Endless Hot Water
Endless Hot Water | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Charleston
Imagine stepping into a shower that never runs cold, even during Charleston’s busiest mornings. HEP’s plumbing pros make that luxury a reality with a seamless tankless water heater install, freeing up space, slashing energy bills, and delivering an endless stream of perfectly heated water on demand. Because the unit heats only what you use, you’ll enjoy faster hot-water delivery and peace of mind knowing your system is built for efficiency and longevity in our coastal climate.
From the first call to the final safety check, our licensed technicians handle every detail—sizing, venting, gas or electric connections, and hauling away your old tank—so you can focus on enjoying uninterrupted comfort. Ready to trade bulky tanks and standby heat loss for sleek reliability? Schedule with HEP today and feel the instant difference the moment you turn on the tap.
FAQs
What are the main benefits of switching to a tankless water heater in Charleston?
Tankless (on-demand) units heat water only when you open a tap, eliminating standby heat loss from a storage tank. Homeowners typically enjoy endless hot water, space savings (wall-mounted units free up floor space), energy-bill reductions of 20–40 %, and life expectancies of 20+ years—about twice that of traditional tanks. In Charleston’s warm climate, incoming water temperatures are higher, so the heater works less to reach setpoint, increasing efficiency even more.
How is the right-sized tankless unit determined for my home?
We calculate the required flow rate (gallons per minute, or GPM) by adding the simultaneous demand of fixtures you’re likely to use (e.g., shower 2.5 GPM + kitchen faucet 1.5 GPM). Then we look at temperature rise: Charleston ground-water averages 70 °F, so to reach a 120 °F setpoint you need a 50 °F rise. A typical three-bathroom home often needs a 7–9 GPM gas unit or a 6–7 GPM electric unit. We’ll perform an on-site assessment to match model capacity to your exact needs, preventing lukewarm showers and maximizing efficiency.
What is involved in the installation process and how long does it take?
A standard retrofit usually takes one working day. Steps include: (1) shutting off water, gas, and power; (2) draining and removing the old tank; (3) mounting the new tankless unit on an exterior or interior wall; (4) running new gas line or upgraded electric circuit, as tankless units often require a larger supply; (5) installing Category III/IV venting or concentric vent through the roof/wall for gas models; (6) connecting water lines with isolation valves for easy maintenance; (7) purging air, pressure-testing, and commissioning. Permits are filed with the City of Charleston, and final inspection ensures code compliance.
How much does a tankless water heater installation cost in the Charleston area?
Costs vary by fuel type, capacity, and site conditions. In 2024, a complete gas unit retrofit for an average home typically ranges $3,200–$4,800 (equipment, labor, permits). Electric tankless installs cost $2,000–$3,500, but may require a panel upgrade if you don’t have 200-amp service. Rebates and tax credits: Dominion Energy SC offers up to $400 for qualifying high-efficiency gas units, and the federal 25C tax credit covers 30 % (up to $600) of the installed cost for ENERGY STAR-certified models.
Do tankless water heaters need regular maintenance?
Yes. Annual service protects warranty and keeps performance high, especially in Charleston’s moderately hard water (≈80 ppm). We flush the heat exchanger with a 5-gallon solution of food-grade vinegar to dissolve scale, clean inlet filters, test gas pressures or electrical connections, and update firmware on smart units. Homeowners can install a simple sediment filter or small scale-inhibitor cartridge to further reduce buildup. Proper maintenance prevents heat-exchanger failure and maintains efficiency.
Will my existing gas or electric infrastructure work, and what about building codes?
Gas models require a ¾-inch line capable of delivering 150–199 k BTU/h. Many older Charleston homes have ½-inch lines and will need an upsized run from the meter. Electric units often need two to four 40-50 amp breakers on a 200-amp panel; if you currently have 100-amp service, a panel upgrade is mandatory. Charleston adopts the 2021 IPC and IFGC, which dictate proper combustion air, venting clearances, and seismic strapping in certain flood zones. Our licensed plumbers handle load calculations, permitting, and scheduling of city inspection to ensure your installation is code-compliant and safe.