- HEP Plumbing
- Tankless Water Heater Install

Tankless Water Heater Install
Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Lancing
Imagine stepping into your Lancing home after a chilly day on the Plateau and feeling an instant stream of perfectly heated water—no waiting, no cold-water sandwich, and no bulky tank eating up floor space. A professionally installed tankless water heater from HEP’s Plumbing gives you that luxury every time you turn the tap, while slashing standby energy loss and lowering monthly utility bills. With compact, wall-mounted units that deliver endless hot water on demand, upgrading is as good for your comfort as it is for the planet.
From the first call to the final test run, our certified technicians handle everything—sizing the right system for your family, rerouting gas or electric lines as needed, and tidying up so the only thing you notice is the steamy, consistent flow. We’re local to Lancing, available 24/7, and back every installation with transparent pricing and rock-solid warranties. Ready to trade the tank for uninterrupted comfort? Reach out today and let HEP’s Plumbing turn “hot water, whenever you want it” into your new daily routine.
What our customers say
Why Tankless Water Heaters Are Transforming Homes in Lancing
Lancing homeowners are embracing tankless water heaters because these compact, on-demand systems align perfectly with the area’s growing focus on energy efficiency and space optimization. Traditional storage tanks constantly heat and re-heat water, wasting energy and occupying valuable floor space in basements, utility rooms, or garages. By contrast, tankless units—also called demand or instantaneous heaters—produce hot water only when a faucet turns, eliminating standby losses.
With housing styles in Lancing ranging from classic post-war bungalows to modern infill developments, flexible installation options matter. A wall-mounted tankless model frees up square footage for storage, hobbies, or laundry appliances. Condo owners appreciate the quiet operation and sleek profile, while owners of larger detached homes like that multiple fixtures can run simultaneously without feared “cold sandwich” interruptions.
Energy savings combine with longer service life: many high-quality tankless systems last 20 years or more when properly maintained. For households interested in lowering monthly utility bills and reducing carbon footprints, switching to a tankless heater presents a compelling upgrade.
The HEP Approach to Tankless Water Heater Installation
HEP’s plumbing team follows a structured, code-compliant protocol refined through hundreds of successful installs around Lancing. The focus is on tailoring every step—from equipment selection to final calibration—to the property’s unique plumbing layout and hot-water demands.
Core Principles Guiding HEP Technicians
- Safety first: gas line work, venting, and electrical connections adhere to the latest regulations and manufacturer guidelines
- Transparency: homeowners receive a clear explanation of each phase, including anticipated time frames and any required system upgrades
- Efficiency: precise planning minimizes downtime so residents regain full hot-water service quickly
- Clean workmanship: protective coverings, thorough cleanup, and respectful treatment of flooring, walls, and landscaping
From the first time a technician walks through the door, attention to detail is evident. Site assessments account for existing pipe materials, water hardness, flow rates, and available power capacity. Technicians recommend solutions that balance upfront investment with long-term performance, steering clear of one-size-fits-all suggestions.
Detailed Walk-Through of the Installation Process
Although each property differs, the following sequence outlines how HEP typically proceeds when installing a new tankless water heater in Lancing homes.
- Assessment and sizing
- Measure fixture flow rates
- Calculate peak demand (gallons per minute)
- Evaluate gas supply or electrical load capacity
- Unit selection
- Choose appropriate BTU rating or kilowatt rating
- Confirm indoor vs. outdoor model suitability
- Factor in water hardness treatment options
- Removal of existing equipment
- Safely drain and disconnect old storage tank
- Dispose of or recycle according to local regulations
- Site preparation
- Mount fire-rated backer board where required
- Install vibration-dampening brackets for noise reduction
- Plumbing reconfiguration
- Replace outdated galvanized pipe with copper, PEX, or CPVC if needed
- Integrate isolation valves and pressure relief fittings
- Gas or electrical upgrades
- Upsize gas line diameter for high-BTU models
- Add dedicated breakers and wiring for electric units
- Venting and air supply
- Route concentric or twin-pipe venting through exterior wall or roof
- Seal penetrations to maintain building envelope integrity
- Water treatment integration
- Fit scale inhibitors or combination filters
- Program descaling reminders into maintenance schedule
- System startup
- Purge air from lines, verify combustion, check for leaks
- Adjust temperature set-points to homeowner preference
- Client orientation
- Demonstrate digital control panel
- Provide maintenance log and warranty documentation
Each stage receives documented inspections, ensuring municipal code compliance and manufacturer warranty validity.
Key Benefits Homeowners in Lancing Enjoy After Switching
Installing a tankless water heater through HEP delivers benefits that go beyond endless hot showers.
