Tankless Water Heater Columbia, SC

If you have already equipped your household with an efficient tankless water heater, Columbia plumbers recommend that you stay on top with routine maintenance. Just like the traditional tank-based units, tankless systems also require regular flushing and inspection services. It is indeed easy to take your home’s plumbing system for granted. Your hot water demand is instantly responded to whenever you need it.

While some homeowners are still debating whether to get a tankless water heater installation and upgrade from their outdated, traditional water heater, others are already looking at replacing their current tankless unit because it is pushing 20!

When hiring the pros at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Columbia for professional tankless water heater services, residents will get a once-in-a-lifetime experience because our expert Columbia plumbers always go above and beyond to exceed our customer’s expectations. We take every plumbing service request seriously because we strive for your safety and comfort. Give our friendly office team a call to schedule an in-home consultation and inspection, and find out how we can help make your home more energy efficient.

What To Expect From Our Tankless Water Heater Services

Whether you are familiar with tankless systems or are new to them, there are many subcategories to consider in this realm, and there is always something new to learn. When you hire your local Columbia plumber from Mr. Rooter Plumbing, they will sit down with you and explain everything in detail, as well as answer any questions you may have. We understand that this is a huge investment for homeowners and want to ensure that we provide the best service possible and help you meet your needs, budget, and expectations.

Besides the consultation, our local pros will complete an in-home inspection as well, which includes checking your current unit, water lines, electrical lines, wall density, and other areas.

There is a misconception that a tankless water heater can provide you with an endless supply of heated water, but these units also come in sizes, which are measured in GPM—gallons per minute. For example, a GPM of 5-10 is considered standard for a standard family home. Busier households would require between 10 and 12 or may even benefit from multiple tankless units. But don’t fret. Our Columbia plumbers will measure your overall water and energy usage with you to determine the best-size tankless water heater installation or replacement.

Homeowners who plan to upgrade their traditional tank water heater to a tankless model need to keep a few factors in mind:

Type of Tankless Water Heater

  • Gas Tankless Water Heater: Gas-powered units operate via natural gas, which is one of the most common fuel sources. If you already have a gas furnace in place, this may be your best and most cost-effective option, as your certified plumber in Columbia can install the necessary gas lines to connect the tankless system to the natural gas. Gas-operated units may be efficient, but they also require a lot of maintenance to prevent scale build-up and other issues.
  • Electric Tankless Water Heater: Electric-powered systems are generally safer to operate and can be more efficient than gas; however, they require a lot of electricity. Depending on the size of your home, it can consume four times as much electricity (up to 25,000 watts) than a regular storage tank. So be sure to measure your daily energy consumption in advance and check your overall energy costs to determine what’s more manageable for you.

Tankless Water Heater Installation

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Columbia, we specialize in the installation of brand-new tankless units as well as replacements. When it is time for a tankless water heater, Columbia plumbers will ensure that all the preparatory work is done, including inspection and minor repairs.

When replacing an electrical unit, our Columbia plumber needs to disconnect the current unit from your water supply and circuit breaker. The remaining water must be drained before the cover is removed. Next, we can mount the new heater and install new pipe connections, as well as flow and pressure valves. During that step, it is important to bleed out trapped air, followed by electrical line inspection and other tests.

When you are awaiting a brand-new tankless water heater installation, expect some drilling to take place because our Columbia plumbers will either install it flush against your drywall or set it in between the wall studs. It is regarded as a complex installation process because it also involves routing your supply lines and installing shutoff valves and pressure relief valves nearby. Then, there are also electrical lines and gas lines that need to connect to the heater. The next important part is fixing the new vent to ensure exhaust gases and excess heat are vented outside.

Depending on the level of complexity, it can take a whole workday (around 8 hours) to complete a new tankless water heater installation.

Why Hire Mr. Rooter Plumbing For Tankless Water Heater Columbia Services?

Mr. Rooter Plumbing has been going strong since its foundation in the 1970s. Since then, it has grown to be one of Neighborly’s most acknowledged home service franchises across North America. Each plumbing company is a locally owned and operated business that proudly serves its local communities, providing exceptional plumbing services. From routine maintenance to plumbing repairs and the installation of protective plumbing devices, we care that each home in our community is safe and well with healthy plumbing systems.

People of Columbia and surrounding areas choose Mr. Rooter Plumbing because of our high-quality workmanship and parts that guarantee customer satisfaction. Every service is covered by our Done Right Promise®, which means that we’ll always return should a service not meet your expectations. The perks of choosing Mr. Rooter Plumbing also come with a transparent, upfront pricing system, which means that our cost estimates involve no hidden charges or overtime charges.

