Tankless Water Heater Installation & Repair in Wauwatosa, WI

Tankless Water Heater Installation & Repair in Wauwatosa, WI

Tankless (on-demand) water heaters deliver continuous hot water, lower operating costs, and a smaller footprint than traditional tanks. For Wauwatosa homes—where cold Wisconsin winters increase demand for hot water and municipal well/hard water is common—proper installation, sizing, and routine descaling are critical to reliable performance.

Why choose a tankless water heater in Wauwatosa

• Continuous hot water for long showers, laundry, and simultaneous fixtures without running out.  
• Higher energy efficiency by eliminating standby heat loss common to storage tanks.  
• Space savings—wall-mounted units free up basement or utility closet space in older Wauwatosa homes and tighter city lots.  
• Longer typical service life (often 15–20 years) when maintained properly—valuable for long-term homeowners.

Local note: Wauwatosa’s cold incoming water temperatures mean tankless units must produce a larger temperature rise in winter. Hard water in the region can cause mineral buildup, so descaling and water treatment are frequently necessary to maintain efficiency.

Common services we perform

• New tankless water heater installation (gas or electric) for new construction and remodels  
• Retrofit installations replacing traditional tanks or older on-demand units  
• Diagnostic service and repair of ignition systems, flow sensors, heat exchangers, and gas valves  
• Descaling, filter cleaning, and preventative maintenance plans  
• Venting and combustion air upgrades to meet code and safety requirements  
• Emergency troubleshooting for leaks, no hot water, or gas-related safety issues

Sizing and flow-rate calculations (simple, practical approach)

Sizing a tankless correctly is the single most important step to reliable performance. Two numbers matter: required flow rate (GPM) and required temperature rise.

Step 1 — Estimate required flow (GPM): add typical fixture flow rates during peak use:

• Shower: 1.5–2.5 GPM (low-flow to older fixtures)  
• Lavatory sink: 0.5–1.0 GPM  
• Kitchen faucet: 1.0–2.2 GPM  
• Dishwasher: 1.5 GPM
  Example: Two simultaneous showers (2.0 GPM each) + kitchen faucet (1.5 GPM) = ~5.5 GPM

Step 2 — Calculate temperature rise:

• Measure or estimate incoming groundwater temp. In Wauwatosa winters this can be ~40–45°F.  
• Desired output temperature for showers is typically 105°F.
  Temperature rise = 105°F − incoming temp (e.g., 105 − 45 = 60°F)

Choose a unit that can supply the required GPM at the necessary temperature rise. Whole-house systems commonly range from 6 to 10 GPM at 60°F rise; larger homes or high simultaneous demand may require multiple units or a higher-capacity model.

Installation and retrofit requirements

• Fuel and capacity: Gas (natural gas) tankless need properly sized gas lines and BTU capacity; electric units require high-amperage circuits and sufficient service capacity.  
• Venting: Condensing units require PVC or high-efficiency venting with proper condensate drainage. Non-condensing units need stainless steel or category III venting. Location and run length matter for performance and code compliance.  
• Clearances and mounting: Wall-mounted units require manufacturer clearances and access for maintenance.  
• Permits and inspections: Local permitting and code compliance are required for gas and electrical changes—verify local municipal requirements before installation.  
• Retrofit considerations: Upgrading gas line size, adding dedicated electrical circuits, providing condensate drain, or rerouting venting are common tasks when replacing a storage tank with a tankless unit.

Common diagnostics and repair procedures

Technicians typically follow a stepwise diagnostic approach:

• Read fault codes and check error history through the unit’s interface.  
• Verify gas supply, valve operation, and proper ignition sequence for gas units.  
• Test flow sensor and water pressure; many no-heat issues trace to low flow or clogged inlet screens.  
• Inspect and test flame sensor, igniter, and gas modulating valve for combustion problems.  
• Check heat exchanger for scaling or leaks; severe scaling reduces output and can trigger error codes.  
• Perform combustion analysis (when applicable) to verify safe and efficient burner operation.

Common repairs include replacing igniters or flame sensors, cleaning or replacing clogged screens, repairing or replacing circulation pumps (on recirculation models), and heat exchanger repair or replacement in severe cases.

Descaling and maintenance guidance

Hard water in and around Wauwatosa increases the need for routine descaling. Recommended maintenance:

• Frequency: every 6–12 months for moderate to hard water; every 1–2 years for soft water.  
• Process: isolate the unit using service valves, connect a descaling pump, circulate an approved descaling solution or white vinegar through the heat exchanger, then flush with clean water and clean inlet screens.  
• Filter care: clean inlet water filters and debris screens during each service.  
• Water treatment: consider whole-house water softening or targeted scale-reduction devices to extend heat exchanger life and reduce maintenance frequency.  

Follow manufacturer-recommended procedures to protect warranties and ensure safe service.

Efficiency and cost comparison versus traditional tanks

• Operating costs: Tankless systems eliminate standby losses, meaning lower energy consumption for many households—savings commonly range from 20–30% for water heating, depending on usage patterns.  
• Upfront cost: Tankless units and necessary retrofits (gas line upgrades, venting) have higher initial costs than storage tanks.  
• Lifespan: Tankless units generally last longer (15–20+ years) with regular maintenance compared to 8–12 years for tanks.  
• Repairability: Tankless repairs can be more expensive (heat exchanger replacement) but are offset by longer life and fuel savings.  
• Space: Tankless frees up space and can be mounted in utility closets, garages, or on exterior walls—an advantage for smaller Wauwatosa properties.

Brands and warranties

Common, widely available tankless brands include Rheem, Rinnai, Navien, Noritz, Bosch, and Takagi. Warranty structures vary by manufacturer:

• Heat exchanger warranties commonly range from 5 to 15 years (often longer for residential use).  
• Parts warranties are typically 1–5 years.  
• Many manufacturers require regular maintenance and registration to qualify for full warranty coverage. Always review warranty terms and maintenance obligations before purchase.

What to expect during a professional service visit

• Initial assessment: technicians verify symptoms, read error codes, and perform water temperature and flow tests.  
• Scope and options: diagnosis yields repair options (repair, parts replacement) or replacement recommendations when repair is not cost-effective.  
• Safety checks: gas leak testing, combustion verification, and verifying venting and condensate drainage are always prioritized.  
• Timeline: typical diagnostic visits take 60–90 minutes; repairs or replacements depend on parts availability, venting changes, and permit timelines for gas/electrical upgrades.

Tankless water heaters can be an excellent long-term solution for Wauwatosa homeowners who value continuous hot water, energy efficiency, and space savings. Proper sizing, installation by qualified technicians, and regular descaling are the keys to reliable performance in Wisconsin’s climate and water conditions.