Best Tankless Water Heater Service Companies in Indiana Ranked

Upgrading to a tankless water heater in Indiana is a smart investment for endless hot water and improved energy efficiency. This service involves replacing your traditional storage tank with an on-demand unit that heats water only when you need it, which can lead to significant savings on your utility bills. Finding a qualified local professional is crucial, as proper installation requires expertise in plumbing, gas fitting, electrical work, and adherence to Indiana's specific building codes. This guide will help you understand the process, costs, and key considerations for a successful tankless water heater project in the Hoosier State.

Home Heroes Plumbing Heating & Air

7768 Kane Ct, Fishers, IN 46038

Home Heroes Plumbing Heating & Air is a locally owned plumbing, heating, and air conditioning service provider based in Fishers, Indiana. Serving Indianapolis, IN, and surrounding areas, they offer a range of services including water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, water softener installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, gas line installation, and toilet repair. The company specializes in handling plumbing emergencies during business hours and provides expert solutions such as Rheem water heater installations, including tankless models. With over a decade of experience, Home Heroes Plumbing Heating & Air is committed to delivering reliable service tailored to customer needs.

5.0

808 Reviews

Cornwell Plumbing

5724 N Green St 2nd Floor, Brownsburg, IN 46112

Cornwell Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing company serving Indianapolis, IN, and surrounding areas including Brownsburg, Pittsboro, and Hendricks County. Established in 1989, they offer a wide range of plumbing services such as sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, sump pump and sewage pump repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, toilet and garbage disposal repair. Their expertise includes using advanced tools like sewer cameras to diagnose pipe issues accurately. Cornwell Plumbing provides emergency plumbing services when available and focuses on personalized, honest service for both residential and commercial clients.

5.0

267 Reviews

Mowery Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

710 E Main St, Brownsburg, IN 46112

Mowery Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is a full-service plumbing and HVAC company serving Indianapolis, IN. They offer a wide range of services including sewer camera inspections, water heater installation and repair, tankless water heater services, water softener installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company is equipped to handle complex plumbing issues such as sewer line blockages and gas leak repairs. Mowery has a long-standing presence in the community with over 20 years of experience. They also provide emergency plumbing services, including after-hours support for urgent repairs.

4.9

2.3k Reviews

Masters Heating & Cooling

3512 Cavalier Dr, Fort Wayne, IN 46808

Masters Heating & Cooling provides heating, cooling, and plumbing services in Fort Wayne, IN, and the surrounding areas of Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. With over 40 years of experience since 1980, they offer installation, repair, and maintenance for HVAC systems including air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and geothermal systems. Their plumbing services cover water heater installation and repair, sump pump repair, leak detection, and repiping. The company is known for its certified technicians who deliver thorough diagnostics and honest quotes.

4.9

1.9k Reviews

Godby Heating Plumbing Electrical

7852 Moller Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268

Godby Heating Plumbing Electrical is a full-service provider based in Indianapolis, IN, offering heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical services. They handle water heater installation and repair, including tankless models, water softener installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, and toilet repair. Their team also provides HVAC services such as furnace and air conditioner maintenance to ensure year-round home comfort. Godby emphasizes expert work without gimmicks, aiming to keep homes comfortable and systems running efficiently throughout the seasons.

4.9

1.1k Reviews

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How Tankless Water Heaters Work

Unlike traditional water heaters that constantly heat and store 40-80 gallons of water, tankless (or on-demand) units activate only when a hot water tap is turned on. Cold water travels through a pipe into the unit, where either a powerful gas burner or an electric element heats it instantly. This means you're not paying to keep a tank of water hot 24/7, which reduces standby energy losses. For Indiana households, this can be particularly beneficial, providing a continuous supply of hot water for back-to-back showers, laundry, and dishwashing without the worry of running out ¹.

Key Considerations for Indiana Homes

Before choosing a tankless system, several factors specific to your Indiana home must be evaluated to ensure optimal performance and compliance with local regulations.

Fuel Type: Gas vs. Electric

The two primary types of tankless water heaters are gas-fired (natural gas or propane) and electric.

• Natural Gas (NG) & Propane (LP): These are the most common and powerful options, capable of heating water for multiple simultaneous uses in larger homes. They require a dedicated gas line, proper venting, and a combustion air supply ^{2 3 4}.
• Electric: Electric models are often simpler to install as they don't require venting, making them suitable for smaller homes, apartments, or point-of-use applications. However, they have high electrical demands, sometimes requiring upgrades to your home's electrical panel and wiring ^{5 6}.

