Tankless Water Heater Installation
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.
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.
Central Plumbing Co. installs 3 types of tankless water heaters for residential and commercial properties in Baton Rouge.
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 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 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.
Tankless water heaters offer 6 measurable advantages over traditional tank style systems.
Our licensed plumbers follow a 6 step process for every tankless water heater installation in Baton Rouge.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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:
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.
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.
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.