Reliable emergency plumbers in Columbia are hard to come by, which is why our loyal customers have saved our phone number to their speed dial should they ever experience a plumbing disaster. Our 24/7 emergency services are available day and night.

FAQs About Tankless Water Heaters | Columbia, SC

If you are still on the fence about upgrading your plumbing appliance, we understand. This is why we have collected some frequently asked questions from our customers who were in the same boat as you. If you don’t see your question listed, please contact us and speak with one of our expert service technicians.

What Are The Benefits Of A Tankless Water Heater?

Columbia homeowners will notice a positive change in energy efficiency. Unlike their previous tank water heater that would hold gallons of water all day long and keep it hot, the tankless system only supplies you with hot water when you need it. This alone helps you save money on electricity and gas. It saves you space without having to dedicate a large area to installing a storage tank. Though plumbing maintenance is needed every year, it is not as time-consuming and complex as traditional tank units. Lastly, look forward to a long-lasting system that will remain highly efficient for over 15 years and last up to 20.

Should I Consider a Tankless Water Heater Replacement If My Unit Is Over Ten Years Old?

Tankless heaters should last you for up to 20 years. So you should be fine as long as you keep up with your plumbing maintenance, which includes services such as flushing, de-scaling, and more. While tank-based systems tend to show signs of deterioration, tankless models, on the other hand, are designed to hold up for much longer than that. However, you may notice peak efficiency in the first ten to 12 years before you notice any telltale signs. Our recommendation is to ask your Columbia plumber for a detailed inspection and diagnosis to check for any underlying issues. Chances are that your system is still in good working order, but we will cross that bridge of a potential replacement again in a few years’ time!

Can I Complete a Tankless Water Heater Installation By Myself?

Unless you are an experienced and certified plumber, you cannot. Besides, a tankless water heater installation is one of the most complex plumbing installs that involve drilling deep holes in the wall and installing vents, piping and electrical lines. In fact, the installation itself comes with a high upfront cost and requires a certified plumber and/or electrician to adhere to local building codes and safety regulations. Due to the dangers involved, it is essential that you hire licensed experts for the job. Furthermore, you will need to apply for a plumbing and gas permit from the city. So, it is likely that a safety code officer will visit and inspect your home first before issuing the permit. They will also require you to hire certified specialists to carry out the tankless water heater installation. Columbia homeowners will eventually need to provide written details if the municipality requests them.

Why Do I Run Out Of Hot Water With A Tankless Water Heater?

Columbia residents may not be aware of the different levels of capacity that a tankless water heater can have. Since it supplies hot water on demand, it’s not usually a matter of running out but more that several plumbing fixtures are being used. For example, one person could be running a bath on the second floor while someone is trying to take a shower on the main floor. And, at the same time, the washing machine might be running too. This is why we typically recommend busy households to install multiple tankless systems, like one for each floor. This way, each unit has a designated area to focus on. Otherwise, when relying solely on one, you risk overloading it, and it will lose efficiency a lot quicker.

Does A Tankless Water Heater Need A Drain?

It is important to know that anything that handles water requires an efficient draining system. It could be a drain line or a simple draining pan. Even before routine inspection and maintenance are due, it is recommended that Columbia homeowners regularly check the pan for potential leaks. While there shouldn’t be any leaks during peak efficiency, regular inspections are important when the unit is nearing its lifespan.

Does A Tankless Water Heater Use A Heat Exchanger?

Yes. Typically, water circulates through a copper heat exchanger, which is heated via natural gas or electricity. It is a powerful way of heating water and also saves you money in the long run.

I’ve Always Had A Hot Water Heater Tank, Which Works Fine. Should I Just Stick To It?

It is really up to you unless you want to venture into something new and see how it may work for you. If your monthly energy bills are beyond normal, and you plan to improve your home’s energy efficiency, one of our licensed plumbers is happy to help. You may simply need a new tank heater, or we can help you with a tankless installation. Whatever you have in your Columbia home, if it is due for a replacement, you may be interested in knowing that a tankless water heater installation could last you for up to 20 years and, down the road, save you money on your utility bills.

Keep Your Home Energy Efficient With A Tankless Water Heater, Columbia! Mr. Rooter Plumbing Has You Covered!

Upgrading to a tankless water heater system shouldn’t be a headache! Let the professional plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Columbia answer any questions you may have and convince you to embark on an energy saving journey. We will help you make an informed decision on how to move forward with your next plumbing installation! Our dedicated team proudly serves the community of Columbia and surrounding areas, such as Irmo and Lexington.

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