Installing a tankless natural gas water heater is often a bigger job than installing a tank model water heater due to venting and gas line requirements. The installation should always be conducted by a qualified and licensed plumber or technician to ensure the utmost safety.
Before starting the actual installation process, you will need to consult the local building code and the instructions that came with the tankless water heater. All instructions should be closely followed to ensure proper installation.
Understand that the typical gas tankless water heater requires a greater gas supply than what is typical for a tank model water heater. A qualified technician should install the gas line prior to the installation of the water heater to ensure the proper about of gas is being supplied for safety.
When the gas supply is in place, you will then need to wire the new unit according to the instructions from the manufacturer. On a tankless water heater, there will be two circuits; a standard 120V single-phase circuit and a 240V single-phase circuit.
Once the wiring is complete, the next step is to inform your local gas company of the new water heater and have them come out to inspect the installation. Additionally, testing and inspection of the gas piping are required by the local code.
Once the gas supply is properly installed and tested, a qualified technician will then install the appropriate venting system. This will involve installing a double-wall stainless steel pipe that is equipped with drainage and pressure taps.
Once the venting and gas supply are complete, the water heater can be installed on a wall using the appropriate mounting hardware. Next, you will need to attach the cold-water inlet and the hot-water outlet pipes to the water heater.
The last step is to connect the gas line to the gas valve on the water heater and ensure all connections are tight. You may need to adjust the gas pressure after connecting the line.
Once all connections are complete and the gas has been tested, you can go ahead and light the pilot light.
Once you are satisfied with the installation and the system is fully operational, you can turn the gas supply back to full and the tankless gas water heater is ready to operate.
Can I install a gas tankless water heater myself?
In short, the answer to this question is no, you should not install a gas tankless water heater yourself. An improperly installed gas tankless water heater can be potentially very dangerous and can cause explosions or fires.
If you are not a trained professional with the necessary experience, expertise and knowledge to properly install a gas tankless water heater, then you should not attempt to do so. Additionally, not all municipalities and local governments will approve a self-installed water heater, so you should check the local code requirements in your area.
Furthermore, installing a gas tankless water heater requires the ability to use complicated tools and understand the complicated gas and venting regulations, as well as the local building codes. Additionally, you should be familiar with how to install the necessary valves, connections and piping, as well as understand how to use a multimeter and how to identify electrical hazards.
Any mistake during the installation of a gas tankless water heater can be extremely hazardous to the safety of you and your family. Therefore, unless you have the necessary qualifications and experience, it is not recommended that you install a gas tankless water heater yourself.
What is the downside of a tankless water heater?
The primary downside of a tankless water heater is cost. While tankless water heaters are more energy efficient and can potentially save you money in the long run, the upfront costs can be quite steep.
Many tankless models typically cost two to three times as much as traditional tank water heaters. Additionally, because tankless water heaters often require professional installation, you may need to factor the cost of installation into your budget as well.
Additionally, tankless water heaters have a limited flow rate, meaning that you may experience dips in water pressure if more than one outlet is running at once. Finally, tankless water heaters require regular maintenance, such as flushing out the system every few months, that can add to the time and money you spend on them.
Do you need special pipes for tankless water heater?
Yes, in most cases special pipes will be needed for a tankless water heater installation. This is because tankless water heaters require more water pressure than a traditional tank-style water heater.
While traditional tank water heaters only require a 1/2″ diameter water line, a tankless water heater may require anywhere from 3/4″ to 1″ of water supply piping. Additionally, since tankless water heaters heat water on demand instead of storing it, the pipes connecting to the tankless water heater will likely need to be larger than those connected to a traditional water heater.
Furthermore, the type of pipe used for tankless water heater installations is usually heavier gauge than what is typically used for traditional water heaters. This allows the pipes to handle the higher flow rates associated with tankless water heating.
Lastly, different plumbing codes exist in different locations, so it’s important to consult with a professional to make sure the pipes used are up to code.
Is it better to install a tankless water heater inside or outside?
When deciding whether to install a tankless water heater inside or outside, a few factors must be considered. It is generally best to install tankless water heaters inside, as this will keep them out of the elements and reduce the risk of freezing.
If a tankless water heater is installed outside, it must be in an area sheltered from rain and extreme temperatures, as well as any potential vandalizing. Additionally, if a tankless water heater is installed inside, it should be placed where there is adequate ventilation, as tankless water heaters can produce carbon monoxide.
Finally, if your home is running a hot water recirculation system, it is best to keep the tankless water heater inside to avoid having to install additional insulation on the outdoor pipes.
Overall, while it is possible to install a tankless water heater outside, it is usually best to install it inside to ensure its longevity and reduce the risk of potential hazards.
What size tankless water heater do I need for a 4 person household?
For a 4 person household, it is recommended to install a water heater with a minimum capacity of 11 gallons per minute (GPM). Depending on individual needs, and the size and type of fixtures used for showering, washing and dishwashing, a tankless water heater with a capacity of 13–17 GPM may be needed.
