If you live in Amarillo, Texas, and you’re thinking about upgrading to a tankless water heater, you might be wondering: Do plumbers even install these things? The answer is a big, Texas-sized YES, and if you don’t want cold showers or a botched installation, you should absolutely call a plumber to do it.
Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why tankless water heaters are getting so popular and why hiring a plumber is the smartest move you can make.
Why Are People Switching to Tankless Water Heaters?
Picture this: You’re in the shower, covered in soap, and suddenly—boom. Ice-cold water. Someone in the house must’ve used up all the hot water, and now you’re stuck shivering like you just jumped into Palo Duro Canyon in December.
Tankless water heaters fix that problem. Instead of storing hot water in a tank and running out when it’s gone, they heat water on demand. That means as long as you have water flowing, you have hot water. No more waiting, no more running out, and no more fights over who used all the hot water.
Other Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
✅ Energy Efficiency – They only heat water when you need it, so they use less energy than traditional water heaters. That means lower utility bills. Who doesn’t like saving money?
✅ Longer Lifespan – A traditional water heater usually lasts about 8–12 years. A tankless one? It can last 20 years or more with proper maintenance. That’s twice the lifespan!
✅ Saves Space – Traditional water heaters are big, bulky, and take up a lot of space. A tankless system is small and can even be mounted on a wall. If you’re short on storage space, this is a huge plus.
✅ No More Rusty Water – Traditional tanks can build up rust and sediment over time, which can mess with your water quality. Since tankless systems don’t store water, you don’t have to worry about that.
Can a Plumber Really Install a Tankless Water Heater?
Absolutely! Plumbers are the right people for the job. Some homeowners think that because tankless systems involve gas lines or electrical upgrades, they might need an electrician or HVAC specialist. But a good plumber knows how to handle it all.
Plumbers work with water lines, gas lines, and venting systems every single day. A tankless water heater installation involves all three, so you definitely want someone who understands how they work together.
That said, not every plumber has experience with tankless water heaters. You need to find one who knows the ins and outs of these systems, especially if you’re in Amarillo, where the weather can go from scorching hot to freezing cold in a blink.
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What Happens During a Tankless Water Heater Installation?
Switching from a traditional water heater to a tankless system isn’t as simple as plugging in a new coffee maker. It’s a detailed process that requires expertise. Here’s what your plumber will do:
1. Checking Your Home’s Setup
Before anything else, the plumber will check your home’s existing plumbing, gas lines, and electrical system. Not all homes are ready for a tankless setup right away.
- Gas-powered models need proper venting and the right gas line size.
- Electric models might require an electrical panel upgrade to handle the extra power demand.
Your plumber will figure out what needs to be done to make sure your new heater runs smoothly.
2. Removing the Old Water Heater
Say goodbye to that big, clunky tank! The plumber will safely disconnect and remove your old water heater, making sure everything is properly shut off and drained before moving on.
3. Installing the New Tankless Unit
This part takes skill. The plumber will:
✔️ Mount the unit on the wall (or wherever you want it installed).
✔️ Connect the water lines to ensure proper flow.
✔️ Run new gas or electrical connections if needed.
✔️ Set up venting to make sure the unit works safely.
4. Testing & Fine-Tuning
Once everything is hooked up, your plumber will:
- Turn on the water and gas/electricity.
- Check for leaks.
- Test the water temperature.
- Adjust the settings to make sure your system is working perfectly.
Once they’re done, you’ll have endless hot water at the turn of a faucet.
Why You Shouldn’t Install It Yourself
Look, we get it. Some homeowners love a good DIY challenge. But unless you really know what you’re doing, installing a tankless water heater yourself is a bad idea.
Here’s why:
❌ It’s complicated – You need to handle plumbing, gas lines, and possibly electrical work. One wrong move could lead to leaks, fires, or serious damage.
❌ Code violations – Amarillo has building codes that need to be followed when installing water heaters. If you do it wrong, you might have to rip everything out and start over.
❌ Warranty issues – Many tankless water heaters come with a warranty, but guess what? If you install it yourself and something goes wrong, the warranty may not cover the damage.
❌ It could cost more in the long run – If you mess up, you’ll end up calling a plumber anyway. That means you’re paying twice, once for your mistakes and once for the actual fix.
Hiring a plumber from the start will save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Tankless Water Heater in Amarillo?
The cost of installation varies depending on:
- Whether you need new gas or electrical connections
- The type and size of the unit
- Any additional upgrades to your plumbing system
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,500 for the unit and installation combined. It might sound pricey, but remember, you’re getting better energy efficiency, a longer lifespan, and unlimited hot water. Over time, the savings on your utility bills can help offset the cost.
We’ve Got You Covered!
If you’re ready to ditch your old water heater and upgrade to a tankless system, our expert plumbers in Amarillo can make it happen. We’ve installed tankless water heaters for tons of homeowners, and we know exactly how to do it the right way.
Give us a call today, and let’s get you set up with hot water whenever you need it – no more running out, no more cold surprises, just pure comfort.
Attribution: Cover Image by FreePik
More Reading:
- What’s the Difference Between Residential and Commercial Plumbing?
- How Do Plumbers Assist in Kitchen Remodels?