- HEP Plumbing
- Certified Plumbers

Certified Plumbers
Certified Plumbers | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | McDonald
Enjoy endless hot water and lower utility bills with HEP’s certified plumbers in McDonald. Our team specializes in tankless water heater install, bringing you the latest energy-efficient technology that heats water on demand instead of storing it. You’ll shave dollars off your monthly costs, free up valuable space, and never have to schedule your life around a bulky, slow-recovering tank again.
From the moment you call, we handle everything—from sizing and venting to precise gas or electric hookups—so you can relax knowing your new system is installed safely and up to code. Backed by industry-leading warranties and the friendly service HEP is famous for, we make upgrading to a tankless unit simple, fast, and surprisingly affordable. Schedule your appointment today and feel the difference every time you turn on the tap.
FAQs
What are the main advantages of installing a tankless water heater in my McDonald home?
A tankless (on-demand) water heater heats water only when you open a hot-water tap, eliminating standby heat loss from a storage tank. This delivers several benefits: 1) Endless hot water—great for families or back-to-back showers; 2) Energy savings of 20–40 % versus many tank models, which can lower utility bills; 3) Space savings—units are wall-mounted and far smaller than a 40- or 50-gallon tank; 4) Longer service life—about 20+ years when maintained, roughly double most tanks; and 5) Reduced risk of leaks or tank ruptures because there’s no stored water. All of these features make tankless systems ideal for the varied household sizes we see around McDonald.
How do I determine the correct size (flow rate and BTU) for a tankless unit in McDonald?
Sizing is based on two numbers: 1) total flow rate you’ll need at peak demand, measured in gallons per minute (GPM) and 2) the temperature rise required to bring our incoming McDonald water—often 50–55 °F in winter—up to your desired 120 °F. A typical three-bedroom home that may run two showers and a sink simultaneously might need 6–8 GPM at a 65–70 °F rise, translating to a 150,000–199,000 BTU gas unit or a 27–36 kW electric model. Our certified plumbers perform a quick load calculation during the on-site visit to recommend the exact size, ensuring you never run short of hot water but also don’t overpay for an oversized unit.
What does professional tankless water heater installation cost in the McDonald area?
Installed pricing generally ranges from $2,800 to $4,800 for a mid-efficiency natural-gas unit and $3,300 to $5,500 for a high-efficiency condensing model. Key cost factors include: • Type of fuel (natural gas, propane, or electric) • BTU or kW rating • Venting modifications (stainless or PVC, wall or roof) • Gas line upsizing or regulator upgrade if needed • Electrical outlet or breaker additions • Optional recirculation pump for faster hot-water delivery • Permit fees required by McDonald borough or Allegheny/Washington counties. We provide flat, written quotes after the site inspection, and our pricing always bundles labor, materials, permits, and haul-away of the old tank.
How long will the installation take and will my water be shut off for the entire time?
Most standard replacements—from tank to tankless—take 4 to 6 hours. Complex jobs that need a new vent run, gas line upsizing, or wall patching may run a full day. We isolate the work area so only the main water line is shut off for roughly 30–60 minutes while we tie in the cold- and hot-water connections. Your cold-water faucets remain off only during that window; toilets can still be flushed throughout most of the installation. We coordinate with you in advance so the interruption is brief and predictable.
Do I need a permit or inspection for a tankless installation in McDonald, and do you handle it?
Yes. McDonald borough and surrounding townships follow the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, which typically requires a mechanical/plumbing permit for any new water-heater installation. A borough or third-party inspector will verify the gas line sizing, vent termination, pressure-relief valve, and condensate disposal (for condensing units). Our office submits all permit paperwork, schedules the inspection, and provides the compliance sticker once passed—so you have zero red tape to manage.
What maintenance does a tankless water heater need, and can your plumbers perform it?
To keep warranty coverage and peak efficiency, most manufacturers call for annual or biennial maintenance: 1) Descaling/flush with vinegar or a citric solution to remove mineral buildup; 2) Cleaning the inlet screen filter; 3) Checking combustion or electric elements; and 4) Inspecting the vent and condensate line. In McDonald’s moderately hard water (8–11 grains), we recommend an annual flush. Our certified plumbers offer a low-cost maintenance plan that includes the flush, 10-point safety check, discounted parts, and priority scheduling. Proper care can extend the unit’s life well past 20 years.