Tankless Water Heater Installation
Tankless Water Heater Installation in Baton Rouge, LA
A tankless water heater heats water on demand without storing it in a tank. This eliminates standby heat loss, which accounts for 15 to 20 percent of a traditional water heater’s energy consumption, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Central Plumbing Co. Co. provides professional tankless water heater installation in Baton Rouge and surrounding Louisiana communities. Our licensed plumbers are certified to install all major brands, including Rheem, A.O. Smith, Noritz, Rinnai, and Navien. We offer flat rate pricing on every installation with no hidden fees.
Central Plumbing Co. has served Baton Rouge families and businesses since 1974. We operate 20+ service trucks with 45 employees and provide 24/7 emergency plumbing support from our 50,000 square foot facility on Greenwell Springs Road.
Tankless Water Heater Installation for Baton Rouge Homes and Businesses
A tankless water heater, also called an on demand water heater or instant water heater, uses a gas burner or electric heating element to heat water as it flows through the unit. The system activates when a hot water tap opens and shuts off when the tap closes. No water sits in a storage tank waiting to be used.
Tankless systems are available in 3 fuel types. Gas powered units use natural gas burners and deliver flow rates between 2 and 12 gallons per minute (GPM). Electric models use heating elements and typically deliver 2 to 8 GPM. Propane units operate similarly to natural gas models and are common in Louisiana homes without access to municipal gas lines.
Baton Rouge homeowners increasingly choose tankless systems for new construction and tank to tankless conversions. Louisiana’s warm inlet water temperature (averaging 65 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit depending on season) allows tankless units to reach target temperatures faster than homes in colder climates. This means a smaller, more affordable unit can serve most Baton Rouge households.
Types of Tankless Water Heaters We Install
Central Plumbing Co. installs 3 types of tankless water heaters for residential and commercial properties in Baton Rouge.
Gas Tankless Water Heaters
Gas tankless water heaters use natural gas burners to heat water. These units deliver the highest flow rates, typically 8 to 12 GPM for whole house models. Gas tankless systems require a dedicated gas line (often 3/4 inch or 1 inch diameter), proper venting to exhaust combustion gases, and an electrical connection for the control board. Condensing gas models achieve Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) ratings of 0.87 to 0.96, making them eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit up to $600 under the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit program.
Electric Tankless Water Heaters
Electric tankless water heaters use copper heating elements to warm water. These units require dedicated electrical circuits, typically 2 to 4 circuits of 40 to 60 amps each, depending on the model. Installation does not require venting or gas lines, which reduces overall project complexity. Electric units are smaller and mount in tight spaces. Flow rates range from 2 to 8 GPM. Baton Rouge’s warm groundwater temperature helps electric tankless units perform closer to their rated capacity year round.
Propane Tankless Water Heaters
Propane tankless water heaters function like natural gas models but connect to an external propane tank. These are common in rural areas surrounding Baton Rouge, including Central, Watson, and Denham Springs where municipal gas service may not reach. Propane units require the same venting and gas line infrastructure as natural gas models. A standard 100 pound propane tank powers a tankless water heater for approximately 1 to 2 months depending on usage.
Benefits of Tankless Water Heater Installation
Tankless water heaters offer 6 measurable advantages over traditional tank style systems.
- Continuous hot water supply: Tankless units heat water on demand. There is no tank to drain, so hot water flows as long as the tap stays open. A properly sized unit supports multiple fixtures running simultaneously.
- Energy savings of 24 to 34 percent: The U.S. Department of Energy reports that tankless water heaters are 24 to 34 percent more energy efficient than conventional tank models in homes using 41 gallons or less of hot water per day.
- Lifespan of 15 to 20 years: Tankless water heaters last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Traditional tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years on average. This longer lifespan reduces replacement frequency and total cost of ownership.
- Compact, wall mounted design: Tankless units mount on a wall and measure roughly 28 inches tall by 20 inches wide by 10 inches deep. This frees 12 to 16 square feet of floor space compared to a 50 gallon storage tank.
- Reduced risk of water damage: Tank water heaters store 30 to 80 gallons. A ruptured tank can release all that water at once. Tankless units eliminate this flood risk because no water sits in storage.
- Lower monthly utility bills: Homeowners switching from a traditional tank to a tankless system typically save $100 to $150 per year on energy costs. Energy Star certified models qualify for federal tax credits that offset the upfront investment.
Our Tankless Water Heater Installation Process
Our licensed plumbers follow a 6 step process for every tankless water heater installation in Baton Rouge.
- Step 1. In home assessment: A Central Plumbing Co. technician evaluates your home’s hot water demand, existing gas lines or electrical capacity, and installation location. We measure the peak flow rate your household requires by counting fixtures and appliances that use hot water simultaneously.
