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jimlenfert · Apr 11, 2009, 01:08 PM

Save money any way I can. Thank you

twinkiedooter · Apr 11, 2009, 01:44 PM

Not a good idea unless the handyman knows electrical as you might end up with a fried handyman or a fried something else.

ballengerb1 · Apr 11, 2009, 01:57 PM

A skilled yhandyman who knows plumbing and gas/electric connection could do the job. However, some brands void the warranty if not installed by their factory trained installers,check your manual. This is not an easy job. Are you NG, LP or electric?

massplumber2008 · Apr 11, 2009, 02:25 PM

My opinion... not a good idea here.

There are some very special codes that go with installing a whole house tankless water heater. Whole house tankless heaters are only sold as liquified petroleum gas or natural gas... so special penetration/heights required. A few years back now some people died because the exhaust was piped to low to the ground and when we had a heavy snow storm the exhaust pipes got covered and the exhaust filled the house and killed the families. They made new code requirements since!

Never mind the fact that you need permits for this type installation. Should something go wrong with the installation and should someone get hurt or God forbid a fire start you would be unhappy to find out that your homeowner's insurance would be voided because no permits were pulled.

Just F.Y.I. I'd spend the extra and have this installed by a PRO... :)

MARK

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Milo Dolezal · Apr 11, 2009, 10:10 PM

Even though I think you can do anything you want - I must agree with Mark's post #4.

ballengerb1 · Apr 12, 2009, 07:04 PM

Jim, you still out there, we are out bnumbering you and have not heard anything new from you. NG, LP or elecric?

massplumber2008 · Apr 13, 2009, 04:43 AM

Bob... I don't think they make a whole house tankless water heater that is purely electric? Do you know of any name brands?

Milo Dolezal · Apr 13, 2009, 04:46 AM

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Bob...I don't think they make a whole house tankless water heater that is purely electric?? Do you know of any name brands?

Rinnai makes both gas and electric version of tankless heaters.

massplumber2008 · Apr 13, 2009, 05:28 AM

Thanks Milo...

I just talked to a local supply house a month back and they told me these weren't made in electric.

Good news is that the customer that requested this has been away for a couple weeks and was waiting until he returned to decide on gas-fired tankless or going back to the same type of water heater he had.

Thanks guys.. I will look into these.

MARK

speedball1 · Apr 13, 2009, 05:29 AM

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Bob...I don't think they make a whole house tankless water heater that is purely electric?? Do you know of any name brands?

Mark, As long ago as 87 I was installing electric whole house tankless water heaters,(see image) Here's just one that I pulled up. Regards, Tom

massplumber2008 · Apr 13, 2009, 05:32 AM

Thanks Tom.

I guess that natural gas is just less expensive to use and it is piped everywhere in my state so that we all just go with the gas heaters... but if no gas present I really like these!

speedball1 · Apr 13, 2009, 05:49 AM

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Thanks Tom.

I guess that natural gas is just less expensive to use and it is piped everywhere in my state so that we all just go with the gas heaters...but if no gas present I really like these!

Mark,
Down here we install almost 100% electriic. Can't remember ever installing gas with one exception. Back in 77 I did a shopping mall that had a "Bagel Inn" restaurant and bakery in it. I piped for gas using one inch type *K" soft copper for the ovens. Never installed a residential gas hot water heater in the Sarasota area since I've moved here. Cheers, Tom

Milo Dolezal · Apr 13, 2009, 05:57 AM

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Thanks Milo...

I just talked to a local supply house a month back and they told me these weren't made in electric.

Good news is that the customer that requested this has been away for a couple weeks and was waiting until he returned to decide on gas-fired tankless or going back to the same type of water heater he had.

Thanks guys..I will look into these.

MARK

Interesting... I will check into it again. I remember couple of years ago we wanted to install electric tankless Rinnai. I discussed this opiton with Rinnai. If I remember correctly, we didn't proceed with the installation because it required 60(?) amp dedicated circuit which would require upgrading existing elec. Service panel. Customer decided to install small propane tank and we installed propane tankless heater.

If there is no NG in the area, go Propane could be another option for Jimlenfert. Electricity is expensive, at least in my area. Since tankless heaters heat water on demand, propane could certainly be the option to consider.

ballengerb1 · Apr 13, 2009, 07:41 AM

I have seen everything but oil fired. I think Rinnai is the brand that requires installation by their factory authorized/trained installers or you void your warranty. The ones I have worked on supply very comprehensive installation instructions which include exactly how far from windows, doors, etc... where they can be installed. I am putting in a Paloma in a few weeks but need to get a larger rotary hammer to get through a 8" poured concrete wall.