Certified Plumbers
Certified Plumbers | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Charleston
Charleston homeowners and businesses trust HEP’s certified plumbers for a flawless tankless water heater install that keeps the Lowcountry’s showers steaming and energy bills shrinking. Our licensed, background-checked technicians arrive on time, protect your home with drop cloths and booties, and swap bulky, dated tanks for sleek, high-efficiency units in a single visit—all backed by transparent pricing and rock-solid warranties.
By heating water only when you need it, a modern tankless system delivers endless hot water, slashes standby energy loss, and frees up valuable storage space. Whether you’re finishing a historic downtown renovation or building on James Island, our team sizes the right model for your household’s demand, handles all gas or electrical upgrades, and hauls away the old tank for recycling.
From the first phone call to the final pressure test, HEP treats you like a neighbor, not a number. Enjoy courteous service, expert craftsmanship, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing Charleston’s most trusted plumbers are on the job—so you can get back to porch sits, beach days, and everything else that makes life here shine.
FAQs
How does a tankless water heater work compared to a traditional storage tank?
Instead of maintaining 40–50 gallons of hot water in a tank, a tankless unit heats water on demand as it flows through a high-efficiency heat exchanger—either gas-fired or electric. When a hot-water tap is opened, sensors detect flow, ignite the burner or energize the elements, and deliver a continuous stream of hot water. This eliminates standby heat loss, can lower energy bills by 20–40 %, and provides endless hot water as long as demand does not exceed the unit’s capacity.
What size tankless water heater do I need for my Charleston home?
Sizing is based on two factors: (1) your peak flow rate—how many fixtures may run simultaneously—and (2) the temperature rise—the difference between Charleston’s average incoming groundwater (~65 °F) and your desired hot-water setpoint (usually 120 °F). For example, running two showers (2 gpm each) and a dishwasher (1 gpm) at once requires ~5 gpm at a 55 °F rise. We calculate the required BTU or kW output and recommend properly sized units, often 150,000–199,000 BTU for gas or 18–27 kW for electric. An in-home assessment ensures the model meets your actual usage patterns.
How long does a professional tankless installation take and will I be without water?
A straightforward replacement of a tank heater typically takes one full workday (6–8 hours). We begin by shutting off water and power/gas to the old unit, so hot water is unavailable during that time, but cold water remains on for most of the process. More complex installs—such as relocating the heater, upsizing gas lines, adding a new vent, or upgrading electrical service—may extend the job to 1½–2 days. We coordinate all work to minimize downtime and restore hot water as quickly as possible.
What is the average cost of installing a tankless water heater in the Charleston area?
Total project cost generally ranges from $3,200 to $5,500 for a high-efficiency, gas-fired unit and professional installation, including materials, venting, gas line upgrades, and disposal of the old tank. Electric units are typically $2,400 to $4,000 but may require panel or circuit upgrades. Prices vary with capacity, brand, venting distance, and complexity of retrofitting older homes. We provide a detailed, no-obligation quote after an on-site evaluation.
Do I need permits or inspections for a tankless water heater installation?
Yes. The City of Charleston and surrounding municipalities require plumbing and, for gas models, mechanical permits. Electric units may need an electrical permit if wiring is modified. Our certified plumbers handle all permit applications, schedule city or county inspections, and ensure the installation meets South Carolina Residential Code, National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54), and manufacturer specifications. This protects your safety, warranty, and home insurance compliance.
What ongoing maintenance does a tankless water heater require?
Tankless units need far less maintenance than storage tanks, but annual service is recommended, especially in Charleston’s moderately hard water (6–8 grains per gallon). Key tasks include: (1) flushing the heat exchanger with a vinegar solution to remove scale, (2) cleaning the inlet water filter, (3) inspecting the vent and combustion chamber, and (4) verifying gas pressure or electrical connections. Neglecting maintenance can reduce efficiency and void the manufacturer’s warranty. We offer economical service plans or can train homeowners on basic flushing procedures.