Tankless Water Heater Installation Cost: Repairs & Maintenance

Home plumbing upgrades help to make your home more energy efficient. Tankless systems provide hot water whenever you need it and never run out. 

Latest systems ease our lives. But the latest technology often needs maintenance. Repair costs may feel like a headache at first, but they buy you comfort for the long term. 

Plumbing USA is here to tell you all about tankless water heater installation costs so you can plan accordingly.

What Makes the Total Tankless Water Heater Installation Cost?

The initial tankless water heater installation cost depends on the type of tankless water heater and the size of the home. The cost of gas units tends to be greater up front than electric units. 

You need to consider labor and equipment charges while making the budget.

• Prices of Electrical System: 

The price of an electric water heating system that is suitable for a small home is between $1000 and $3000.

• Gas System Price: 

Gas units cost around $2400 to $7500. These systems are designed to cope with high hot water demands with ease.

• Labor Charge:

The cost of labor for a professional plumber can be from $75 to $150. More billable hours are needed with complex setups.

• Ventilation Materials: 

Special vents made of stainless steel are needed for gas models. This costs $50 to $500 on the total bill.

System Component	Electric Unit Cost	Gas Unit Cost
Unit Purchase	$500 to $1200	$1000 to $2800
Professional Labor	$500 to $1000	$800 to $2000
Gas Piping or Venting	Not Needed	$250 to $650
Electrical Upgrades	$400 to $1000	$150 to $400

Your Tankless Water Heater Maintenance Budget

Annual tankless water heater maintenance ensures your system stays covered by the manufacturer warranty.

• Build-up Removal:

Technicians flush white vinegar through the heat exchanger TO remove the calcium deposits building up.

• Filter Cleansing: 

Filters remove debris before it enters the system. This screen should be cleaned twice a year by homeowners.

• Air Intake Inspection: 

Screen cleaning makes fuel combustion safe when exhaust vents are blocked by debris.

• Service Charge: 

Tankless water heater maintenance costs $100 to $350 annually. This expense can save you from complete system failures.

Your Tankless Water Heater Repair Expenses

Despite routine maintenance, components still fail. Repairs to your tankless water heater bring your hot water back on track. Professional diagnostic tools pinpoint the exact broken part.

• Replace Heating Elements: 

Electric heating units have to have new elements sooner or later. Expect to pay $150 to $500.

• Swapping the Control Board: 

The replacement of the main computer board that manages the temperature costs $400 to $800.

• Fixing Flow Sensors: 

Repairing the sensor that detects when the tap is turned on costs $400 to $800.

• Expert Tankless Heater Installation: 

Expert tankless water heater installation costs around $2400 to $5400. 

It decreases the need for repair as proper installation prevents premature stresses on components.

Why Choose Professionals Despite High Costs?

There is always a price for the expertise. Professionals work with electric and gas systems with equal expertise. Carbon monoxide will not leak out in gas models if installed properly. 

What Makes a Service Different?

• Professionals test the hardness level of your home water before they install a system.
• They use a separate water softener if hardness is over 7 grains.
• Checks to make sure your electrical panel can supply the large amperage needed.
• Professionals remove winter snow from outdoor vent terminations.

Final Thoughts

Tankless water heaters provide very good long-term energy savings. But like all appliances, they need repairs and maintenance after installation.

The high initial price of installation becomes justified by the lower utility bills. If you want to prevent costly repairs, tankless water heater maintenance by an expert is all you need.

Call a professional. Leave the installation and maintenance of your system to the experts. You won’t regret paying for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many years can I expect a tankless water heater to last?
Most tankless water heaters are efficient for 20 years. The lifespan of the traditional tank models is 10-15 years.

How to self-flush a tankless water heater?
A sump pump, two hoses, and formulated flushing solution are required to flush a heater. It is better to call a plumber for safety reasons.

Why does the tankless water heater blow cold air?
If the air intake screen becomes clogged, there is a lack of air for proper combustion of the gas. 

 Will installing a tankless heater help save money on bills?
Yes. These systems completely eliminate standby energy losses. They heat water only when you turn a faucet.

How to determine if my system requires a flush?
A particular maintenance code will be displayed on the digital display board. Low water pressure means there is a lot of scale on the pipes.