Whether you call it demand-type, on-demand, or regular tankless water heaters, the function is same and it is heating water without storing. As soon as you open a hot water tap, this device can sense the flow to activate just like that.
Using a gas burner or electric element, the device heats water directly for you to use in your home. There’s no need for replenishing a tank since there’s no such thing with it. With that being said, you don’t have to worry about running out of water as well. Once you turn off the hot water tap, it cleverly senses flow and stops heating mechanism.
It’s indeed impressive and so, you might want to buy one and install it at your place. But before that, there are a few things or requirements about installation you need to be aware of. Today let’s cover the ones for its electric version. What are the electric tankless water heater installation requirements, let’s find out?
Here Are the Electric Tankless Water Heater Installation Requirements You Need to Take Care Of.
Before the actual installation process, you need to confirm a lot of other things that are related. It’s best to know prior to buying the tankless water heater so that you can confirm whether or not it would be a good decision.
The Requirements Related to Electric Service.
This amazing device is unfortunately sometimes not suitable for a certain home. The system comes with a very high amp draw. There are tank heater models that come with three distinct 50A double pole breakers. And so, it will require at least 300A of the main service.
But if you have a 200A capacity home, which is the usual scenario with most, then that will not be enough to provide for this system. As a result, you’ll have to either give up on the installation thought or simply upgrade your old electrical service panel. You can upgrade the old one by simply including bigger wires as well as breakers.
Or you can opt for running a wholly new one. The latter option will cost you somewhat a couple of thousand dollars of work. Another route is going for a POU electric tankless water heater. The POU stands for point of use basically. These are not a problem to install because of their amperage requirements. There are varieties that need barely 240V power. Some smaller units are also out there that can run on 120V.
If you are confused about determining the recent size of your electrical service in home, then here’s what to do. You need to have a look at the electrical breaker box. Typically, it stays right outside of the home. The electrical panel should come with a label. Here also you can find the information. And the simplest way is to ask your electrician to find this size for you.
The Requirements Related to Water Pressure.
There are some water pressure range requirements for electric tankless water heaters generally. And usually, it’s between 30 to 150 psi. In case you have a water pressure above 150 psi, then you’ll need to install separate pressure reducing valve.
Now there are also some permits you’ll need to worry about beforehand. Some homeowners get a model suitable for installation done by themselves without the need of any licensed professional. In that case, too, you should pull a permit for safety. The same goes for those who are actually replacing their old water heater. Usually, a plumbing inspector visits your place and ensures the installation is secure. And it’s that simple.
Requirements on Deciding the Installation Spot.
There are a few requirements or considerations that you should prioritize for installing the stuff in a proper spot. Finding and deciding the right space to install a tankless water heater will have a huge impact on how you’ll get to use it later on.
So, the very first thing you need to do is pick a suitable wall for mounting heater. Now you may need it for the whole house’s usage. In such a need, your best bet should be installing it close to the place where hot water will be mostly used.
So, once you open the outlet, the water in that area will get warm faster. This is also applicable to using a recirculation pump. Also, having access to the main cold-water line is very important. Placing the POU systems close to where they’ll be using most is also recommended.
Now some people think that an electric tankless water heater needs venting, but that’s not true. Since there’s no storage tank, you can still pick a location that isn’t suitable for venting and do just fine. You can easily think about areas such as under the sink or tinier bathroom.
Another thing you need to assure while picking the installation spot is that it should come with enough space to accommodate heater vertically. Because most of the electric tankless heater needs vertical installation. It also means the power and water supply connections will be aiming downward.
So, you should pay attention to whether or not enough clearance is available. Include the fact that servicing might also be necessary at certain points. So that means more clearance. Also here are some pointers of bad location for electric tankless water heater installation:
- Areas that allow water or another liquid splashing.
- Too much moisture and humid areas.
- Spots that have a freezing temperature.
Requirements Related to Hiring a Professional.
With so many types of electric tankless water heater, it’s obvious the installation process can’t be exactly generalized. And so, some manufacturers don’t recommend DIY installation. The manual clearly says to appoint a licensed electrician or plumber for the job.
And if you avoid such instructions, it may void the warranty. Also, there’s a good chance of decreasing the system’s lifespan as well as causing personal injuries later on. So, if that’s the case, then don’t skip asking for help from a licensed expert.
Requirements Related to Tools & Supplies.
There are a few tools a supply you’ll need for a successful installation. You are going to need a Philips head screwdriver, drill and drill bits, a wrench that is adjustable, needle nose pliers, pipe cutter, screws and anchors of mounting, piping made of stainless steel or copper, pencil tape measure, and so on.
Also, you’ll need to buy a pressure reducing valve in case of high-water pressure as well as a T&P valve. Other supplies that are usually needed are double pole circuit breakers, recirculation pump and cross over valve, soldering tools, Teflon tape, sandpaper, and pipe insulation. If you chose to hire an expert for this, then some tools are not necessary to buy. While a few supplies will still be required, and your electrician or plumber will let you know about it.
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Wrap Up
And that was all about the most important electric tankless water heater installation requirements that you should be aware of. There’s a good chance of getting confused by the whole installation and usually, it’s because of not knowing these requirements or necessities.
Once you take care of all these critical installation-related matters and make necessary decisions, everything should fall in its place smoothly. It’s not just going to save you time but a lot of panics
I’m James. The author of Electricalaffairs.com. It’s been my passion to deal with power tools and gears. This website is mainly to talk about electrical wirings, lighting, various power source tools and accessories. I want to explore tackles and help people to grow their basic knowledge about electrical things. I would also like to help people to pick the right power tool for their daily needs.