Can I Install a Tankless Water Heater Myself?

Name: A.J. Perri
Address: 1162 Pine Brook Road, Tinton Falls, NJ, 07724, US
Telephone: 732-733-2541

June 27, 2013

We know most people think it’s going to be easy: You go to the hardware store and look at the available models they carry. You’re ready to show off your handyman skills.

You do a quick online search for “Can I install a tankless water heater myself?” and discover that every DIY website lists it as an advanced task.

It’s best to leave tankless water heater installation to a professional; keep reading to learn why.

Schedule an appointment today

How Hard Is It to Install a Tankless Water Heater Yourself?

Installing a tankless water heater is one of the most difficult DIY projects you can undertake, especially if you don’t already have the right setup. Creating a new setup involves working with plumbing and gas or electricity.

Things you never want to touch as an amateur.

If you are still determined to do it yourself, ask these questions before you start:

Is it even feasible to install a tankless system in your home? Not every system can be converted, and you don’t want to find out after you’ve dropped a thousand dollars or more on a unit you can’t use.
Do you know what size of tank you need? That’s determined by the size of your house, the number of bathrooms, and your usage pattern.
Are you ready to design the entire system? The tankless water heater generally comes by itself, and it’s up to you to purchase all the necessary pipes and fittings, and have all the tools on hand.
Do you know how to turn off the water to the current tank and drain it?
Do you know how to turn off the gas to the water heater and disconnect the tank from it? Be careful not to let any gas leak out, or you’ll have a bigger problem.
Do you know how to remove the current tank and dispose of it properly? In most cases, this will involve paying someone to haul it away.
Do you know how to install the new type of vent that a tankless water heater requires? This will probably need to be wired in, so you need to be a licensed electrician as well as a plumber.
Do you know how to wire in your new water heater? Unless there happens to already be a correctly sized power source very near where you’re installing your new system, you’ll have to do all the wiring.
Do you know how to upgrade the gas lines to accommodate the increased demands of a tankless unit? You’re fine with welding, right? And you have a welder’s license and the welder itself?
Do you know how to run and install new water lines and a pressure relief valve discharge line? This may involve some soldering. You need to be really good at joining pipes this way, or you’ll have a whole bunch of leaks.
Do you have all the proper permits?
Can you complete this project to meet the local building codes?
Does your homeowner’s insurance cover any “mistakes” you make?

Unless you can answer all these questions with a confident yes, then you’re just going to make a mess. Just call A.J. Perri.

Where Can You Install a Tankless Water Heater?

You can install a tankless water heater in a utility room, garage, basement, etc. It just needs to be in a spot that’s easily accessible with enough space to operate safely.

Can I Install My Own Electric Tankless Water Heater?

Yes, you can technically install your own electric tankless water heater, but it’s equally difficult as a gas tankless heater. Honestly, you should probably leave it to professionals—unless you happen to be an expert electrician and plumber.

Again, review the questions above. If you aren’t confident about every step, then schedule an appointment with A.J. Perri.

Can I Replace My Hot Water Heater with a Tankless One?

Yes, you can replace your hot water heater with a tankless one. However, going from a system with a tank to one without makes installation ten times more complicated. It requires a retrofit of your entire system, whether it relies on gas or electricity. This process could mean changing your plumbing and electrical or gas system.

We’ll be honest with you: Even if you feel confident doing all that, it’s a lot of work. Don’t you want to spend your free time doing something better?

Call 732-733-2541

What Is the Downside of a Tankless Water Heater?

There are upsides and downsides to installing a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters are more environmentally friendly, keep utility bills lower, and require less space. More people tend to be curious about the downsides, so here they are.

Potentially Higher Installation Costs

We often hear the question, “How much for a tankless water heater and installation?” The answer depends on the service provider, the type of tankless system you want, and your current setup.

If you currently have a standard water heater tank and want to go tankless, the installation cost will be higher. The process requires adjusting your current setup to fit the tankless water heater—which involves more labor.

However, it will cost less if you’re replacing an existing tankless water heater.

Lower Water Pressure With the Wrong Size Heater

The size of your tankless water heater is crucial to the water pressure you get. Water pressure not only affects the flow of water but also how quickly hot water gets to you.

If you have a large house and a small water heater system, say goodbye to hot, long, and relaxing showers. This issue is just one reason it’s crucial to use a professional who can tell you the right size heater based on your home’s size and the number of occupants.

Need Extra Prep for the Winter

Some people ask, “Can a tankless water heater be installed outside?” While the answer is yes, in some areas, the answer is no for New Jersey residents. In winter, tankless heaters take longer to warm up and can potentially freeze, depending on how cold it gets. New Jersey homeowners need to prep their tanks for winter.

Luckily, this can be fixed with some additional insulation around the heater, which a professional can handle during the water heater installation process.

10 Reasons You Should Hire a Professional for Tankless Water Heater Installation

We think we’ve made our argument for why you should hire a professional for a tankless water heater installation, but let’s do a quick recap:

Professionals have the proper knowledge and expertise to work with gas and electrical heater systems.
Using professionals ensures the safety of your home (i.e., no gas leaks or electrical sparks).
Professionals know the correct size tankless heater for your home, ensuring you get the best experience.
Professionals won’t cause permanent damage to your home that you will have to pay for.
Professionals will ensure that permits are in place.
Professionals will install your water heater up to current building codes.
Professionals will get rid of your old water heater for you.
Having a professional install the heater will protect the manufacturer’s warranty.
Hiring professionals saves you time and stress.
You’re guaranteed to have a tankless water heater installed correctly.

Let A.J. Perri Install Your Tankless Water

Hopefully, you’re convinced that you can’t install a tankless water heater yourself. Now, let us convince you to hire us. Our team of certified technicians can handle both gas and electrical systems with ease. We have decades of experience servicing New Jersey homeowners.

Plus, we offer a variety of service guarantees for extra peace of mind.

Schedule an appointment today!