Best Tankless Water Heater Service Companies in Florida Ranked

Upgrading to a tankless water heater in Florida can provide endless hot water, improved energy efficiency, and valuable space savings in your home. These on-demand systems heat water only when you need it, which can be a smart choice for managing utility costs in the Sunshine State. This guide explains the key considerations for installation and repair, helping you understand the process, costs, and regulations so you can connect with qualified local professionals for your project.

PV Plumbing

146 Pienza Ave, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081

PV Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing company based in Ponte Vedra, serving Jacksonville, FL, and nearby communities. They offer a range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, water softener installation, leak detection, and drain cleaning. With over 12 years of experience, PV Plumbing handles both residential and commercial plumbing needs using advanced tools and techniques to ensure effective solutions. Their licensed plumbers are known for thorough diagnostics and timely repairs, including specialized capabilities like tankless water heater servicing.

5.0

667 Reviews

Premier Rooter Plumbing and Drain Services

2996 Lahlor Ln, Palm Harbor, FL 34684

Premier Rooter Plumbing and Drain Services is a full-service plumbing company serving Tampa, FL. They offer a wide range of services including leak detection, water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, sump pump repair, toilet and faucet installation and repair, as well as garbage disposal services. Using advanced technology, they specialize in pinpointing hidden leaks and provide expert sewer line inspections and repairs to maintain efficient plumbing systems. Their team also handles outdoor and pool plumbing repairs, ensuring comprehensive coverage for residential plumbing needs in the area.

5.0

392 Reviews

Paramount Plumbing Services

20911 Johnson St #130, Pembroke Pines, FL 33029

Paramount Plumbing Services provides a wide range of plumbing solutions in Miami, FL, including sewer camera inspections, water heater repairs and installations, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, and trenchless sewer repairs. They specialize in emergency plumbing services, offering 24/7 availability for urgent issues such as burst pipes, sewage backups, and gas leaks. Their team uses specialized equipment like submersible pumps and night vision tools to manage crises effectively. Paramount Plumbing Services also supports customers with insurance documentation and post-emergency follow-up to ensure complete restoration.

5.0

346 Reviews

North River Plumbing Solutions, LLC

1611 12th St E STE C, Palmetto, FL 34221

North River Plumbing Solutions, LLC is a family-owned plumbing company serving St Petersburg, FL. They offer a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services including water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, and gas line installation. The company is skilled in handling both traditional and tankless water heaters and uses high-powered equipment for drain and sewer maintenance. Owner Chris Coakley brings over 13 years of experience in the plumbing trade, emphasizing customer-focused service in the local community.

5.0

256 Reviews

Drainworks Plumbing and Gas

150 E Bloomingdale Ave Suite #207, Brandon, FL 33511

Drainworks Plumbing and Gas provides a wide range of plumbing services in Tampa, FL, including water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, and gas line installation. They use advanced video technology for sewer camera inspections and offer hydro jetting to clear tough clogs. Their services also include slab leak detection and water softener installation. The company serves residential customers in the greater Brandon and eastern Hillsborough County areas.

5.0

240 Reviews

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Why Choose a Tankless System in Florida?

For Florida homeowners, the benefits of a tankless, or on-demand, water heater are compelling. The primary advantage is energy efficiency; since the unit doesn't maintain a tank of hot water 24/7, it can reduce energy consumption by 24% to 34% for homes that use 41 gallons or less daily ¹. This efficiency can translate to lower monthly bills. Furthermore, tankless models have a longer lifespan-often 20 years or more-compared to traditional tank-style heaters ¹. They also free up valuable floor space, which is ideal for Florida homes with utility closets or garages. Most importantly, they provide a continuous supply of hot water, eliminating the worry of running out during back-to-back showers.

Fuel Types: Gas vs. Electric

Your choice between a natural gas/propane or electric tankless water heater is the most significant decision, impacting installation complexity, performance, and operating costs.

Natural Gas or Propane:

• Best For: Whole-home heating, especially for larger households with simultaneous hot water demands (e.g., shower and dishwasher running at once).
• Efficiency: Gas models are highly efficient but require specific, code-compliant venting to expel combustion gases, typically using stainless steel or specialized PVC piping ^{1 2}.
• Installation Note: A common and critical requirement is upgrading the home's gas line. Tankless heaters have a high instantaneous BTU demand, often necessitating a larger diameter gas pipe (e.g., ¾-inch) from the meter to the unit ^{2 3}.

Electric:

• Best For: Point-of-use applications (like a single bathroom) or homes without existing gas service.
• Simplicity: Installation is often simpler as there is no need for venting or gas lines ⁴.
• Installation Note: The trade-off is electrical demand. Whole-home electric models can require a substantial power upgrade, such as dedicated 120-amp circuits with corresponding heavy-gauge wiring (e.g., 10-gauge) ^{3 5}. It's crucial to have your home's electrical panel evaluated by a professional.

