Licensed Plumbers
Licensed Plumbers | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Washburn
Thinking about upgrading the comfort and efficiency of your Washburn home? HEP's licensed plumbers bring decades of know-how to every tankless water heater install, delivering endless hot water, lower utility bills, and valuable space savings in one streamlined service. From carefully sizing the unit for your family’s needs to rerouting venting and gas lines, our crew handles each step with precision—so you can enjoy a reliable, energy-smart system without the guesswork.
We’re Washburn locals, which means we understand the region’s water quality, permitting requirements, and building codes inside and out. That home-field advantage lets us complete most installs in a single day and back the job with rock-solid warranties and an iron-clad satisfaction guarantee. Ready to ditch that bulky tank and start saving? Call HEP today, and our friendly team will schedule your upgrade at a time that works for you—so the only thing you’ll notice is piping-hot water on demand.
FAQs
What advantages does a tankless water heater offer Washburn homeowners compared with a traditional tank unit?
A tankless unit heats water only when you open a tap, eliminating the standby heat loss that occurs in a storage‐tank heater. This typically cuts water-heating energy use by 25–40 %, giving most Washburn households noticeably lower monthly gas or electric bills. Tankless models are also wall-mounted, freeing up floor space, and they deliver an endless supply of hot water, so you never “run out” during back-to-back showers. Finally, their average service life of 18–20 years is nearly double that of a conventional tank, providing a longer return on your investment.
How long does a professional tankless water heater installation usually take?
For a straightforward replacement—swapping a tank unit for a similar-fuel tankless model—our licensed plumbers can typically complete the job in one working day (about 6–8 hours). This includes draining and removing the old tank, mounting the new appliance, running new water and gas lines, installing the venting or condensate drain, pressure-testing the system, and commissioning the heater. If electrical upgrades, longer gas lines, or vent penetrations through brick or stone are required, the project may extend to a second day, but we will give you a precise timeline after the on-site assessment.
How do I know what size (flow rate) tankless water heater my home needs?
Tankless models are sized by gallons per minute (GPM) of hot water they can deliver at a given temperature rise. We calculate the total GPM of fixtures you might run simultaneously—e.g., a shower (2.0 GPM) plus a dishwasher (1.5 GPM)—and factor in Washburn’s incoming winter water temperature, which is roughly 40 °F. Most three-bedroom homes in the area do well with a 7–9 GPM gas unit or a 5–7 GPM electric unit, but high-demand households may require larger. During our free consultation we measure your fixtures, discuss usage patterns, and recommend the exact model that ensures consistent hot water without overspending on capacity.
Will a tankless water heater really lower my utility bills in Washburn?
Yes. Because tankless heaters eliminate standby losses, ENERGY STAR® estimates annual savings of about $100 for the average family compared with a standard natural-gas tank. In Washburn, where natural-gas rates average around $1.21/therm, many of our customers see 20–30 % lower water-heating costs. Electric tankless units can also save, though they depend on the local kWh rate. Additionally, several utilities serving Washburn offer rebates—currently up to $300—for qualifying high-efficiency models, which further shortens the payback period.
How much maintenance does a tankless water heater require, and do you provide that service?
Manufacturers recommend an annual maintenance visit in areas with moderate hard-water levels like Washburn (7–10 grains per gallon). Our licensed technicians flush the heat exchanger with food-grade vinegar or descaling solution to remove mineral buildup, clean the air intake filter, inspect the burner or heating elements, and run factory diagnostics. The service takes about 60–90 minutes and helps maintain efficiency, keeps your warranty valid, and extends the unit’s life. We offer affordable maintenance plans that include priority scheduling and reminder calls each year.
Are permits or code inspections needed for a tankless water heater installation in Washburn?
Yes. The City of Washburn and McLean County require a plumbing permit and, if gas is involved, a mechanical permit. Our company pulls these permits on your behalf, schedules the inspections, and ensures the installation meets the latest International Plumbing Code (IPC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), and manufacturer venting clearances. Because we are state-licensed and bonded, the inspection process is straightforward, and you receive a final approval tag confirming the work is safe and code-compliant.