Closet Space
Closet Space | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Dayton
Imagine opening the door to your closet and finding not piles of clutter, but a sleek, wall-mounted unit delivering endless hot water on demand. HEP’s master plumbers specialize in transforming tight Dayton closets into efficient utility hubs with seamless tankless water heater install services. By removing the bulky storage tank and upgrading your plumbing lines, we free up valuable square footage while slashing standby energy losses—so you gain both space and lower utility bills without sacrificing a single degree of comfort.
From the first consultation to the final pressure test, our local team handles every step with precision, neat workmanship, and respect for your home. We’ll size the unit for Dayton’s winter groundwater temperatures, reroute venting discreetly, and leave your closet spotless—except for the whisper-quiet system ready to supply limitless hot showers. Schedule today, and discover why homeowners across the Miami Valley trust HEP when reliability, efficiency, and smart use of space matter most.
FAQs
Why choose a tankless water heater for a closet installation in Dayton?
Tankless (on-demand) units free up valuable floor space because they mount on a wall inside a small closet or utility room. They only heat water when you open a tap, so you can cut standby energy losses by 25–40 %. Because the Miami Valley experiences cold winters, the endless-hot-water feature is especially attractive—no more running out of hot water when multiple showers, laundry, and dishes overlap.
Is it legal to put a tankless water heater in a closet under Dayton and Ohio codes?
Yes, the 2024 Ohio Residential Code (adapted from the International Residential Code) allows closet installations as long as combustion air and clearances are satisfied. Gas units must either be sealed-combustion/direct-vent or the closet must have a louvered door that provides 200 sq in of free air opening. An electrical disconnect and a drip pan with a floor drain are also required. Your installer will pull a permit through Dayton’s Division of Building Services and arrange the final inspection.
How much ventilation or combustion air does a closet installation need?
Most modern gas tankless models used in Montgomery County are sealed-combustion, meaning they draw air from outside through concentric vent piping and exhaust through the same pipe. In that case, the closet door can be solid. If you choose a non-sealed unit, the closet must be at least 50 cu ft per 1,000 BTU/h or have two permanent openings: one within 12 in of the top and one within 12 in of the bottom of the enclosure. Electric units do not require combustion air but still need clearances specified by the manufacturer—typically 2 in on the sides, 12 in on the front, and 4 in above and below.
What size tankless water heater do I need for my Dayton home?
Sizing is based on simultaneous demand (gallons per minute, GPM) and incoming water temperature. In winter, the groundwater temperature in Dayton averages 45–50 °F, meaning the unit must raise water ~75 °F to reach a 120 °F set point. A family of four running one shower (2.0 GPM) and a dishwasher (1.5 GPM) at the same time would need roughly 3.5 GPM at a 75 °F rise, which points to a 160–180 k BTU gas model or a 27 kW electric unit. Your plumber will perform a detailed load calculation before recommending a model.
What does installation cost and how long does it take?
In Dayton, a standard closet retrofit with a mid-efficiency gas tankless heater runs $3,200–$4,000, including the permit, vent kit, water and gas line modifications, and a code-required condensate neutralizer. High-efficiency condensing models are $700–$1,000 more but qualify for a 30 % federal tax credit (up to $600) and DP&L energy rebates. The work usually takes one full day; if a new ¾-in gas line or 240-V circuit must be extended, add another half-day.
How do I maintain a closet-mounted tankless unit?
Once a year, flush the heat exchanger with a 50/50 white-vinegar solution to remove hard-water scale (Dayton’s water averages 9–11 grains per gallon). The isolation valves installed during the closet retrofit make this a DIY or quick service-call task. Check the in-line screen filter every six months, clear dust from the intake screen, and test the pressure relief valve. Most manufacturers require these steps—and an annual plumber’s inspection—to keep the 10- to 15-year heat-exchanger warranty valid.