Gas and venting
- Tankless units fire at much higher input than a tank, often 150,000 to 199,000 BTU. Many homes have a 1/2-inch gas line to the old tank, which may not be large enough. We check the meter capacity and run length and upsize the line where needed.
- Most condensing tankless units vent with PVC or polypropylene through a side wall and produce acidic condensate that needs a neutraliser and a drain. We plan the vent location so it clears windows, doors and the gas meter by the required distances.
Water quality and maintenance
- Hard water builds scale inside the heat exchanger. Richmond Hill water is moderately hard, so isolation valves with service ports are installed on every tankless unit we fit. Those valves let the unit be flushed with a descaling solution once a year or so without cutting pipes.
- If you already have a softener, the heater benefits from it. If not, ask us about whether one makes sense for your house.
Signs you need this
- Back-to-back showers go cold
- Utility room space is tight
- Your old tank is due for replacement
- You want lower standby energy use
- You are finishing the basement
Is it right for your house
- On-demand units fit homes that keep running short of hot water, homes with limited space, and people planning to stay long enough to recoup the higher install cost. They are less suited to houses with long pipe runs to distant bathrooms, where you still wait for hot water to arrive.
- We will talk through flow rate, the number of showers that might run at once, and whether a recirculation option would help.
How the job runs
- 1
Gas capacity, venting route and water quality are assessed.
- 2
The gas line is upsized if needed and the unit is wall-mounted.
- 3
Venting, condensate drain and service valves are installed.
- 4
The unit is fired, flow-tested and set to a safe temperature.
Richmond Hill note: most houses here sit on York Region municipal water with fairly hard supply, and many basements have a floor drain tied to the sanitary lateral. Mention both on the phone; it changes what goes on the truck.
Want a second opinion on your own pipes first? Dial (365) 363-1575; the person answering holds the wrench.