Direct Advantages
- Reduced energy consumption, potentially lowering utility bills by 20–40%
- Virtually unlimited hot water supply for back-to-back showers, laundry, and dishwashing
- Space savings: reclaim up to eight square feet previously occupied by bulky tanks
- Less risk of catastrophic leaks because there is no large storage reservoir
- Longer service life, reducing the frequency of replacements
Indirect Advantages
- Higher property value due to modern, efficient mechanical systems
- More consistent water temperature thanks to advanced flow sensors and modulation technology
- Greater design flexibility during remodeling projects; units can mount in closets, crawlspaces, or on exterior walls
Common Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Traditional Water Heater
Homeowners often wait for a dramatic failure before seeking replacement, yet several subtler clues signal that a conventional tank is nearing end-of-life. Recognizing these signs allows for proactive planning instead of emergency remediation.
- Rust-tinged or metallic-smelling hot water
- Puddles or corrosion at the base of the tank
- Increasingly frequent pilot light outages or breaker trips
- Audible rumbling or popping when heating cycles run
- Inconsistent water temperature during normal household demands
- Unit age exceeding 10–12 years with declining efficiency
When any combination of the above arises, HEP can evaluate whether a tankless upgrade aligns with the home’s circumstances and long-term goals.
Factors That Influence Choosing the Right Tankless Unit
Not all tankless heaters are identical. Selecting the optimal model requires balancing technical specs with user expectations. HEP technicians guide clients through each variable:
Fuel Type
- Natural gas: dominant in Lancing for its lower operating cost and high heating capacity
- Propane: suitable for rural properties without natural gas service
- Electric: ideal for smaller households or locales with straightforward electrical upgrades
Flow Rate & Temperature Rise
- Calculated by summing simultaneous fixture demands (e.g., shower, dishwasher)
- Adjusted for seasonal groundwater temperature swings in West Sussex
- Manufacturers list GPM ratings at specific temperature rises—HEP ensures real-world match
Venting Configuration
- Direct vent models pull combustion air from outdoors, improving indoor air quality
- Non-condensing vs. condensing technology determines vent material requirements (PVC vs. stainless steel)
Water Quality Considerations
- Hardness above 7 grains per gallon accelerates scale buildup; installing pre-filters or softeners extends exchanger life
- Lancing’s municipal supply varies by district, so testing at the tap guides proper filtration choices
Control Features
- Wi-Fi enabled monitoring for remote diagnostics
- Recirculation pump compatibility to reduce wait times at distant fixtures
- Anti-scald programming for households with young children or elderly residents
By weighing these factors, HEP crafts a personalized solution that meets both current and future household needs.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability Gains
Switching to a tankless system aligns with broader regional initiatives aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions. By eliminating standby heat loss, on-demand heaters use less natural gas or electricity over their life cycle. Many high-efficiency condensing units reach energy factors of 0.95 or greater, translating to substantial carbon savings.
Additionally, tankless heaters support:
- Reduced material usage because there’s no need for large steel tanks
- Extended lifespan, cutting down on manufacturing impacts associated with frequent replacements
- Integration with renewable energy, such as rooftop solar PV offsetting electric unit operation or solar thermal pre-heat feeding a gas unit
For environmentally minded homeowners, HEP can incorporate these sustainability metrics into the proposal, clarifying how individual choices aggregate into community-wide ecological benefits.
Ongoing Maintenance to Protect Your Investment
While tankless water heaters are low-profile in daily operation, periodic inspections preserve peak performance. HEP offers maintenance packages or provides instruction for DIY-inclined owners.
Annual Tasks
- Flush heat exchanger with vinegar solution or manufacturer-approved descaler
- Clean inlet water filter screen and sediment trap
- Inspect venting for blockages, corrosion, or improper slope
- Verify combustion and gas pressure readings, adjusting as needed
Every 3–5 Years
- Replace sacrificial anode (in models equipped with secondary buffer tanks)
- Recalibrate temperature sensors and flow meters
- Test relief valve operation
Water Quality Management
- Monitor hardness levels quarterly if no whole-house softener is installed
- Replace inline scale prevention cartridges on recommended schedule
Implementing these activities keeps efficiency ratings high and helps ensure the unit reaches or exceeds its projected lifespan.
