water on demand instead of storing hot water, they provide endless hot water. Conventional water heaters can only provide the amount of water in the tank before needing to heat more water, but tankless heaters can heat water whenever you need it and for as long as you need it.

It may take a tankless water heater slightly longer to deliver hot water at first. However, since the water heats as it flows through heated elements, it can never run out of hot water.

When Should I Purchase a Tankless Water Heater?

Many people wait until their existing water heater fails or reaches the end of its life span to upgrade to a new system. If your existing water heater is nearing its end, this is the perfect opportunity to install a tankless system. However, you don't have to wait for your current system to fail to install a new one. Upgrading to a tankless water heater is an excellent way to start saving money on your energy bills and enjoying the convenience of an endless hot water supply.

How Can I Maximize My Savings With a Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters help households save money due to their operational efficiency. However, you can further increase your savings with some helpful tips. Maximize your tankless water heater's energy efficiency with the following strategies:

• Reduce water usage: The less hot water your household uses, the more energy you will save. Consider installing water-saving and low-flow fixtures, and try to shorten shower times as much as you are comfortable doing so. You can also wash laundry in cold water to conserve energy.
• Avoid using multiple appliances: Using several appliances at the same time demands more performance and energy from your tankless water heater. Try to use only one appliance at a time when you can. Wait until after your shower to run the washing machine or dishwasher, and ask household members to shower one at a time if possible.
• Schedule regular maintenance: Regular maintenance extends your tankless water heater system's life span and helps the system continue operating at peak efficiency.
• Check for available rebates: The government offers rebates for energy-efficient systems such as tankless water heaters, so researching available rebates can help you save money on your initial purchase.
• Purchase a home warranty: Most home warranties cover home systems including tankless water heaters. Purchasing a home warranty that covers your tankless system can save you money if you ever need repairs or a system replacement.

Upgrade Your Water Heater System With Ingram's Water & Air

Upgrading to a tankless water heater is a fantastic investment. With a tankless water heater, you can enjoy the convenience of having hot water whenever you need it and save money on your energy bills. Hiring a professional to install a high-quality tankless water heater ensures your system operates smoothly and delivers the hot water you need.

Ingram's Water & Air offers a wide selection of indoor and outdoor water heaters. Our high-quality systems are reliable and energy efficient to provide homes with the hot water they need. Consider a tankless water heater if you're ready to increase your comfort and reduce your energy bills. Browse the selection of water heaters at Ingram's Water & Air to find the right system for your home.

A water heater consists of multiple parts that work together to warm water. The main components of gas and electric water heater include:

• Tank: Most water heaters feature large insulated tanks to store the hot water.
• Dip tube: Cold water from the main power line enters your hot water tank through the dip tube.
• Heating element or gas burner: These elements sit at the bottom of the tank and heat the water.
• Anode rod: An anode rod prevents the tank from rusting, and this steel rod will often rust instead of the interior of your tank.
• Thermostat: All water heaters have an external thermostat so you can measure and adjust the temperature of your water.
• Heat-out pipe: The heat-out pipe draws hot water out of the tank to the service line, which distributes your hot water.
• Drain valve: The drain valve helps drain all sediment buildup inside your tank.
• Shut-off valve: The shut-off valve is outside the water heater and turns off the water flow.
• Pressure relief valve: A pressure relief valve prevents pressure from building to a dangerous level inside your tank.

How Does a Water Heater Work?

Your hot water begins its journey in the main water line connected to your home. Before your water enters your water heater, the line will split into two pathways that create the water intake system in your home.

A tank water heater stores your water in a perpetually warm tank. After turning on the tap, cold water will flow through the shut-off valve and dip tube before entering your water heater tank. The heating mechanism at the bottom of your hot water tank will heat the water based on your temperature setting. The tank's water is then displaced — so warmer water rises to the top through the heat-out pipe to flow through your tap.

Another water heater option is a tankless water heater, which only heats water when needed. After turning on the hot water tap, a sensor activates inside the unit to warm your water. A tankless water heater bypasses the process of storing a tank of hot water and reduces the amount of energy needed to maintain a high temperature continually.

