Gas Line Sizing
Gas Line Sizing | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Calhoun
Imagine never running out of hot water while knowing the gas lines powering that comfort are engineered for peak safety and efficiency. HEP’s licensed plumbers in Calhoun specialize in precise gas line sizing that matches your new tankless system’s demands, preventing pressure drops, wasted energy, and costly callbacks. From calculating BTU loads to threading, sealing, and pressure-testing every joint, we handle every detail of your tankless water heater install with the care your home deserves.
When you choose HEP, you’re choosing clean-looking pipe runs, code-compliant workmanship, and courteous techs who leave your space tidier than they found it. We pull permits, coordinate inspections, and walk you through system operation so you can start enjoying endless hot water right away. Ready for a smarter, safer upgrade? Let our local team size it right and set it right—schedule today!
FAQs
Why does a tankless water heater often require a larger gas line than a tank-type heater?
Unlike storage-tank models that fire intermittently, tankless units fire at their full input every time hot water is demanded. A typical 40-gal tank heater is 30,000–50,000 BTU/hr, while many whole-house tankless models serving Calhoun homes are 150,000–199,000 BTU/hr. The higher flow of natural gas or LP needed at ignition and during operation can exceed what a ½-inch branch line can safely supply, leading to flame-out, cold-water sandwiches, or error codes. Upsizing to ¾-inch or even 1-inch pipe ensures adequate volume at the working pressure specified by the manufacturer and required by the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) adopted in Georgia.
How is the correct gas line size calculated for my house in Calhoun?
Your licensed plumber will perform a load calculation that includes (1) the BTU input of the new tankless unit plus all other gas appliances, (2) the longest developed piping run from the meter or regulator to the farthest outlet, (3) the specific gravity of the fuel (natural gas vs. propane), and (4) the supply pressure available from City of Calhoun Utilities or your LP tank. Using the IFGC 2018 sizing tables with Georgia amendments, the plumber selects the pipe diameter that will keep pressure drop below 0.3–0.5 in. w.c. at peak demand. In some cases, a new dedicated line is run directly from the meter to the heater to avoid re-piping the whole house.
Do I need a permit and inspection for gas line changes in Calhoun, GA?
Yes. Gordon County and the City of Calhoun require a mechanical or plumbing permit when installing a new gas appliance or altering gas piping. After the new line is pressure-tested (usually 10 psi for 15 minutes on natural gas, 30 psi on LP), a city or county inspector must verify compliance with the IFGC, NFPA 54, and manufacturer specs before the line is placed in service. Our team pulls the permit, schedules the inspection, and provides the pressure test gauge so you don’t have to worry about paperwork.
Can my existing ½-inch gas line be used if I down-fire the tankless water heater?
In most cases no. Manufacturers set minimum inlet pressures (e.g., 4.0" w.c. on natural gas at full fire) that assume the published BTU input. Reducing the firing rate not only voids the warranty but often provides insufficient hot-water capacity. A ½-inch line rarely delivers more than 120,000 BTU/hr over distances common in Calhoun homes. The safest, code-approved solution is to run a larger line or consider a separate LP tankless unit if natural-gas capacity is limited.
How long does a gas line upgrade and tankless water heater installation usually take?
A straightforward meter-to-heater run in the basement or crawlspace typically takes 4–6 hours, including pressure testing. Wall-mounting the tankless unit, routing venting, and connecting water lines add another 3–4 hours, so most projects are completed in one full workday. Complex retrofits requiring attic runs, concrete slab coring, or meter upsizing may stretch to two days. We provide a detailed timeline after the on-site assessment.
What should I do before the plumber arrives for a gas line sizing assessment?
1. List all existing gas appliances with their BTU ratings (found on the nameplate). 2. Clear access to the gas meter, mechanical room, and proposed heater location. 3. Locate utility maps or prior remodeling plans if available. 4. Decide whether you prefer indoor or outdoor wall-mounting for the new unit, as venting paths affect pipe routing. 5. If you use propane, note the tank size and regulator pressure (usually 11" w.c. at the appliance). Providing this information lets our technician size the line accurately and give you an on-the-spot quote.