Hot Water
Hot Water | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Church Hill
Enjoy endless, on-demand hot water in your Church Hill home with HEP’s expert tankless water heater install service. Our licensed plumbers replace bulky, outdated tanks with sleek, energy-smart units that heat water only when you need it, slashing standby energy loss and freeing up valuable space. From precise sizing to meticulous venting and water-line upgrades, we handle every detail so you can savor steamy showers, spotless dishes, and lower utility bills.
Because we live and work in Church Hill, we know the quirks of local water quality and building codes. That hometown insight means faster permitting, cleaner installations, and a job done right the first time. Better still, HEP backs every project with transparent, up-front pricing and 24/7 emergency support—so your family’s comfort is never left hanging.
Ready to ditch the tank and step into the future of efficient hot water? Call or click today, and let HEP’s friendly team schedule your next-day tankless water heater install. One visit, zero regrets, endless hot water.
FAQs
What are the main advantages of installing a tankless water heater in Church Hill?
Tankless (on-demand) units heat water only when you open a tap, eliminating the standby heat loss that occurs with traditional storage tanks. For Church Hill homeowners, this means up to 30–40 % lower energy costs, an endless supply of hot water for large families or spa tubs, and a unit that mounts on the wall to free up valuable floor space. In addition, high-efficiency condensing models qualify for state rebates and federal tax credits, and their average life expectancy—20+ years—is nearly double that of a conventional tank heater.
How do I determine the right size tankless water heater for my household?
Sizing is based on two factors: (1) the total flow rate required when several fixtures run at once, measured in gallons per minute (GPM), and (2) the temperature rise needed, which in Church Hill is typically 70 °F (groundwater around 50 °F, desired hot water 120 °F). A three-bath home that may run two showers (2.0 GPM each) plus a dishwasher (1.5 GPM) simultaneously would need about 5.5 GPM at 70 °F rise, so we would recommend a 180,000 BTU (or 8 GPM rated) gas unit to provide a comfort buffer. Our plumbers perform an on-site audit to confirm fixture counts, flow rates, and local gas/electrical capacity before giving an exact recommendation.
Will my water or gas service be disrupted during the installation, and how long does the job take?
A straightforward replacement of a tank with a wall-hung tankless unit generally takes 4–7 hours. We isolate and drain the old tank, mount the new heater, run venting, and tie into existing gas, water, and condensate lines. Your water and gas are turned off only during the tie-in phase—usually 1–2 hours. If we must upgrade gas piping or install a new 240-V circuit, the total job may extend to a full day, but we always restore services before we leave and haul away your old tank for recycling.
Will a tankless water heater really lower my utility bills?
Yes. Traditional 40- to 50-gallon tanks re-heat water 24/7 to offset standby losses; tankless units fire only when you need hot water. ENERGY STAR® data show an average household saving of $100-$150 per year on natural gas; high-use families in Church Hill see even greater savings. Electric tankless units can reduce usage by about 20 %. Your exact savings depend on daily hot-water demand, gas/electric rates from Dominion Energy, and the efficiency rating (UEF) of the model you choose.
What routine maintenance does a tankless water heater need?
Although tankless units have no tank to corrode, they do accumulate mineral scale on the heat exchanger. In Church Hill’s moderately hard water (6–8 grains), we recommend a yearly flush with white vinegar or a manufacturer-approved descaling solution. The service involves connecting a small pump and running the solution for 45 minutes. We also clean the inlet filter, inspect the condensate line, and check combustion settings. Regular maintenance preserves efficiency, prevents heat-exchanger damage, and keeps most manufacturers’ 12- to 15-year warranties valid.
Will I need to upgrade my gas or electrical service to install a tankless system in Church Hill?
Many gas tankless units require ¾-inch gas piping and 150,000–199,000 BTU input—greater than what a 40-gallon tank typically uses. During our site visit we measure existing pipe size, meter capacity, and gas pressure and let you know if a line upgrade or larger meter is necessary; Richmond Gas Works usually provides meter upgrades at little or no cost. For electric models or the electronic controls on gas units, you’ll need a dedicated 120-V or 240-V circuit (depending on type) with proper amperage and GFCI protection. We coordinate all electrical and gas work so everything meets Virginia Residential Code and City of Richmond permit requirements.