Hot Water
Hot Water | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Deer Lodge
Picture stepping into a Deer Lodge morning and turning on the shower to an endless cascade of perfectly heated water—no bulky tank humming in the background, no anxious glances at the gauge. That’s the everyday comfort a professional tankless water heater install from HEP delivers. By heating water only when you need it, these compact systems slash standby energy loss, free up valuable space, and can last nearly twice as long as traditional tanks.
HEP’s licensed plumbers bring years of specialized training right to your doorstep, guiding you to the right unit for your home’s size, water-use habits, and budget. We handle everything—from safe gas or electric hookups to precise venting and code compliance—so you can enjoy reliable hot water without a hitch.
And because Deer Lodge winters don’t wait, neither do we. Our rapid scheduling, upfront pricing, and 24/7 phone support keep surprises to a minimum and satisfaction to the max. When you’re ready to upgrade comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind, trust HEP for a flawless tankless water heater install that keeps the hot water flowing whenever you say “go.”
FAQs
What advantages does a tankless water heater offer for homes in Deer Lodge?
A tankless (on-demand) system heats water only when a hot-water tap is opened. That eliminates standby heat loss from a storage tank, cutting energy use by 25–40 %. Because water is heated continuously, you get virtually endless hot water—handy for large families or back-to-back showers. The compact wall-hung unit also frees up floor space in basements or utility rooms. In cold-winter communities like Deer Lodge, tankless models with built-in freeze protection cope well with sub-zero nights, and many qualify for state or federal efficiency rebates that reduce the overall project cost.
How does a tankless unit work, and is gas or electric better?
When you open a hot-water fixture, a flow sensor tells the heater to ignite its gas burner or energize its electric elements. A heat exchanger instantly raises the incoming 45 °F (average Deer Lodge groundwater) to your chosen set-point, then shuts off when flow stops. Gas (natural or LP) models deliver higher gallons-per-minute and are preferred for whole-house service; they require a properly sized gas line and sealed stainless vent. Electric units are simpler and vent-free but usually need multiple 40- or 50-amp breakers and are best for smaller homes or point-of-use installations. We assess both options during your estimate.
Is my Deer Lodge home suitable for a tankless installation?
Most houses can be upgraded, but a few items must be checked first. • Gas supply: The meter and interior piping must deliver enough BTUs (often 150–199 k BTU/h). We can upsize lines if needed. • Venting: Direct-vent units need a short run to an outside wall or roof; PVC or stainless pipe is added during installation. • Electrical: All heaters need a standard 120-V outlet for controls; electric models need 200-amp service. • Water quality: Deer Lodge’s moderate hardness (≈7–10 grains) is within manufacturer specs; a small scale filter may be recommended. Our technician performs a free on-site survey to confirm feasibility.
How long will the installation take and will my plumbing be disrupted?
A typical like-for-like replacement of a tank with a gas tankless unit takes 4–8 hours. We shut off water and fuel lines, remove the old tank, mount the new appliance, run any additional gas or condensate piping, connect water lines with isolation valves, and program the controller. For electric models we may install new breakers and wiring, adding 1–2 hours. Water is usually back on the same day, and we haul away the old tank at no charge. All work is permitted through Powell County, and we coordinate required inspections so you have minimal paperwork.
What size tankless water heater do I need?
Sizing is based on peak simultaneous demand (gallons per minute) and the temperature rise needed. We add the flow rates of fixtures you might use together—e.g., two showers (5 GPM), dishwasher (1.5 GPM), and sink (1 GPM) equals 7.5 GPM. With winter inlet water around 45 °F and a 120 °F set-point, you need a 75 °F rise. A 9–11 GPM high-efficiency gas unit meets that load; smaller households might choose a 6 GPM model. During your consultation we perform a detailed load calculation and explain options, ensuring you never run out of hot water even on the coldest morning.
What maintenance is required and how long will the system last?
Tankless heaters usually last 20+ years—nearly double a tank—but they do need simple annual service to stay efficient. We flush the heat exchanger with food-grade vinegar to remove mineral scale, clean the air intake filter, check burner calibration, and inspect the condensate drain and venting. In Deer Lodge’s water conditions, descaling once per year (or every six months if hardness exceeds 12 grains) keeps the warranty intact and maintains full efficiency. We offer an affordable maintenance plan that includes the flush, safety inspection, and priority service in case of an unexpected issue.