Tankless water heater installation in San Antonio, TX
Tankless heaters run hot water on demand and free up the space a tank used. They work well when the gas line, venting and sizing are planned for them.
Signs you need this
- Running out of hot water during showers
- Want to free up closet or garage space
- Old tank is due for replacement
- Long waits at far fixtures
Why it happens
While it fires, a tankless burner pulls several times the gas of a 40 gallon tank, so the old line feeding the closet is often not enough. The flue is a different style, too. And sizing has to account for January, when the water coming in is cold and two showers at once is the real test. Getting these right is the difference between a great upgrade and a frustrating one.
Placement matters. Many tankless units go on an exterior wall to simplify venting, while others replace the old tank in a garage or closet. We look at the shortest gas route, the vent path, a spot for the condensate drain on high-efficiency models and access for future service. Isolation valves go on every install so annual descaling takes minutes. Done right, a tankless heater gives steady hot water for years.
What we check first
- Peak demand from your fixtures
- Gas line size from the meter to the unit
- Vent route and clearances
- Isolation valves for future descaling
Your options
Gas tankless
The most common choice, with the highest output.
Electric tankless
For smaller homes or point of use, as long as the electrical service supports it.
Tank to tankless conversion
Including gas line upgrade, venting and removal of the old tank.
Before we get there
- Decide gas or electric
- Count bathrooms and how many showers run at once
- Clear the area where the old tank sits
What affects the price
The unit, the gas line upgrade, venting and condensate drain are the big pieces. A conversion from a tank costs more than replacing a tankless with a tankless. We price each part so you know where the money goes.
Hard water is tough on tankless heat exchangers. We install service valves so the unit can be descaled once a year, and we often pair it with a softener.
Tankless water heater installation questions
Is tankless worth the cost?
It costs more up front but lasts longer and saves energy. It is best for households that use a lot of hot water.
Does it need maintenance?
Yes. Plan on descaling about once a year with our water.
Can it run during a power outage?
Most gas units need electricity for controls, so no, not without backup power.
Where can a tankless unit go?
On an exterior wall, in a garage or in the old tank closet, depending on venting and gas routing.