When considering a tankless water heater, it is important to ensure that the incoming water temperature is at least 55°F and the incoming water pressure is between 25-80 psi. Additionally, a large enough gas line and vent system are necessary for a tankless water heater to function properly.
If replacing an older hot water heater, this may lead to additional costs. Consider consulting with a qualified plumber to find out further information and assess the best size and type of tankless water heater suitable for a 4 person household.
How many showers can a tankless water heater run?
A tankless water heater can usually run up to three showers at once. Depending on the showerheads, flow rates, and overall usage, the tankless water heater will then be able to adjust its temperature to ensure that each shower has enough water pressure and hot water to be comfortable but not overly hot.
However, it is important to note that the number of showers a single tankless water heater can run simultaneously will vary depending on the GPM rating of the unit. Generally, a GPM rating of 8 or higher will be able to handle running three showers at once, while a GPM rating of 6 or lower may only be able to handle two showers at once.
Furthermore, the size of the tankless water heater will also play a role in this as well. If you have a larger home, you may want to consider investing in a larger tankless water heater to ensure that your showers and other hot water sources have reliable access to hot water.
Does a tankless water heater need a 3/4 pipe?
Yes, a tankless water heater typically needs a 3/4 inch pipe to accommodate the high flow rate of the hot water demand. Tankless water heaters are designed to provide a continuous flow of hot water, and need to supply a high flow rate in order to do this.
The 3/4 inch size is an industry standard for hot water systems, which is necessary in order to provide a more predictable temperature and sufficient pressure. In order to achieve the desired flow rate, the pipe should be 3/4 inch between the water heater and all of the fixtures that receive hot water.
If the pipe size is any smaller, then it could affect the flow rate, resulting in lower temperatures or reduced pressure.
Is installing a water heater a DIY?
No, installing a water heater is not a DIY project. While replacing an existing water heater with a new one may seem like a simple task, it is complex and can be dangerous to attempt without the proper training and tools.
Installing a water heater requires the expertise of a licensed professional who has the skills and certification necessary to do the job safely and efficiently. It is best to consult with a professional plumber before attempting to tackle the job.
In addition, different states have different requirements for water heater installation, so it is important to follow local regulations. Installing a water heater requires the knowledge of working with electricity and fuel sources, such as natural gas or propane.
Even if you have experience with plumbing, you may not have the necessary electrical and fuel experience for safe water heater installation.
How far does a tankless water heater need to be from a window?
A tankless water heater needs to be at least five feet away from any windows and other openings that would allow outside air in. It should also be positioned away from vents, fans, and other sources of energy.
Tankless water heaters generate heat and air from exhaust, so these external conditions can affect their operation. Along those same lines, the unit should be placed in an open and well-ventilated area.
If a window is within five feet, it is not safe to install a tankless water heater in that room.
Where should tankless water heater not be installed?
Tankless water heaters should not be installed in areas that have a risk of freezing, as this could cause the system to malfunction. Additionally, tankless water heaters should not be installed in areas that suffer from power outages, as the system needs constant power to run properly.
Lastly, tankless water heaters should not be installed in damp or humid environments, as the moisture can increase the risk of the system corroding or rusting.
Are tankless water heaters a fire hazard?
Tankless water heaters are inherently safe and not considered a fire hazard. Tanks can heat up water quickly and intense heat can cause fires, but tankless water heaters heat up water gradually. They don’t require as much electricity as a tank, so the risks of overloading it with electricity is avoided.
Tankless water heaters, like any other appliance, will require regular maintenance and care to provide maximum performance and user safety. Ensuring that the vent is free of dust and debris and having the unit serviced regularly can help reduce any risk of equipment malfunction that may potentially lead to a fire or safety hazard.
Any installation should be done by a professional to ensure all safety regulations are followed.
How many Btus can a 3/4 gas line supply?
The amount of BTUs supplied by a 3/4 gas line depends on various factors, including the diameter and length of the pipe, the type of gas being fed into the line, the pressure inside the line, and the type of appliances being serviced.
Generally, a 3/4 gas line can supply up to 400,000 BTU/hr, however, this can vary depending on the factors mentioned. To be safe, it is recommended that you always consult a local gas fitting professional to advice you on the exact amount of BTU/hr your 3/4 gas line can supply.
What happens if gas line is too small?
If a gas line is too small, it cannot handle the amount of gas flow needed for the equipment that it is connected to. This can cause a decrease in performance, or the equipment may be unable to operate at all.
Additionally, the pressure of the gas can drop, which can cause an inefficient use of the fuel, leading to higher costs. The decreased pressure can also increase the risk of a fire hazard. If left unchecked, a too small gas line can cause safety and efficiency problems, so it is important that the right size of gas line is used.
Does the size of a gas line matter?
Yes, the size of a gas line does matter. It is important to ensure that a gas line is the correct size for the gas appliance it is connecting to. If the line is too small, it will reduce the flow of gas to the appliance and can cause issues with the performance of the appliance.
This could be dangerous, so it is important to use the correct size line for the appliance in order to ensure a safe installation. Furthermore, using the correct size can help make sure that the appliance is being operated as efficiently as possible and consuming the least amount of gas without compromising safety.