Continuous Stream
Continuous Stream | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Belvidere
Imagine stepping into a Belvidere morning where hot water never runs out and energy bills quietly shrink—HEP’s Continuous Stream Plumbing makes that happen. Our seasoned technicians handle every detail of your tankless water heater install, swapping bulky tanks for sleek, high-efficiency units that deliver endless comfort the moment you open the tap. With precision sizing, tidy workmanship, and code-perfect hookups, we transform tight closets, garages, and crawl spaces into smart, spacious areas while boosting your home’s resale appeal.
From the first call to the final pressure test, we treat your property like our own, arriving on time, protecting floors, and hauling away the old heater at no extra cost. Whether you’re upgrading for eco-friendly savings or racing to replace a failing tank, HEP’s local team is ready 24/7—with transparent pricing, flexible financing, and a workmanship guarantee that keeps the heat flowing for years. Ready to enjoy uninterrupted hot showers and lower utility bills? Let’s get your project on the schedule today.
FAQs
What are the main advantages of installing a tankless water heater in Belvidere compared with a conventional tank system?
Tankless (on-demand) units heat water only when you open a tap, so they eliminate standby heat loss and can reduce energy use by 24-40 percent. You also get practically endless hot water, which is helpful for large families or back-to-back showers. Because the heat exchanger is wall-mounted, you regain 8–12 sq ft of floor space, and the service life is typically 20+ years—about twice that of a tank. In Belvidere’s cold winters the units automatically modulate to handle large temperature rises, and built-in freeze protection safeguards the appliance down to –22 °F when installed correctly.
How do I determine the correct size (GPM/BTU rating) for my Belvidere home?
Sizing is based on simultaneous flow demand and required temperature rise. Add the flow rates of fixtures you might run at once—for example: shower 2.5 GPM + kitchen sink 1.5 GPM + washer 2.0 GPM = 6 GPM. Next, calculate temperature rise: incoming groundwater in Boone County averages 50 °F; most homes want 120 °F hot water, so the rise is 70 °F. A unit that can deliver 6 GPM at a 70 °F rise will need roughly 180,000–199,000 BTU/h. Continuous Stream Plumbing performs a free on-site assessment that factors in fixture count, winter inlet temperatures, gas line capacity, and future additions to recommend the perfect model.
What is involved in the installation process and how long does it take?
A typical residential retrofit takes 4–8 hours. We start by shutting off water, gas, and power, then drain and remove the old tank. Next we mount the new tankless unit on an exterior or interior wall, run category III or IV stainless/condensing venting, upsize the gas line if needed (¾″ or 1″ CSST/black iron), install a condensate drain, and connect water lines with isolation valves for future maintenance. Finally, we purge air, program the controller, test for gas leaks, and verify temperature at each fixture. We leave the work area spotless and haul away the old tank at no extra charge.
Are permits required in Belvidere, and do you handle them?
Yes. The City of Belvidere Building Department requires a mechanical/plumbing permit for any water-heater replacement, and the Boone County Health Department mandates backflow protection if the unit supplies an irrigation system. A final inspection ensures proper venting, gas sizing, and seismic strapping. Continuous Stream Plumbing pulls all permits, schedules inspections, and provides our Illinois state plumbing license and certificate of insurance so you never have to wrestle with paperwork.
How much can I expect to save on utilities, and are there rebates for tankless water heaters?
Homes that use 40–60 gallons of hot water daily usually save $75–$150 per year versus a standard natural-gas tank. Larger families or electric-tank conversions see even higher savings. Nicor Gas currently offers a $350 instant rebate on ENERGY STAR® certified tankless models ≥ 0.87 UEF, and there is a 30 percent federal tax credit (up to $600) under the Inflation Reduction Act for qualifying installations through 2032. We complete and submit all rebate paperwork and provide the AHRI certificate for your tax records.
What maintenance does a tankless water heater require, and do you offer service plans?
To keep warranty coverage and peak efficiency, manufacturers recommend an annual service: flushing the heat exchanger with food-grade vinegar or descaling solution for 45 minutes, cleaning the inlet screen filter, and checking combustion settings. Belvidere has moderately hard water (around 12 grains per gallon), so we also advise a whole-house softener or scale-inhibiting filter. Continuous Stream Plumbing offers an economical service plan that includes the yearly flush, a full safety inspection, priority scheduling, and 10 percent off any repairs. Most visits take under an hour and prevent costly mineral buildup.