Water Heater Not Working? Start by Checking the Warranty

Before troubleshooting your hot water heater problems, check your appliance's warranty. Every hot water tank features a rating plate with the model and serial number. These numbers will detail the manufacturing year of your heater and whether your tank has a prorated warranty. Call the manufacturers with these two numbers on hand to see if you're eligible for a new tank or replacement parts free of charge or at a discount.

Troubleshooting Your Water Heater

You can run into a few issues with your water heater. Look for the problem you're having below to help troubleshoot.

Water Is Too Hot

Extremely hot water is often a thermostat issue in which the temperature is set too high. To check the settings of your thermostat:

1. Access your service panel and turn off the power to the water heater.
2. Remove elements like the access panel, insulation and plastic safety guards from the heating elements on the water heater. As you remove these parts, do not touch the wires or electrical terminals.
3. Test the wires with a non-contact voltage tester to confirm the power is completely off.
4. Check the heat settings on the two thermostats to ensure they are at the same temperature.
5. Adjust the temperature on either thermostat to the desired setting using a flathead screwdriver.
6. Ensure both thermostats are at the same setting before replacing their safety guards, insulation and access panels.
7. Turn on the circuit breaker.

If the water temperature is too high, you may need to replace your thermostat or contact a professional to correct a wiring issue.

Water Is Too Cold

Water that is too cold is commonly the result of thermostat issues. However, exploring other possible causes is essential. Your water heater may not be getting enough power. Or, there could be a tripped limit switch or a failure of one or more heating elements. Your tank may also not be large enough for your needs, resulting in other appliances or people using all the hot water before the tank can recharge.

If your water heater could produce enough hot water previously and suddenly stopped, this may result from a malfunctioning heating element. Before troubleshooting your water heater, ensure you do not need to reset your circuit breaker.

If you reset the breaker and are still experiencing issues, correct the temperature of your water heater by:

1. Turn off the breaker by accessing the water heater's circuit in the service panel.
2. Remove the access panel for the upper heating element.
3. Withdraw the insulation, plastic and safety guard. As you remove these elements, ensure you do not touch any wires or electrical terminals.
4. Locate the red high-temperature cutoff reset button above the upper thermostat.
5. Replace the safety guard, access panel and insulation.
6. Turn on the circuit breaker.

Once you complete those steps, if your water heater is still not working, test each heating element and replace them as necessary, or get a professional to do the job for you.

Water Heats Slowly

One of the downsides of an electric water heater is that it takes longer to reheat an entire water supply compared to a gas model. The exact amount of time can vary between models. But if it's taking longer than usual to reheat your water or your hot water runs out too quickly, there may be an issue with the heating elements on the thermostat, and you may need to contact a professional to replace a few parts.

If your household uses more hot water than when you first installed your water heater, consider investing in a model with a larger tank. To correctly size a water heater, you will need to determine flow rate and temperature rise. If your water need exceeds the capacity of your heater, you can also try to limit the length of your showers, install low-flow shower heads or wash dishes and laundry at different times of the day instead of doing both tasks at once.

Leaks

Water leaks typically result from a loose valve or connection but can also relate to plumbing issues. If you notice leaking water, fixing your leak as soon as possible is essential to prevent damage to your home.

Your water tank can also experience a leak at the top or bottom of the tank. A leak near the top of your water heater could result from a loose pipe or valve. Leaking at the bottom of your water tank can be due to normal condensation or a leaking gasket. When the temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve opens to release excess pressure in the water tank, it also expels a small amount of water, which can cause a leak.

To correct water leaks, turn off the breaker and inspect your tank for any loose elements and if needed, tighten them with an element wrench. If you see corrosion on your tank, contact a professional to replace your tank. To stop your tank from leaking until you can schedule a replacement, turn off the power and water supply to your tank and then completely drain the tank.