- Step 2. Unit sizing and selection: We recommend a unit based on your GPM requirements, fuel type preference, and budget. A typical 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Baton Rouge home needs a unit rated between 8 and 10 GPM for gas or 18 to 27 kW for electric.
- Step 3. Removal of old water heater: We disconnect and remove the existing tank water heater, including safe disposal. If converting from a tank system, we cap the old connections and prepare the area for the new unit.
- Step 4. Infrastructure upgrades: Gas installations may require upgrading the gas supply line from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch or 1 inch diameter. Electric installations may require adding dedicated circuits with appropriate breaker sizing. We run new venting for gas units using stainless steel or PVC depending on whether the unit is condensing or non condensing.
- Step 5. Unit installation and connection: We mount the tankless unit on the wall, connect water supply lines, gas or electrical connections, and venting. All connections are tested for leaks using pressure testing and, for gas units, a combustion analyzer to verify proper gas flow.
- Step 6. System testing and walkthrough: We test the unit at multiple fixtures simultaneously to confirm adequate flow rate and temperature. We calibrate the DIP switch settings per the manufacturer’s specifications and walk you through operating the control panel, adjusting temperature, and basic maintenance scheduling.
Tank to Tankless Water Heater Conversion
Converting from a traditional tank water heater to a tankless system requires additional modifications beyond a standard installation. Most Baton Rouge homes built before 2010 have 1/2 inch gas lines designed for a 40,000 to 50,000 BTU tank water heater. Tankless gas models require 150,000 to 199,000 BTU input, which means the gas supply line typically needs an upgrade to 3/4 inch or 1 inch diameter.
Conversions also require new venting because tank water heaters use atmospheric venting through a standard B vent chimney flue. Tankless units use either direct vent (sealed combustion with intake and exhaust) or power vent (forced draft with a fan). The old vent cannot be reused.
Electric conversions require adding dedicated 240 volt circuits. Most existing homes have a 40 or 60 gallon electric tank connected to a single 30 amp circuit. An electric tankless unit may need 2 to 4 circuits rated at 40 to 60 amps each.
We handle every step of the conversion process, from removing the old tank and capping existing connections to running new gas lines, electrical circuits, and venting. We ensure all work meets Louisiana State Plumbing Board codes and East Baton Rouge Parish building requirements.
Tankless Water Heater Installation Requirements
Proper installation of a tankless water heater requires meeting specific requirements for gas supply, electrical connections, venting, and water flow. Central Plumbing Co. verifies every requirement before beginning work.
Location and clearances:
Manufacturers specify minimum clearances from combustible materials, typically 1 inch on sides and rear, and 12 inches in front for servicing. Indoor installations require adequate ventilation or sealed combustion air supply. Outdoor rated models eliminate venting requirements
entirely.
Gas supply:
Gas tankless units require a dedicated gas line with adequate pressure. Most residential models need 3/4 inch gas pipe with a minimum supply pressure of 3.5 inches of water column (WC) for natural gas or 8 inches WC for propane. The gas meter must have sufficient capacity to supply the tankless unit plus all other gas appliances.
Venting:
Gas tankless units require Category III or IV venting. Non condensing models use stainless steel venting. Condensing models can use PVC or CPVC pipe, which is less expensive. Direct vent installations bring combustion air from outside and exhaust it back through a concentric or dual pipe system.
Electrical connections:
Gas units need a 120 volt outlet for the control board. Electric units need 240 volt service with 2 to 4 dedicated double pole breakers rated at 40 to 60 amps. Wire size is typically 6 gauge copper for most residential electric models.
Water flow:
Tankless units have a minimum activation flow rate, typically 0.4 to 0.6 GPM. Low flow fixtures below this threshold may not trigger the burner. We verify flow rates at all fixtures during installation
testing.
Tankless Water Heater Brands We Install
Central Plumbing Co. is certified to install and service all major tankless water heater brands. Our plumbers receive factory training on the specific installation and service requirements of each manufacturer.
- Rheem: Residential and commercial tankless models with UEF ratings up to 0.96. Rheem offers both condensing and non condensing gas models, plus electric units for point of use and whole house applications.
- Rinnai: High efficiency condensing tankless units with flow rates up to 11 GPM. Rinnai systems feature built-in recirculation capability and Wi Fi connectivity for temperature control.
- A.O. Smith: Gas and electric tankless models for residential applications. A.O. Smith units are available at Home Depot, and Central Plumbing Co. is an authorized installation agent for Home Depot water heater purchases.
