Definitely, you can install a tankless water heater yourself as it is nowhere written that you can’t do it.
But, before you expedite the installation process on your own it is equally important for you to understand the underlying consequences if things turn out to be bizarre.
Most of the premium quality and high-end tankless water heater brands offer a warranty only if a plumber or technician has expedited the installation process.
Any mistake in installation can lead to an invalid warranty.
Moreover, installing a tankless water heater is a time-consuming and tedious task that MUST BE expedited by someone who has expertise in this field.
Though installation cost is tangible and will definitely increase the overall costing of a tankless water heater still it’s worth it in the long run.
Any loopholes in the installation can adversely impact the performance as well as the lifespan of a tankless water heater.
So, though theoretically there isn’t any harm in installing a tankless water heater on your own still we recommend it to get installed by a CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN in order to prevent any last-minute misadventure.
To add to it, installing a tankless water heater isn’t a DIYer project if you don’t have prior experience in plumbing.
At the same time, it’s equally important for you to understand that there are a number of different sizes and styles of a tankless water heater including propane, natural gas, and most popular, electric variant.
If needed you might have to do slight modifications to your gas line in the case, you’re planning to install a gas tankless water heater.
What I actually mean is, you need to consider a lot of things when it comes to successfully installing any variant of a tankless water heater.
Not to forget, if you’re planning to expedite the installation process on your own then definitely, you need to be well-versed with the process of shutting off the gas supply to the existing water heater as well as disconnecting the tank without releasing any gas.
You might have to hire someone for disposing of the existing tank-styled water properly if you’re planning to upgrade to a tankless water heater.
Once you’re done with the selection of the tankless heater model, you need to install the exact vent that your tankless heater model is compatible with.
The probability is very high that you’ll have to wire in your new tankless unit.
In rarest of the rare scenario, you might have a properly sized power source nearby.
Needless to say, all these tactical tasks will require both wiring expertise and plumbing experience.
For increased demand, you don’t have an option but to upgrade your gas pipeline in the case of installing a gas tankless water heater.
Of course, quite a few installations also require new water lines as well as pressure relief valve discharge lines that require soldering.
And, by any chance you’re successfully expediting the aforementioned steps then the next thing that you need to do is to ensure that the entire installation meets building codes and that your house owner’s insurance will cover any damage caused by potential mistakes.
I hope now you would be in a better condition to decide whether you would love to expedite the installation process of a tankless water heater on your own or you’ll prefer to hire a certified technician.
My main purpose was to update you regarding the know-how of the installation steps.
Do you need a professional to install a tankless water heater?
Trust me, a tankless water heater replacement is a complex process that involves the skills of a highly trained technician.
What I’ll say is, unless you’re experienced and comfortable enough to solder pipe, make connections, and most importantly, follow local codes, and hire a licensed professional.
Meanwhile, if you’ve got a scarcity of time then I would highly suggest you should hire a tankless water heater installation service.
As far as I know, most of these services have included plumbing for tankless water heater and removal of the old unit.
If you reside in a large home then chances are high that you might be needing more than one tankless water for your home.
In short, if you don’t have prior experience in plumbing and tankless water heater installation then hiring a plumber for the installation of a tankless unit is a MUST.
How hard is it to replace a tankless water heater?
As compared to a tank-styled conventional water heater, a tankless water heater is definitely difficult to install and comes with special venting requirements along with the need for large gas lines because of the higher BTU rating.
As discussed earlier in the post, you must hire a technician for the installation of your tankless water heater if you don’t have any prior experience of doing it.
Similarly, replacing a tankless water heater is a tedious and time-consuming process that is next to impossible for a newbie to expedite on its own because of the complex steps involved in it.
We highly suggest that first-time buyers stay away from replacing a tankless water heater on its own even though they are DIYers.
And, the worst part is, a faulty installation can completely wipe off the benefits of the warranty as it will be nullified.
How much does it cost to install a tankless water heater?
In general, the average cost of a tankless water heater installation falls in the range of $1000 and $3000.
I know it’s on a higher side but the installation cost is completely justified according to me because of the complex steps involved in it.
