Tankless Water Heater Installation Cost In 2024?

Are you thinking of buying a new tankless water heater, you searched online and found many brands and many types with costs displayed under it. You can choose a tankless water heater according to your budget and favorite brand looking the cost under it, but what about its installation cost, which is not displayed under it. Some manufacturers offers free installation but it is limited does not cover for few extras needed to complete the installation on the site.

So, In this article our Professional water heater expert Joseph will explain what are installation costs along with the extra costs if we need any modifications to install. There may be some mandatory modifications and some may be optional, Lets know the real costs including the factors reasons along with references from the latest models and brands.

In general installing a tankless water heater costs between 1000$ to 3500$. Labor costs between 500-2000$.

Components Required for Installation along cost

Tankless Water Heater Unit

The main unit that heats the water. There are many poplar brands selling tankless heaters online and offline with prices starting from 600$ to 10k$. The price of the tankless water heaters depends on the flow rate(GPM), heating capacity, safety features, extra features like Wi-Fi support and more. For example Rinnai Ru199in with 11GPM comes at 1550$ and Rheem 9.5GPM at 1500$. Navien NPE 240 A2 with 8.4GPM comes at 1800-1900$.

Mounting Brackets

For securing the unit to the wall. Every tankless water you buy, whether its online or offline you will get mounting brackets included with the unit. You don’t need to pay extra.

Water Supply Lines

For connecting the unit to the household water supply. If this is a first purchase you need to buy the pipes required from the installation location to the faucets where hot water is needed. It includes copper pipes, joints, valves according to the location. Generally 3/4 inch copper pipes between 5 to 6$ per feet, depends on quality and guage for cold water inlet. So calculate the distance for approximate price.

If you are replacing the old heater there may be previous connections, check whether they are usable, if usable the piping costs will be reduced.

Gas Line (for gas-powered units)

Necessary for supplying gas to the unit. If you are replacing the old water heater and previous one is a gas heater, then its easy and like ready to go with minor connection changes which cost under 30$. For new one you need to buy Iron piping, valves which costs more and depends on the distance and location.

Venting System

Includes vent pipes and fittings for directing exhaust gases safely outside. If you are using an outdoor unit there is no need of venting system. But if you are getting an indoor unit, venting system must be installed. There are 3 types of vents power vents, Direct vents and Concentric vents.

Plastic condensing or non condensing venting parts comes between 50- 150$. Some brands sell their advanced venting systems, check with the brands it costs. On Average installing vent costs between 500$.

Isolation Valves and Pressure Relief Valve

Isolation valves are for easy maintenance and descaling of the unit and PRV is to prevent excessive pressure buildup within the system. If you buy them in combo you can get them between 70-100$ depending upon the quality. Some brands include isolation valves within the heater unit so there is no need to buy, check the unit components while purchasing.

Expansion Tank (if required)

To manage thermal expansion in closed water systems. Generally for tankless water heaters expansion tanks are not needed but if you installing a buffer tanks or recirculation system it should be installed as a safety. They comes under the price range of 30-50$ according to their size.

Electrical Wiring (for electric units)

Includes wires and a circuit breaker for connecting the unit to the electrical supply. If new installation you need to buy the parts required for electrical wiring according to the amperage required for the tankless water heater. If you already have power connections check for the amperage compatibility and work with it.

Temperature Control Panel

For setting and monitoring the water temperature. Now a days all units comes with inbuilt control panel with digital display. If you are using an outdoor unit and need a controller inside the house you can get an extra controller from the manufacturer, for price check in brand site.

Insulation Materials

To insulate water lines and prevent heat loss. If your area is very cold and want to use insulation on hot water side copper pipes you need to get form or polyethylene self seal pipes comes at 5$ per 6feet.

Professionals Required to install a tankless water heater

A professional plumber charges between 1500 to 3000$ to install a tankless water heater. It depends on the location and complexity of installation. First they will visit the location and verify the installation location and give quote the price.

A local plumbers charges between 40 to 100$ per hour if any additional works need to be done.

Professional Plumber

Role: A Professional plumber is essential for installing water lines, gas lines, venting and ensuring all plumbing connections are secure and compliant with local codes. Professional plumbers can deal with electrical connections related to the unit and can also deal with gas lines.

Tasks:

• Connecting water supply and return lines.
• Installing isolation valves.
• Integrating the pressure relief valve.
• Installing vent pipes and fittings.
• Ensuring the venting system is compliant with local building codes.
• Installing a condensate drain system for condensing units.
• Running and connecting gas lines (for gas units).
• Connecting the control panel.
• Ensuring all electrical connections meet local codes and safety standards.

Electrician (Optional)

Role: An electrician is required for wiring and getting the power supply near to the installation area, if the power supply is farther and when plumber cannot perform it.

General electrician charges between 30 to 50$ per hour in Colorado.

Tasks:

• Installing a dedicated circuit breaker.
• Running electrical wires to the unit.

HVAC Technician (for gas units with complex venting requirements)(optional)

Role: An HVAC technician can handle the installation of the complex venting system if the plumber cannot perform the task, ensuring proper ventilation of exhaust gases.

Tasks:

• Installing vent pipes and fittings.
• Ensuring the venting system is compliant with local building codes.
• Installing a condensate drain system for condensing units.

General Contractor (if structural modifications are needed)(Optional)

Role: If the installation requires significant modifications to the structure of the home, a general contractor may be needed.

Tasks:

• Modifying walls or floors to accommodate new plumbing or venting routes.
• Ensuring structural integrity when mounting heavy units.

Inspector (post-installation)

Role: A local building inspector may be required to review the installation to ensure it complies with all relevant building codes and safety standards.

Tasks:

• Inspecting plumbing and gas connections.
• Reviewing electrical work.
• Checking the venting system.

Conclusion:

By taking all the factors and tasks into considerations calculate the total cost of installing a tankless water heater. If you have any doubts or clarifications comment below our professional plumber Joseph will help in resolving.