Gas Line Upgrades
Gas Line Upgrades | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Maryville
Dreaming of endless hot showers and lower utility bills in Maryville? HEP’s licensed plumbers make it happen with seamless gas line upgrades paired with a precision tankless water heater install. By replacing bulky, inefficient tanks with compact, on-demand technology, we unlock continuous hot water, free up closet space, and trim energy use by as much as 40%. Our team evaluates your home’s gas capacity, sizes the unit for your family’s needs, and reroutes or upsizes lines so your new heater fires at peak efficiency from day one.
From the first spark to the final temperature test, we handle every step—permits, code compliance, even old-tank haul-away—so you can relax and enjoy whisper-quiet, steamy showers. Ready to future-proof your plumbing and boost your home’s value? Call HEP today and let Maryville’s most trusted pros turn your upgrade into an instant comfort win.
FAQs
Why is a gas line upgrade often necessary when switching to a tankless water heater?
Most tankless units require a larger volume of gas (higher BTU rating) than standard storage-tank heaters. Existing ½-inch lines in many Maryville homes can starve the new appliance, causing ignition problems, lower hot-water output, or error codes. Upgrading to a properly sized ¾-inch or 1-inch line ensures the heater receives steady gas pressure, performs at its published efficiency, and remains in compliance with local fuel-gas code.
How can I tell whether my current gas line is adequate for a tankless water heater?
First, locate the BTU rating of the tankless model you plan to install—typically 150,000–199,000 BTU/hr. Next, measure the length of the pipe run from the gas meter to the installation point and note the pipe diameter. Using the sizing tables in the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (adopted by the City of Maryville), compare your numbers. If the table shows the existing line cannot deliver the required BTUs over that distance, an upgrade or a dedicated new line will be needed. A licensed plumber can perform this calculation for you during an onsite assessment.
What permits or inspections are required in Maryville for a gas line upgrade and tankless water heater installation?
Maryville’s Building & Codes Department requires a mechanical permit anytime a gas appliance is added or gas piping is altered. After the new line is installed, it must be pressure-tested and inspected by a city official before the line is buried or enclosed. The tankless water heater itself is also inspected for proper venting, combustion air, and electrical bonding. Hiring a licensed and insured plumbing contractor ensures all paperwork is filed and the job passes inspection the first time.
How long does the entire upgrade and installation process usually take?
In most single-family homes the work can be completed in one day: 3–5 hours to run and pressure-test the new gas line, and another 2–3 hours to mount, vent, and commission the tankless unit. If extensive drywall, concrete, or exterior trenching is involved, add another day for prep and restoration. Permit approval is often same-day in Maryville when filed electronically, so delays are minimal.
Will a tankless water heater really save me money on utility bills?
Yes. Tankless models heat water only when you open a tap, eliminating the standby losses of a storage tank that reheats water 24/7. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates gas tankless heaters are 24–34% more efficient for households using 41 gallons of hot water per day. Over the 20-year life of the unit, most Maryville homeowners see energy savings that offset the higher upfront cost, especially when paired with the efficiency boost of a properly sized gas line.
What maintenance or after-install service is required, and do you provide it?
Tankless heaters need an annual flush to remove mineral scale and keep the heat exchanger efficient—especially important with Maryville’s moderately hard water. We offer affordable maintenance plans that include descaling, filter cleaning, and a gas-pressure check. Our technicians also inspect the upgraded gas line and venting system during each visit to ensure everything remains safe and code-compliant.