Tankless Water Heater
Tankless Water Heater | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Philadelphia
Imagine stepping into your Philadelphia home on a frosty morning and enjoying an endless stream of hot water—no bulky tank, no waiting, no worry. HEP’s certified plumbers specialize in precision tankless systems that heat water on-demand, slashing standby energy loss and freeing up valuable space in row-home basements and Center City condos alike. With advanced diagnostics and same-day service vans fully stocked, our crew handles everything from gas line resizing to venting upgrades without disrupting your daily routine.
A professional tankless water heater install by HEP means more than just swapping appliances; it’s a custom-engineered solution tailored to your family’s flow rate, water chemistry, and future expansion plans. We partner with leading brands, register your warranty on the spot, and back the job with our own workmanship guarantee. From Old City brownstones to Chestnut Hill estates, we’ve helped thousands of neighbors cut utility bills up to 40% while gaining instant, limitless hot water.
Ready to ditch the tank? Call, text, or book online today, and our friendly dispatch team will secure your preferred appointment window—often within 24 hours. You bring the coffee; we’ll bring the tech, the permits, and the peace of mind that only HEP can deliver.
FAQs
How do tankless water heaters work, and why are they popular in Philadelphia homes?
Unlike traditional storage tanks that keep 40–80 gallons of water hot around the clock, a tankless unit heats water only when you open a tap. Cold water flows across a gas burner or electric element, is heated instantly, and is delivered at the set temperature. Philadelphia homeowners like them because they free up basement space (rowhomes especially), avoid standby heat loss—important for our wide seasonal swings—and can qualify for PECO and federal energy-efficiency rebates.
Can my existing Philadelphia rowhome’s plumbing and gas line support a tankless heater?
Most homes can be retrofitted, but two checks are critical. 1) Gas supply: High-output gas units need ¾-in. or larger gas lines and up to 199,000 BTU/hr. If your current line is ½-in., we’ll size and run a new line from the meter. 2) Venting: Philadelphia code requires sealed concentric or twin-pipe direct venting through an exterior wall or roof, kept 3 ft from windows and 10 ft from playground alleys. During our free on-site survey we verify gas capacity, water pressure, vent path, and drain location for the condensate line.
How long does a typical tankless water heater installation take?
A straightforward swap in the city usually takes one full workday (6–8 hours). That includes removing the old tank, mounting the new wall-hung unit, upsizing the gas line if needed, routing stainless-steel or PVC venting, installing the condensate neutralizer, flushing the system, and pulling the required plumbing and mechanical permits with Licenses & Inspections (L&I). Complex jobs that require meter upsizing or electric panel upgrades can extend to 2–3 days, but you’ll never be without water overnight—we reconnect the old or new system before leaving.
What is the cost of installing a tankless water heater in Philadelphia, and are there rebates?
Installed prices generally range from $3,300 to $4,900 for a whole-home gas condensing unit sized 160–199 k BTU. Variables include gas line length, vent run, and whether we need to relocate the unit for code clearance. PECO currently offers a $350 rebate for ENERGY STAR® certified models, and federal taxpayers can claim 30% of the project cost (up to $600) under the 25C Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Credit. We file rebate paperwork for you and provide all documentation for your tax records.
How much maintenance does a tankless water heater require in this region?
Because Philadelphia’s water hardness averages 7–9 grains per gallon, manufacturers recommend a yearly descaling. We install isolation valves so you can flush the heat exchanger with white vinegar in about 45 minutes, or we can handle it during an annual service call. The air intake screen should be vacuumed twice a year, and the condensate trap checked for debris. With basic maintenance, modern units carry 15-year heat-exchanger warranties and often last 20 years or more—about double the life of a tank.
Will a tankless unit provide enough hot water for large families or simultaneous showers?
Yes, provided it’s correctly sized. We calculate peak demand by adding gallons-per-minute (GPM) for each fixture you might run at once—e.g., two showers (2.0 GPM each) plus a dishwasher (1.5 GPM) equals 5.5 GPM. We then match that to the temperature rise needed in winter (groundwater ~47 °F rising to 120 °F = 73 °F rise). Most Philadelphia homes need a 160–180 k BTU unit capable of 6–8 GPM at that rise, which covers two to three simultaneous showers without running out. If you have an oversized soaking tub or radiant floor heat, we can integrate a recirculation loop or cascade two units for limitless capacity.