- Noritz: Condensing tankless water heaters with energy factors up to 0.97. Noritz specializes in commercial and high demand residential applications.
- Navien: NPE series condensing tankless water heaters with built in recirculation pumps and buffer tanks. Navien units deliver up to 11.2 GPM and feature dual stainless steel heat exchangers.
We are also the only warranty service company for Jacuzzi brand products in the Baton Rouge area. We can perform manufacturer warranty repairs at no cost to you on covered brands.
Tankless Water Heater Maintenance After Installation
Tankless water heaters require annual maintenance to maintain efficiency and protect the manufacturer’s warranty. Baton Rouge’s water supply, drawn from the Mississippi River alluvial aquifer, contains moderate mineral content that causes scale buildup inside the heat exchanger over time.
Maintenance tasks include:
- Annual flushing: A licensed plumber circulates a descaling solution (typically food grade white vinegar or a commercial descaler) through the heat exchanger for 45 to 60 minutes. This removes calcium and mineral deposits that reduce heating efficiency and restrict water flow. Annual flushing costs $100 to $200.
- Inlet water filter cleaning: Tankless units have a small mesh screen filter on the cold water inlet. This filter traps sediment and debris before it enters the heat exchanger. Cleaning this filter every 6 to 12 months prevents flow restrictions.
- Venting inspection: Gas tankless venting connections require annual inspection for corrosion, blockage, or separation. Condensing models also need the condensate drain line checked for clogs.
- Error code diagnostics: Tankless units display diagnostic error codes on the control panel. Common codes indicate ignition failure, exhaust blockage, or scale buildup. Central Plumbing Co. technicians diagnose and resolve all manufacturer error codes.
We offer tankless water heater maintenance and repair services to keep your system running at peak efficiency. Regular maintenance extends the unit’s lifespan beyond the typical 15 to 20 year range.
Residential and Commercial Tankless Installation
Central Plumbing Co. installs tankless water heaters for both residential and commercial properties in Baton Rouge.
Residential installations typically use 1 or 2 tankless units to supply an entire home. A single high capacity gas unit (9 to 11 GPM) handles most Baton Rouge homes with up to 3 bathrooms. Homes with 4 or more bathrooms may need 2 units installed in a parallel configuration.
Commercial applications often require multiple tankless units installed on a multi link rack system. Restaurants, hotels, apartment complexes, and office buildings use these configurations to meet higher hot water demands. Central Plumbing Co.’s commercial team holds OSHA certifications and maintains ISNetWorld compliance, and our plumbers carry TWIC cards for access to industrial facilities. We design and install multi unit commercial tankless systems sized to your specific hot water demand profile.
Why Choose Central Plumbing Co. for Tankless Water Heater Installation in Baton Rouge
- Licensed, bonded, and insured: Central Plumbing Co. holds Louisiana State Plumbing Board Master Plumber License #1959. Every technician on our team is a licensed plumber bonded and insured for your protection.
- 50 years of experience: The Payne family founded Central Plumbing Co. in 1974. Four generations of master plumbers have built our reputation for honest, reliable plumbing service in Baton Rouge.
- Flat rate pricing: We provide a flat rate quote before starting any work. The price you see is the price you pay. No hourly surprises, no hidden fees.
- All brand certification: Our plumbers are factory certified to install and service Rheem, Rinnai, A.O. Smith, Noritz, Navien, and other major tankless water heater brands.
- Warranty backed installation: We extend a 30 day warranty on service work and up to 1 year on new installations. We also perform manufacturer warranty repairs as an authorized service provider for covered brands.
- 24/7 support: Real people answer the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If your tankless system has an issue after hours, Central Plumbing Co. responds.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tankless Water Heater Installation in Baton Rouge
A direct replacement of an existing tankless unit takes 2 to 4 hours. A tank to tankless conversion that requires gas line upgrades, new venting, and electrical work takes 4 to 8 hours or a full day.
Louisiana’s warm groundwater temperature (65 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit) reduces the temperature rise a tankless unit needs to reach 120 degrees. This allows smaller units to deliver higher effective flow rates compared to colder climates.
Louisiana law requires a licensed plumber for water heater installation. Improper installation can void the manufacturer warranty, create fire or gas leak hazards, and violate building codes. Central Plumbing Co. handles all permits and code compliance.
Energy Star certified gas tankless water heaters with a UEF of 0.95 or higher qualify for a 30 percent federal tax credit up to $600 under the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. Some Louisiana utility providers also offer rebates.
A typical 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in Baton Rouge needs a gas unit rated at 8 to 10 GPM or an electric unit rated at 18 to 27 kW. Central Plumbing Co. calculates the exact size based on your peak simultaneous hot water demand.
