Cost to Install a Tankless Water Heater
Installing a tankless water heater involves shutting off and removing the existing tank, mounting the new unit, connecting water and gas lines, and running PVC venting through an exterior wall. It is a hard job because the location must accommodate the unit, electrical connection, gas supply, and fresh-air intake and venting.
Common reasons homeowners do this job
- A tank-style water heater is worn or damaged.
- A homeowner is upgrading from a tank water heater to a tankless unit.
- An existing water heater is being replaced as part of plumbing work.
- A recirculation-pump setup needs a cross-over valve at the furthest plumbing fixture.
DIY or call a pro?
A licensed professional should install a tankless water heater because the work involves natural-gas piping and electrical connections. Improper installation can cause gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, or fire hazards. Check with your local building department whether this work needs a permit.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I install a tankless water heater myself or should I hire someone?
- Hire a licensed professional. The installation combines gas piping, electrical work, copper water-line connections, exterior-wall venting, and leak testing; improper work can create gas-leak, carbon-monoxide, or fire hazards.
- What makes tankless water heater installation cost more?
- The price can rise with the job size and number of units, labor time, materials, removal and disposal of the old tank, and a small-job minimum or trip charge.
- What should be checked before choosing a location for a tankless water heater?
- Identify a suitable location on the wall for mounting the unit and confirm there is a suitable route for the fresh-air intake and vent. Also verify whether the existing gas line is sufficient or needs to be larger, and whether a new electrical outlet is needed near the unit.
- Why does a tankless water heater need an exterior-wall opening?
- The exterior-wall opening provides the route for the fresh-air intake and vent. PVC pipe and fittings are used for the venting, so the mounting location must allow those pipes to be run and secured.
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