Discoloration

Rust-colored water indicates corrosion of the anode rod or your hot water tank. If you do not treat discoloration as soon as possible, you'll have to replace your entire tank, as the corrosion may cause your tank to develop a leak. One solution is to flush your water heater to clean the internal components and remove rust or the buildup of minerals. To flush your water heater:

1. Turn off the power for your electric heater or turn your gas heater to pilot mode.
2. Switch the water inlet valve off.
3. Attach a hose to the drain at the bottom of your heater and then position the hose so it drains outside.
4. Move your drain valve and some hot water faucets in your home to the open position to drain the water from the tank.
5. Unlock the cold water inlet to drain the tank as you run cold water through your tank.
6. Close your drain valve and make sure your hot water faucets remain open to allow the system to purge the air.
7. Shut the hot water taps once they stop making a hissing and popping noise, and open the drain valve again at the bottom of the tank until the water turns clear.

If the water is still discolored, repeat those steps until the water is clear.

Noises

Noises like popping, knocking and hissing are commonly due to scale building up on your heating elements or an excess of sediment on the bottom of your tank. Other causes of strange noises include a leak in your tank, excess pressure in the tank or your pipes expanding or contracting. If your tank makes noise, it's generally harmless. However, it is worth looking into the source if these noises become louder or more frequent.

A quick solution for preventing noise is to use a descaling product to break down any sediment buildup. Another option for removing sediment is to have a plumber flush and drain the tank. You can also try to drain your hot water tank with the following steps:

1. If your tank is powered by electricity, shut off the breaker. For a gas-powered tank, switch the tank to the pilot setting.
2. Shut off the cold water with the valve on one of the thin pipes at the tank's top.
3. Attach a hose to the drain valve and turn on the hot water faucet at a sink near the tank to prevent air gaps.
4. Turn the handle to open your tank's drain valve and let the tank drain until the water runs clear.
5. Close the valve and attach your hose cap to the valve.
6. Turn on the tank's cold water to begin the refill process. As you refill, check the hot water tap. When you feel hot water coming from the tap, turn it off and turn on the gas control.
7. Use your water pressure gauge to check the air pressure in your tank. Check the pressure when the tank is quiet and after it runs for a few minutes. After ensuring the pressure is below 70 PSI, lower the thermostat and install the pressure gauge onto the open drain valve for the indicator to read the pressure level.
8. Turn the thermostat to your average temperature so the heater starts running again.
9. If the pressure gauge still indicates high pressure, open and close the T&P valve to see if your tank will stop making noise without further assistance. If your tank continues to make noise, you need a professional to replace this valve.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is standard in older homes due to smaller pipes. If you live in an older home and are experiencing low water pressure, your hot water heater problems may not be with your boiler but with your pipes.

The best solution to correct low water pressure is to install modern piping. This permits more water to enter and flow through your pipes to increase pressure. If your water heater and home are relatively new and you're still experiencing pressure issues, you can have a plumber flush and remove any sediment buildup inside your tank.

Water Smells

Foul-smelling water is the result of bacteria in your heater. It's common to experience bad-smelling water with tanks that draw water from wells. Flushing your tank can eliminate the problem, or you can increase the temperature to 140 degrees Fahrenheit to kill the bacteria.

Rotten-egg-smelling water can also result from a failing anode rod that requires a professional to replace. A plumber may also flush and disinfect your tank to remove the bacteria that's creating the rotten egg smell. Using well water may also contribute to a smell due to a high amount of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). Your plumber may suggest a shock chlorination treatment to kill the SRB and reduce any smells present.

Contact Ingrams Water & Air for Help With Your Water Heater

When correcting issues with your water heater, the best thing to do is identify the problem early and take the necessary steps to fix it. If you ignore the problem, you may make it worse, leading to more expensive repairs later.

Luckily, Ingrams Water & Air offers free technical support for the lifetime of your product. Our live tech support for owners and technicians is available five days a week from our Kentucky call center. We look forward to helping you correct problems you may be experiencing with your water heater.

If you think it's time for a new water heater, we can help with that, too! Find the best water heater for your needs today at Ingrams Water & Air.