Wall-mounted Systems
Wall-mounted Systems | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Charleston
Charleston homes deserve endless hot water without bulky tanks or skyrocketing bills, and that’s exactly what you get when you choose HEP’s wall-mounted systems. Our licensed plumbers handle every phase of a tankless water heater install with precision—removing the old unit, upgrading gas or electrical lines when needed, and mounting a sleek, high-efficiency heater that frees up closet or garage space. In a single visit, you’ll move from lukewarm disappointments to a continuous, on-demand flow that never runs out, even during back-to-back showers or late-night laundry loads.
HEP pairs local know-how with industry-leading brands to ensure your new system is sized perfectly for Charleston’s coastal climate and your household’s unique demands. You’ll enjoy up to 40% energy savings, a lifespan that doubles most traditional tanks, and rock-solid warranties backed by our 24/7 service team. Ready to reclaim space, slash utility costs, and elevate everyday comfort? Schedule your consultation today and feel the difference a professional tankless solution makes.
FAQs
What are the main advantages of choosing a wall-mounted tankless water heater for my Charleston home?
Wall-mounted tankless units heat water on demand, eliminating the standby heat losses of storage tanks. This means up to 40% lower energy bills, an unlimited supply of hot water, and a compact design that frees up floor space—ideal for Charleston’s historic and coastal homes where square footage and flood elevations are concerns.
How do I determine the correct size (flow rate) of a tankless water heater for my household?
Sizing is based on total simultaneous hot-water demand and the required temperature rise. We add the flow rates (in gallons per minute) of the fixtures you expect to use at once—e.g., 2.5 GPM shower + 1.5 GPM kitchen sink = 4 GPM. Charleston’s groundwater averages 70 °F, so achieving a 120 °F setpoint requires a 50 °F rise. We then select a unit that can deliver at least 4 GPM at a 50 °F rise, usually 140-160 k BTU/h for gas models.
Are permits or inspections required for installing a tankless water heater in Charleston or the surrounding Lowcountry?
Yes. The City of Charleston and Charleston County both require mechanical and often plumbing permits for tankless installations. Gas lines, venting, and electrical work must meet current International Residential Code (IRC) and South Carolina amendments. After installation, a county or city inspector will verify proper gas sizing, vent clearances, condensate drainage, and electrical bonding before issuing final approval.
Can a tankless water heater be connected to existing ½-inch gas lines, or will I need larger piping?
Many tankless models need a ¾-inch or larger gas supply to deliver the high BTU input required during peak demand. If your existing line is ½-inch, we’ll perform a gas-line sizing calculation considering total appliance load and distance from meter. In most Charleston homes, upsizing or installing a dedicated ¾-inch CSST or black-iron line is recommended to avoid performance drops and ignition failures.
How does the coastal climate affect maintenance and lifespan of a wall-mounted tankless unit?
Charleston’s humid, salty air can accelerate corrosion. Choosing a stainless-steel heat exchanger and installing the unit indoors or in a ventilated enclosure helps. Annual maintenance is crucial: flushing the heat exchanger with a vinegar or manufacturer-approved solution to remove mineral scale, cleaning the inlet filter, and checking the condensate neutralizer. With proper care, tankless units last 20+ years—about double that of traditional tanks.
What is the typical installation timeline and disruption level for homeowners?
A standard replacement—removing a tank and installing a wall-mounted tankless unit—takes one working day: 2–3 hours for removal, 3–4 hours for mounting, gas line modifications, venting, and water re-piping, plus 1–2 hours for testing and commissioning. Water is usually off for 2–4 hours, and gas for a similar period. We schedule inspections promptly to minimize downtime, and cleanup is performed the same day.