Tankless water heater installation follows eight main steps: locate and disable the power source, shut off the water supply, set up the gas and water lines, mount the unit, connect it, and turn it on. It is a demanding job, and most Arlington, TX homeowners are better off letting a licensed plumber handle the gas and water connections. This guide walks through each step so you know exactly what the work involves before you decide.

Key Points

  • Tankless water heater installation involves eight steps, from power shutoff to startup.
  • Always disable the power source and drain existing lines before removing an old unit.
  • Gas-powered units may need a new tee and valve added to the existing gas line.
  • Copper water lines must be cleaned of oxidation before soldering the connections.
  • Gas line work is dangerous; a licensed Arlington plumber should handle those connections.

Tankless water heaters are one of the most efficient hot water supply sources for your home. They help reduce heating bills and contribute positively toward the environment. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, on-demand units can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than storage tank models in homes that use less hot water. These units also free up the space a bulky tank requires, and depending on your household’s hot water demand and flow rate needs, they have proven more efficient than conventional water heaters.

Because of these advantages, many plumbers in Arlington, TX recommend the installation of this unit. The installation process varies depending on the unit and the type of water heater. Many people have the unit installed by the manufacturer or bring in a professional plumber with tankless experience. Apart from these two options, you have the option to install it on your own, though the eight steps below will show you why most homeowners choose not to.

How Do You Install a Tankless Water Heater?

Step 1: Locate the Power Source

The first step is to locate the power source that supplies energy to your tankless water heater. It could be a fuse box or a breaker box, usually located in the garage or outside the house attached to a wall. A fuse box is typically a small, grey power panel with a door that swings open, which makes it easy to spot.

For tankless water heaters that run on gas, a thermostat controls where the gas supply can be stopped. It is a simple small red knob located on the water heater itself, on the outside of the heater at the point where the gas pipe enters the unit. This knob has 3 settings: on, off, and pilot.

Step 2: Disable the Power Source

Once you have located the source, disable it at either the fuse box or the thermostat. For a fuse box, look for small on/off switches on the panel called branch circuit breakers. These switches control individual items running on electricity. Find the one that powers the water heater and switch it off. For a thermostat, simply turn the knob to Pilot.

If you cannot identify the individual switch, locate the main switch labeled “Main” and switch it off. Keep in mind that electricity to the entire house will be shut off for the time being while you work.

Step 3: Turn Off the Water Supply

If you already have a water heater installed, drain the water out of it before you uninstall it. Identify where the inlet pipe is, then close it with a 90-degree turn or multiple turns as required.

Once all the water has drained and the lines are empty, you can proceed to disconnect the old unit. If your current heater is aging or failing, this is also the natural time to talk through water heater replacement options with a licensed plumber.

Step 4: Install a New Gas Line

If your new tankless unit runs on gas, you may need a tee and valve added to the existing gas line. This is done with a flexible gas supply line or black pipe attached from the tee to a point where it can connect to the gas line of the new unit. Gas connections carry real safety risks, which is why professional gas line installation is the right call for this step in Arlington homes.

Step 5: Install New Water Lines

Attach new water lines for both hot and cold water using copper pipe connected to the new unit. To securely hold these pipes, use bell hangers attached against the wall.

Oxidation build-up is common on copper lines. Before you start soldering, clean the pipes and connectors so the oxidation is removed. Then apply flux to the end of the pipe, attach the slip pipe and connectors, and heat the copper with a torch so the pipes solder together.

Step 6: Attach the Tankless Water Heater

Select a location for the water heater near a spot where the heat can be vented out easily. Build a platform with 2 x 4-inch pieces of lumber to help attach the unit to the wall, then carefully place the unit on this platform. Proper venting placement matters for both safety and the unit’s energy efficiency.

Step 7: Connect the Water Heater

Connect the sediment trap and the shutoff valve to the mounted water heater, then attach the supply line to the shutoff valve. After this, connect the water supply line and double check every connection to make sure it is fitted properly and leak-free. Homes with high water pressure may also benefit from expansion tank installation to protect the new unit.

Step 8: Turn On the Water Heater

Finally, plug in the water heater or turn the thermostat on to restore the gas. For extra confidence, read the manual and follow any specific start-up procedures from the manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a tankless water heater myself in Arlington, TX?

You can, but most homeowners should not. The gas line, venting, and soldered water connections all carry safety risks if done wrong. A licensed plumber gets the installation right the first time and protects your home and warranty.

Do tankless water heaters really save energy?

Yes. Tankless units heat water only when you need it, which reduces heating bills. The U.S. Department of Energy reports they can be 24% to 34% more efficient than storage tank heaters for homes with lower hot water use.

Do I need a new gas line for a tankless water heater?

Often you need a modification rather than a full new line. Gas-powered units may require a tee and valve added to your existing line, connected with flexible supply line or black pipe. A licensed plumber should size and install this connection.

Where should a tankless water heater be installed?

Choose a location where heat can vent out easily. The unit mounts to the wall on a sturdy platform, so the spot needs both venting clearance and solid support.

Ready for Reliable Hot Water in Arlington?

Follow these eight steps and you will understand exactly what a proper tankless water heater installation involves. If you would rather have a little guidance, or hand the whole job to a licensed team, we are here for our Arlington neighbors 24/7. Our plumbers are trained on complex installations, our work is licensed (William McDaniel, Lic. No. M-17631), and if we are ever late to your appointment, we pay you $5 for every minute. Contact our team today and enjoy endless hot water without the stress.