Proper Sizing is Critical

Sizing a tankless unit isn't about tank capacity; it's about flow rate. A professional will calculate the required Gallons Per Minute (GPM) based on your household's peak demand-the total hot water needed if all fixtures (showers, sinks, dishwasher) were used at once ^{2 7}. An undersized unit will struggle to keep up, leading to lukewarm water and frustration.

Location and Placement

Where you install the unit matters. Common locations include utility rooms, garages, or exterior walls. The site must be:

• Near existing gas, water, and electrical lines to minimize installation complexity.
• Protected from freezing temperatures if installed in an unconditioned space like a garage.
• Easily accessible for future maintenance and service.
• Equipped with proper clearances for combustion and ventilation as per manufacturer and code requirements ^{3 8}.

The Installation Process: What to Expect

A professional installation by a licensed plumber or HVAC contractor in Indiana typically follows these key steps:

1. Assessment and Sizing: The contractor evaluates your home's hot water needs, inspects existing plumbing, gas, and electrical systems, and recommends a correctly sized unit.
2. Permitting: Most installations involving new gas lines, electrical circuits, or plumbing alterations require permits from your local municipality. This ensures the work is inspected for safety and complies with the Indiana Residential Code (IRC) ^{2 9}.
3. Preparation: This may involve shutting off water and gas supplies, removing the old water heater, and preparing the installation site.
4. Mounting: The new unit is securely mounted to a load-bearing wall.
5. Water Connection: New shut-off valves, unions, and often a water filter are installed on the cold water inlet. The hot water outlet is connected to your home's plumbing ^{7 8}.
6. Gas Line Work (for gas models): This is often the most complex part. Tankless heaters require a higher gas flow rate, which may necessitate upgrading the gas supply line to a larger diameter pipe from the meter to the unit ^{2 5}.
7. Venting (for gas models): Proper venting is non-negotiable for safety. High-efficiency condensing models use PVC pipe for venting, while others may require specialized stainless steel venting. All venting must adhere to strict code clearances ^{2 4 9}.
8. Electrical Connection: The unit is connected to power. Electric models may require a new dedicated circuit, while gas models need a standard outlet for the control board.
9. Testing and Commissioning: The system is pressurized, checked for gas and water leaks, and started up. The installer will verify proper operation, venting, and set the temperature ⁸.

Understanding Costs in Indiana

The total cost for a tankless water heater in Indiana varies widely based on the unit, your home's infrastructure, and labor. Here's a general breakdown:

• Equipment Cost: The unit itself can range from $250 for a basic electric point-of-use heater to over $3,600 for a high-capacity, high-efficiency gas model ^{2 6}.
• Labor and Installation: Professional installation labor typically ranges from $650 to $1,300 or more. This base cost can increase significantly if the project requires complex work like running a new gas line, installing new venting, or upgrading electrical service ^{2 10}.
• Total Project Cost: When combining equipment and labor, homeowners can expect a total investment between $2,400 and $5,400+. The final price is highly dependent on the necessary modifications to your home's existing plumbing, gas, and electrical systems ^{2 10}.

Indiana Codes and Safety Regulations

All installations in Indiana must comply with state and local building codes, primarily the Indiana Residential Code (IRC), which adopts the International Residential Code with state amendments. Key safety regulations include ⁹:

• Permits: Required for plumbing, gas, and electrical work. The final inspection provides a crucial safety check.
• Venting: Must use materials listed and labeled for the specific appliance (e.g., PVC for condensing units). Vent pipes must maintain proper clearances from combustible materials and terminate outdoors correctly.
• Gas Piping: Gas lines must be sized to deliver adequate cubic feet per hour (CFH) at the required pressure for the tankless unit's demand, often requiring an upgrade from older lines ⁵.
• Electrical Work: Must follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) for proper circuit sizing, grounding, and overcurrent protection.
• Accessibility: The unit must be installed with sufficient clearance for service, repair, and component replacement.

Repair and Maintenance Needs

While tankless water heaters are durable, they are not maintenance-free. Annual maintenance is recommended to ensure efficiency and longevity. Common repairs and services include:

• Descaling: Indiana's moderately hard water can cause mineral scale (limescale) to build up inside the heat exchanger, reducing efficiency and flow. A professional flush with a descaling solution is typically needed annually.
• Venting Inspection: Ensuring vent pipes are clear of obstructions like bird nests or debris.
• Component Failure: Repair or replacement of flow sensors, ignition systems, gas valves, or circuit boards.
• Error Code Diagnosis: Modern units display error codes that a trained technician can diagnose and resolve.

Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and keeps your system running at peak efficiency, protecting your investment.

Frequently asked questions

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