Troubleshooting Tips for Optimal Performance
Minor hiccups occasionally emerge, especially after changes to household plumbing fixtures or system settings. Before calling in the professionals, homeowners can perform a few checks:
- Confirm that the gas supply or breaker switch remains in the “on” position
- Review the digital display for error codes; consult the manual for quick resets
- Clear any obstructions near intake or exhaust vents, particularly after storms
- Descale the unit if hot water flow gradually diminishes over months
- Verify that fixtures outfitted with low-flow aerators still meet the minimum activation GPM requirement
If issues persist, HEP’s diagnostic tools and experience allow for swift identification of underlying causes, frequently resolving them during a single service visit.
Myths About Tankless Water Heaters Debunked
Misconceptions can deter upgrades that would otherwise benefit homeowners. A few persistent myths deserve clarification:
Myth 1: Tankless Units Deliver Instant Hot Water to Every Tap
Reality: Water still must travel through pipes, so distance causes delay. Adding a recirculation loop or point-of-use heater near distant fixtures addresses the wait time.
Myth 2: They Can’t Supply Large Families
Reality: Properly sized systems—with optional parallel units—easily satisfy demanding households washing laundry, running multiple showers, and cleaning dishes simultaneously.
Myth 3: Maintenance Isn’t Necessary
Reality: Even though scale risk is lower than in storage tanks, mineral buildup or vent blockages hamper efficiency if neglected. Regular flushing safeguards performance.
Myth 4: Initial Setup Complexity Outweighs Benefits
Reality: Experienced crews like HEP’s streamline installations, and efficiency gains often recoup costs faster than anticipated.
Dispelling these myths helps Lancing residents make informed decisions based on facts, not hearsay.
How HEP Ensures Quality and Compliance on Every Job
Strict adherence to local codes and best practices protects homeowners, neighbors, and the environment. HEP operates under a framework that emphasizes accountability at every stage.
Qualification and Training
- Technicians hold current plumbing and gas licensing applicable to West Sussex
- Ongoing professional development covers new models, smart controls, and safety updates
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration with electricians and HVAC specialists for integrated systems
Equipment and Materials
- Only manufacturer-certified parts and accessories used
- Venting materials meet temperature and condensate resistance standards
- Approved sealants and joint compounds prevent leaks and premature failures
Documentation
- Detailed job reports with photos of critical connections
- Warranty registration completed promptly, ensuring homeowner eligibility
- Compliance certifications filed with local building authorities as required
Post-Installation Verification
- Combustion analyzer readings confirm optimal fuel-to-air ratio
- Infrared temperature scans detect hidden leaks or insulation gaps
- Homeowner sign-off indicates satisfaction and understanding of operation procedures
By layering these safeguards, HEP provides residents confidence that their new tankless water heater not only performs efficiently but also satisfies rigorous safety benchmarks.
Neighborhoods, Building Types, and Installation Scenarios in Lancing
The town’s varied building stock presents unique challenges and opportunities for tankless water heater installs. HEP’s familiarity with these settings streamlines outcomes.
Coastal Flats and Apartments near Widewater Lagoon
- Limited utility closet space suits compact electric units
- Salt-laden air requires corrosion-resistant venting hardware
- Often shared walls necessitate low-noise combustion fan models
Mid-Century Semi-Detached Houses in North Lancing
- Crawlspace access simplifies gas line rerouting
- Higher occupant counts benefit from 9–11 GPM gas units
- Existing chimney flues can be repurposed with stainless liners for venting
New-Build Estates off Old Shoreham Road
- Pre-plumbed recirculation loops integrate seamlessly with pump-ready tankless systems
- High insulation values mean lower peak GPM, enabling smaller, cost-effective units
- Smart home infrastructure allows integration of app-based temperature control
Rural Edge Properties toward the South Downs
- Propane storage tanks replace natural gas supply, influencing burner selection
- Well water with elevated hardness requires robust filtration to protect heat exchangers
- Larger lot sizes often support outdoor-rated units, freeing indoor space completely
In each scenario, HEP adapts methods to meet building regulations, aesthetic preferences, and household routines.
Enhancing Home Comfort Beyond Hot Water
A tankless water heater install can serve as the keystone for broader plumbing and energy-efficiency improvements. Lancing homeowners interested in holistic upgrades frequently fit additional measures alongside the new system.
- Low-flow, thermostatic shower fixtures that maintain pressure while conserving water
- Smart leak detectors installed near kitchen and bathroom supplies, sending alerts to mobile devices
- Insulated hot-water piping to minimize heat loss between the unit and taps
- Greywater-heat-recovery units that capture warmth from shower drains to pre-heat incoming cold water
- Solar PV arrays coupled with electric tankless units, leveraging daytime generation for nearly free hot water
HEP’s plumbing expertise dovetails with these complementary enhancements, allowing households to craft a cohesive strategy for lowering utility costs, safeguarding property, and elevating everyday comfort.