Tankless Water Heater in Gilbert, AZ

What happens when you call

The call connects you with an independent plumber who covers Gilbert. Expect questions about the heater you have now (gas or electric, tank size, where it sits), how many bathrooms the house has and how many showers tend to run at once. For a repair, the error code on the unit's display and its model number speed things up. Most Gilbert installs start with a site visit to look at the gas meter, the pipe run to the heater and where a vent can exit.

What affects the cost

• Whether the gas line has to be upsized from the meter
• Vent length, wall versus roof termination, and a condensate drain for condensing models
• Indoor versus exterior-wall mounting
• Isolation valves, a scale filter or a softener
• A recirculation pump or dedicated return line for faster hot water
• Permit and inspection, if the Town requires one for your scope

Gilbert conditions

Census survey figures put Gilbert's median build year at 2003, and only about 4% of homes predate 1980. That usually means an accessible garage water heater, supply piping in reasonable shape and room on an exterior wall for a vent or an outdoor-rated unit. The Town of Gilbert treats Salt River Project and Central Arizona Project canal water with ozonation and chlorination and blends it with groundwater from 17 town wells. Check the Town's annual water quality report for hardness in your area; mineral scale is the main wear item for any tankless heat exchanger, so a yearly flush is a sensible default.

The Town lists Southwest Gas as the residential gas utility. Plumbing permit questions go to Development Services' One Stop Shop at (480) 503-6700.

Before the plumber arrives

• Clear a path to the water heater, the gas meter and the main water shutoff
• Photograph the current heater's data plate
• Write down any error codes and when they appear
• Check whether your HOA has rules on equipment mounted outside
• Find the nearest outlet; gas tankless units need power
• Note how long hot water takes to reach the farthest bathroom, which helps decide on recirculation

If you smell gas at any point, leave the house and call 911 and Southwest Gas at 877-860-6020 from outside.