Tankless Water Heater Services
When you’re considering upgrading your water heating system, tankless water heaters represent one of the most significant advances in home comfort technology available today. At S&S Mechanical, we’ve been installing and servicing these innovative systems since they first gained popularity in the American market. Unlike traditional tank-style heaters that continuously heat 40 to 80 gallons of water, tankless systems heat water on demand, providing an endless supply of hot water exactly when you need it. This fundamental difference in operation means you’ll never run out of hot water during back-to-back showers or when running multiple appliances simultaneously.
Understanding Modern Tankless Water Heater Technology
The technology behind tankless water heaters involves sophisticated heat exchangers that rapidly warm water as it flows through the unit. When you turn on a hot water tap, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit where either a gas burner or electric element heats the water instantaneously. This process typically delivers hot water at a rate of 2 to 5 gallons per minute, with gas-fired units generally producing higher flow rates than electric models. Our technicians, each with at least 4 years of experience, understand the intricate components that make these systems work, from the flow sensors and control boards to the venting requirements specific to each installation.
Installation Requirements and Professional Expertise
Installing a tankless water heater requires specialized knowledge that goes far beyond typical plumbing work. We evaluate your home’s existing infrastructure, including gas line capacity, electrical service, and venting configurations, to determine the optimal system for your needs. Gas-powered tankless heaters often require larger gas lines than traditional water heaters because they need more fuel to create the instant burst of heat. Similarly, electric models may need upgraded electrical service, sometimes requiring 150 to 200 amps of dedicated power. Having opened our shop over 40 years ago, S&S Mechanical started as a small operation and quickly grew through referrals from happy customers eager to tell their friends and family about their experiences with these complex installations.
The venting requirements for tankless systems differ significantly from traditional water heaters. Most high-efficiency units require Category III stainless steel venting or PVC piping, depending on the model and manufacturer specifications. Proper venting ensures safe operation and maintains the unit’s efficiency rating, which can reach up to 98% in condensing models. Our Trust Certified technicians understand local building codes throughout the greater St. George area and ensure every installation meets or exceeds these requirements.
Maintenance Services That Extend System Life
Regular maintenance of tankless water heaters proves essential for maintaining peak performance and extending equipment life. We recommend annual service appointments where our technicians perform comprehensive system checks and cleaning procedures. The primary maintenance task involves descaling the heat exchanger to remove mineral buildup that naturally occurs from water flowing through the system. This buildup, particularly common in areas with hard water, can reduce efficiency by up to 30% and potentially cause premature system failure if left untreated.
During maintenance visits, we also inspect and clean the water filter, check the venting system for obstructions, test safety devices, and verify proper combustion in gas models. Electronic components receive thorough testing to ensure sensors and control boards function correctly. These preventive measures help identify potential issues before they become costly repairs, maintaining your system’s efficiency and reliability throughout its operational life.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Benefits
Tankless water heaters offer substantial energy savings compared to traditional storage tank models, with efficiency ratings typically ranging from 82% to 98%. Since these units only heat water when needed, they eliminate the standby energy losses associated with keeping a large tank of water hot 24/7. According to the Department of Energy, homes using less than 41 gallons of hot water daily can achieve energy savings of 24% to 34% with tankless systems. Even homes with higher hot water usage see savings of 8% to 14%.
- Lower monthly utility bills: Reduced energy consumption translates directly to cost savings
- Longer equipment lifespan: Tankless units typically last 20+ years versus 10-15 for tank heaters
- Space savings: Compact wall-mounted design frees up valuable floor space
- Reduced water waste: Hot water arrives faster at fixtures, minimizing water run time
- Potential tax credits: Energy-efficient models may qualify for federal and state incentives
Our normal business hours are Monday through Friday 7am – 6pm, but we are also available on-call for emergencies, including tankless water heater failures. Whether you’re experiencing insufficient hot water, error codes, or complete system failure, we can usually dispatch a technician to your St. George, Washington, Santa Clara, Ivins, Hurricane, Cedar City, and La Verkin, UT home within 2 hours of your initial phone call for emergency situations. Trust S&S Mechanical for all your tankless water heater needs.