Understanding Installation Costs in Florida

The cost to install a tankless water heater in Florida varies widely, typically ranging from $1,400 to over $8,000^{6 7}. This broad range is due to several factors:

• Unit Cost: The heater itself, with higher-flow gas models generally costing more.
• Labor & Complexity: The bulk of the cost often comes from necessary upgrades, like running new gas lines, installing complex venting systems, or upgrading electrical service.
• Permits: Mandatory plumbing and gas permits add to the total project cost ^{8 9}.
• Fuel Type: Gas installations tend to be more expensive upfront due to venting and gas line work, while electric installations may be lower-cost unless a major electrical panel upgrade is needed.

For a standard replacement where no major infrastructure changes are required, costs are on the lower end. However, if your home needs a new gas line run, a dedicated electrical circuit installed, or complex venting routed through the attic, the price will be higher ^{6 9}.

The Installation Process: A Step-by-Step Overview

Professional installation is not just recommended; it's often required by code and manufacturer warranties. Here's what a certified plumber will do:

1. Permit Acquisition: The installer will pull the necessary plumbing and, if applicable, gas permits from your local municipality (e.g., City of Pompano Beach) before work begins ^{8 9}.
2. Utility Shut-Off: The technician will safely shut off the water supply, gas line, and electrical power to the existing water heater ^{4 10}.
3. Removal of Old Unit: The old tank is drained, disconnected, and removed from the premises.
4. Mounting & Placement: The new tankless unit is securely mounted to a load-bearing wall in an approved location (often outdoors or in a well-ventilated garage in Florida).
5. Gas & Venting Work (Gas Models): New gas lines of the correct size are installed if needed. A sealed, code-compliant venting system is constructed to direct exhaust directly outdoors ^{1 2}.
6. Electrical Work (Electric Models): New dedicated circuits are run from the electrical panel to the unit location.
7. Plumbing Connections: New water lines (often with isolation valves) are connected to the unit's hot and cold ports.
8. System Test & Inspection: The system is purged of air, checked for gas or water leaks, and activated. Once operational, the work will be inspected by the local building department to ensure it meets all codes ⁸.

Key Code Requirements and Safety Standards

Florida installations must adhere to state and local building codes, which are based on national standards. Key requirements include:

• Venting (Gas Models): The Florida Building Code mandates specific materials and installation practices for venting combustion gases. Direct-vent or power-vent systems using approved materials like stainless steel are standard to prevent corrosion and ensure safe operation ^{1 3}.
• Gas Piping: Gas line sizing must comply with the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) and NFPA 54. Undersized lines are a common issue that professionals must correct to ensure the unit receives adequate gas volume and pressure ².
• Electrical: All wiring must meet the National Electrical Code (NEC). For electric units, this includes proper wire gauge, conduit, and circuit breaker sizing to handle the significant amperage draw ³.
• Permits and Inspections: As noted, permits are required. The final inspection verifies that the installation is safe and compliant, protecting your home and insurance coverage ⁸.

Common Repairs and Maintenance

While durable, tankless water heaters can require service. Common issues and repair costs include:

• Mineral Buildup (Scale): Florida's hard water can cause limescale to accumulate on the heat exchanger, reducing efficiency and flow. Annual descaling with a vinegar solution is recommended maintenance. Professional descaling services typically cost between $100 and $300⁷.
• Ignition Failure (Gas Models): This can be caused by issues with the gas supply, venting, or the ignition module itself. Repair costs can range from $150 to $500 depending on the part ⁷.
• Error Codes: Modern units display error codes for issues like flame failure, overheating, or flow sensor problems. Diagnosis and repair by a technician familiar with your brand is essential.
• Low Hot Water Pressure: Often caused by a clogged inlet screen filter, which is an easy fix, or a failing flow sensor, which requires professional repair.

Professional diagnosis is crucial, as repair costs can vary from $50 for a simple part replacement to over $1,300 for a major component like a heat exchanger^{6 7}. Regular annual maintenance by a qualified technician is the best way to prevent costly repairs and extend the unit's life.

Choosing the Right Professional in Florida

Given the technical and regulatory complexity, selecting the right installer is paramount. Look for a licensed Florida plumbing contractor who has specific experience with tankless water heaters. They should be familiar with local code amendments in your city or county, especially regarding outdoor installation and venting in coastal areas. Always verify that they will handle the permitting and inspection process. Asking for references and examples of previous tankless installations can give you confidence in their expertise.

Frequently asked questions

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