Tankless Water Heater
Tankless Water Heater | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Newport
Enjoy endless hot water on demand while trimming your utility bills with HEP’s expert tankless solutions. Our local Newport technicians arrive on time, protect your home with drop cloths and shoe covers, and handle every detail of your tankless water heater install—from sizing and venting to the final test run—so you can relax and start savoring instant, efficient comfort the same day.
Because we live and work in Cocke County, we know how quickly mountain weather can change. That’s why our licensed plumbers are on-call 24/7 for any questions or follow-up service you might need. With transparent pricing, industry-leading warranties, and a satisfaction guarantee backed by decades of experience, HEP turns a routine upgrade into a reliable investment for your home and family.
FAQs
What advantages does a tankless water heater offer over a traditional storage-tank model in Newport?
Tankless units heat water on demand, so they eliminate standby heat loss and can cut energy use by 20–40 %. Because they are wall-mounted, you gain floor space—valuable in many Newport homes with basements or crawl spaces. They also provide an endless supply of hot water, which is handy for large families or back-to-back showers after beach days. In coastal environments like Newport, stainless-steel heat exchangers and sealed combustion systems in modern tankless models resist corrosion better than many steel storage tanks, translating into a life expectancy of 20+ years versus 8–12 years for a tank.
How do I determine the right size (flow rate) tankless water heater for my home?
Sizing is based on two factors: (1) the peak gallons-per-minute (GPM) demand your household may place on the unit and (2) the required temperature rise between incoming cold water and your desired hot-water set-point (typically 120 °F). In Newport, incoming water is usually 45–50 °F in winter. If you want 120 °F water, you need a 70–75 °F rise. Add the GPM for fixtures you expect to run simultaneously—for example: shower (2.0 GPM), dishwasher (1.5 GPM), and sink (1.0 GPM) = 4.5 GPM. We’ll perform a load calculation during our visit and recommend a unit—often 7.5–9.0 GPM for a three-bath home. Multiple smaller units can also be cascaded for large properties or multi-family dwellings.
What does the installation process involve and how long will my hot water be off?
A standard retrofit usually takes one working day. We begin by shutting off gas, water, and electricity, then drain and remove the old tank. Next we mount the new tankless unit on an exterior or interior wall, run appropriately sized gas (or electrical) and water lines, and install Category III/IV venting through a sidewall or roof. After pressure and leak testing, we flush the unit, program the controller, and restore utilities. Actual downtime for hot water is typically 4–6 hours. For new construction, we rough-in lines before drywall and return for a 2-hour final hookup.
Are permits or inspections required for a tankless water heater installation in Newport, RI?
Yes. Newport follows the Rhode Island State Plumbing Code and Mechanical Code, which require a plumbing permit (and a mechanical permit for gas or venting work). We handle all permitting, schedule the city inspection, and provide you with the signed-off paperwork. Homes in historic districts may need approval from the Newport Historic District Commission if exterior vent terminations are visible from the street—our team will advise on compliant vent locations.
What incentives or rebates are available to help offset the cost?
Rhode Island Energy (formerly National Grid) offers rebates up to $700 for ENERGY STAR® gas tankless water heaters ≥ 0.95 UEF. Electric models may qualify for $200–$400 if paired with time-of-use rates. Federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act provide 30 % of the installed cost (capped at $600) for qualifying units placed in service through 2032. Low-interest HEAT Loan financing up to $25,000 is also available statewide. We’ll file the rebate paperwork for you and supply the AHRI certificate and contractor invoice required.
What maintenance does a tankless water heater require on the coast, and can I do it myself?
Annual maintenance keeps your warranty valid and ensures efficiency. In Newport’s hard-to-moderately hard water (100–150 ppm), we recommend flushing the heat exchanger with food-grade white vinegar or a citric solution every 12 months to dissolve scale. The inline water filter and condensate trap (for condensing models) should be cleaned at the same time. Coastal salt air can corrode vent terminations, so we inspect and reseal vent joints and check combustion settings. Handy homeowners can do the flush with a pump kit, but most clients prefer our low-cost service visit, which includes a full diagnostic check and firmware updates.