Do most plumbers have a reasonable amount of experience installing tankless water heaters?

Question

Or should I look for a plumber who specializes in those?

Answer 1

If you haven't purchased the tankless heater yet you might want to do some research and rethink your decision. They're three to four times the price of a high efficiency tank heater. They use a high flow rate of gas which negates the savings over one of the newer high efficiency tank types. They also cost more to install due to the larger flue size required. Not a real economical nor a green choice.

Answer 2

Tankless water heaters are relatively new.  Look in the phone book for a plumbing company that specializes (or has an employee that specializes) in tankless.  This technology has been in use in other countries for years and my parents house built in the 1920s had a tankless heater that lasted for about 30 years.  Inquire about the construction and guarentee.Tankless cost about $1000 installed and the better ones have stainless steel interior works. Good luck.

If I planned to live in this house for a long long time I would  have one installed.

Answer 3

Actually, I'd suggest looking for folks that have a tankless system, either gas or electric, and see how they like it.   Nothing like first hand experience for a recommendation, one way or the other.

Answer 4

Look for someone in your neighborhood.  Those who typically specialize will specialize the price.  the manufacturer of the tankless will tell what and how it needs to be done.  Make sure when getting estimates that you tell them which one you want.  Prices should be the same or close to it.  These units are just an everyday job for most, beware of those who want to charge to much, usually an indicator that they don't know what they are doing.  good luck.