Tankless Water Heater Installation & Repair in Richfield, WI

Tankless Water Heater Installation & Repair in Richfield, WI

Choosing and maintaining the right tankless water heater for your Richfield, WI home delivers continuous hot water, reduced energy loss, and a smaller footprint than traditional tanks.

Why tankless makes sense for Richfield homes

• Continuous hot water for simultaneous showers, laundry, and dishwasher use without running out.  
• Higher energy efficiency because tankless units eliminate standby heat loss; modern condensing models have very high uniform energy factor (UEF) ratings.  
• Space savings — wall-mounted units free up basement or utility room space in local homes with tight mechanical rooms.  
• Longevity and lower long-term cost of ownership when properly installed and maintained; many units last 15–20 years or more.

In Richfield’s cold winters, incoming water temperatures can be low, increasing the required temperature rise. That must be considered during system sizing.

Common tankless system types and when to choose each

• Condensing gas units (natural gas or propane): Best for high efficiency and households with high simultaneous demand. Require proper condensate drainage and neutralization.  
• Non-condensing gas units: Lower upfront cost, still efficient, but venting and combustion air provisions differ.  
• Electric tankless: Good for smaller homes or point-of-use applications; may need significant electrical upgrades for whole-house use.  
• Dedicated point-of-use units: Ideal for single fixtures, remodeling, or short runs where instant hot water is required.

Sizing and flow-rate selection (how we determine the right unit)

Sizing a tankless unit is primarily about two numbers:

1. Peak combined flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM). Typical fixture estimates:

• Shower: 1.5–2.5 GPM  
• Bathroom sink: 0.5–1.0 GPM  
• Dishwasher: 1.25–2.0 GPM  
• Washing machine: 1.5–2.5 GPM  

1. Required temperature rise (desired outlet temperature minus incoming groundwater temperature). In Richfield winters, incoming groundwater can be around 40–45°F; typical desired outlet is 110–120°F, so plan for a temperature rise of 65–80°F.

Procedure: list fixtures likely to operate simultaneously, add GPMs for peak scenario, then choose a unit rated at that GPM for your required temperature rise. Oversizing for cold-climate operation avoids lukewarm surprises during deep winter.

Installation requirements and local considerations

• Gas supply: Proper gas line sizing (pipe diameter and pressure) is critical for gas units. Many Richfield homes need an assessed line capacity for whole-house tankless systems.  
• Electrical: Electric models or units with electronic controls need adequate breaker capacity and potentially dedicated circuits.  
• Venting and combustion air: Follow manufacturer and code requirements. Condensing units typically use PVC or stainless steel direct venting and require proper condensate drainage. Roof vs. sidewall venting options depend on layout, local codes, and freeze protection needs.  
• Condensate management: Condensing units produce acidic condensate that must be properly drained and, in many cases, neutralized before entering the sanitary system.  
• Plumbing: Shutoff valves, inlet strainer filters, pressure regulation, and proper relief valves are standard. Consider adding a thermal expansion tank if your system includes a check valve or backflow preventer.  
• Freeze protection: In Richfield’s freeze-prone climate, interior installation or manufacturer-approved freeze protection is recommended for external units.  
• Permits and inspections: Local permits and inspections ensure compliance with Richfield/Washington County plumbing and mechanical codes.

Common repair issues and diagnostic steps

• Ignition failure or burner not igniting: Check gas supply and pressure, ignition module, flame sensor, and error codes.  
• Fluctuating water temperature: Often caused by flow sensor issues, scale buildup, or undersized unit for simultaneous load. Verify GPM demand and examine sensors.  
• Low hot water flow: Inspect inlet filters/strainers, clogged heat exchanger, or downstream restrictions. Measure actual flow to compare with rated GPM.  
• Scale buildup and reduced heat transfer: Hard water in Wisconsin leads to mineral deposits on the heat exchanger. Diagnostics include pressure drop checks and internal heat exchanger inspection; heavy scaling may require descaling or replacement of components.  
• Venting blockages/combustion air issues: Look for obstructions, collapsed ducts, or fan failures. Error codes often point to vent problems.  
• Error codes and lockouts: Manufacturers provide diagnostic codes; reading and interpreting codes helps isolate electrical, gas, or sensor faults. Resetting without fixing the root cause is not recommended.

Diagnostic workflow: read error codes → verify gas/electrical supply → inspect water inlet and filters → measure flow and temperature rise → inspect venting and condensate systems → determine whether repair, descaling, or component replacement is required.

Routine maintenance to prevent problems

• Annual descaling (or more frequently): In moderate-to-hard water areas near Richfield, descaling every 6–12 months prevents heat exchanger fouling and maintains efficiency. Frequency depends on water hardness and usage.  
• Clean inlet screen/filters regularly to prevent flow restrictions.  
• Inspect venting and condensate drains for blockage and proper routing.  
• Verify gas pressure and burner condition annually for gas units.  
• Check electrical connections and control boards for corrosion or wear.  
• Consider whole-house water treatment (water softener or scale inhibitor) if hardness is high; this significantly reduces maintenance and extends unit life.

Rebates, incentives, and ownership considerations

High-efficiency gas condensing units and qualifying electric heat pump water heaters may be eligible for utility rebates or federal/state energy incentives. Eligibility depends on model efficiency, installation location, and program rules. Homeowners in Wisconsin should check local utility programs and state energy efficiency initiatives when selecting equipment.

Before-and-after project examples

Example 1 — Conversion and efficiency upgrade: An older 50-gallon tank in a two-bath Richfield home was replaced with a condensing natural gas tankless sized for two simultaneous showers and laundry. Required upgrades included a 3/4-inch gas line, PVC condensate drain with neutralizer, and minor venting modifications. Result: continuous hot water, freed basement space, and improved energy performance.

Example 2 — Repair and prevention: A family experienced fluctuating shower temps and frequent lockouts. Diagnosis found heavy scale build-up on the heat exchanger and clogged inlet filters. The solution combined thorough descaling, replacement of the inline screen, and installation of a whole-house scale mitigation device. The system now operates at rated flow with restored stability and fewer service calls.

Example 3 — Point-of-use addition: To eliminate long hot-water waits for a remote second-floor bathroom, a small electric point-of-use tankless was installed under the sink. No main system changes were needed, and homeowner satisfaction with instant hot water improved.