However, don’t try to expedite the installation process on your own seeing the costing because you might end up doing more bad to your tankless unit than good.
Where should a tankless water heater be installed?
Depending upon the type of tankless water heater, you can install it indoor or outdoor.
However, we recommend installing a tankless water inside the room as it has numerous advantages attached to it.
Moreover, if you’re planning to buy an electric tankless water heater, then you can install it on the wall as well and thus, free the ground space for some other uses.
In general, tankless water heaters are compact and require very less space for installation.
In fact, a tankless unit can be installed under sink, under stairs, or even in a pantry.
On the other hand, if you’re planning to install a tankless water heater outside then make sure it’s safe from direct sunlight, rain, and insects to prevent any last minute misadventure.
Can I install a tankless water heater in a closet?
Yes, you can install a tankless water heater in a closet thanks to its compact size and sleek design.
Some brands offer tankless water heater that are meant for installation in a closet so you don’t have to worry at all.
All you need to do is to ensure with the salesperson that the tankless unit that you’re planning to buy can be installed in a closet or NOT.
As per my knowledge and experience, most of the electric tankless water heater models can be easily installed in a closet.
How much room is needed for a tankless water heater?
Trust me, you don’t have to worry about the space at all if you’re planning to buy a tankless water heater.
In fact, even you’re planning to buy a large tankless unit, it will not require area more than 24 inches square and ex- tends from the wall by about 8 to 10 inches.
How high should a tankless water heater be installed?
You can check all the information related to installation of a tankless water heater HERE.
Can a gas tankless water heater be installed in a bathroom?
Technically, a tankless water heater can be installed anywhere in your home irrespective of whether its an electric or gas tankless unit.
All the credit goes to its unique and compact design.
In fact, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that a tankless water heater can be installed in closet, under sink, and in even cabinets.
In short, yes, you can install a gas tankless water heater in a bathroom.
Can I Install a Tankless Water Heater in My Attic?
In simple words, to a large extent it depends upon your attic whether or NOT you would be able to install a tankless unit in it.
If I’ve to make it more simple, a tankless water heater can be installed in any portion of your house till the time air require for combustion is enough.
Coming straight to the answer, you can definitely install a tankless water heater in your attic.
Nevertheless, you need to make sure the gas and water pipes can reach your attic as it would be required by the tankless unit.
From my past experience, all I can say is, try to install your tankless unit where the old heater was located as it will make the installation process less time consuming and hassle-free task.
Can a gas tankless water heater be installed in a garage?
As long as enough air is provided for combustion, you can definitely install a tankless water heater in your garage.
At the same time, you need to make sure that the place where you’re planning to install the unit has an access to both gas and water pipes for a hassle-free installation.
How far does a tankless water heater need to be from electrical panel?
As per National Electrical Code. NEC 110.26(A)(1),(2) & (3), you can’t cover working space around panels.
In fact, there must be clearing working space of a minimum 36″ out from the panel.
Moreover, the width of the working space must be a minimum of 30″, or as wide as the equipment if wider.
When it comes to height of the working space then it must be clear from the floor to at least 6ft 6in above the floor.
Also, you need to understand that ONLY other equipments associated with the electrical installation are allowed inside of this space.
Even though you’re allowed to use other relate equipments they shouldn’t extend more than 6 inches beyond the front of the panel.
Did my answer sufficed the quest of your query?
Do let me know in the comment section.
Wrapping Up
First and foremost, I would like to thank you for being with us till the end.
Secondly, I would like to bring to your notice that I along with my core team have put loads and loads of effort in coming up with this idiosyncratic superlative piece of information on the topic, can you install a tankless water heater on your own?
And, in case, you liked our effort and wants to appreciate us then please do share this piece of information with like-minded people and the ones who are in search for it.
After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?
So, my answer to the question, can I install a tankless water heater on my own is a BIG NO until and unless you’ve got prior experience in plumbing and installation because the steps involved are complex.
And, if you’re first-time buyer and expediting the installation process on your own then you’ll do more bad than good to your tankless unit.
Of course, the installation cost is bit on a higher side but it is completely justified seeing the complexity involved.
That’s all, as of now:):)
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