Best Tankless Water Heater Service Companies in Ohio Ranked

Upgrading to a tankless water heater in Ohio can provide endless hot water and improved energy efficiency for your home. However, the installation process is more complex than a traditional tank-style replacement, involving critical decisions about fuel type, significant upgrades to gas lines or electrical service, and strict adherence to state and local codes. This guide explains what you need to know about installing and maintaining an on-demand water heater in Ohio, helping you understand the process, costs, and how to find qualified local professionals for the job.

Gunther Plumbing

3080 Scioto Darby Executive Ct, Hilliard, OH 43026

Gunther Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing company serving Columbus, OH, and surrounding suburbs. With over 20 years of experience, they offer a wide range of residential plumbing services including water heater installation and repair, sump pump maintenance, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, and hydro jetting. Their team uses camera inspection technology to accurately diagnose plumbing issues and provides certified backflow testing to ensure water safety. Gunther Plumbing is known for handling both routine maintenance and emergency repairs efficiently.

5.0

755 Reviews

The Local Plumber LLC

461 Industry Dr, Columbus, OH 43204

The Local Plumber LLC provides a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services in Columbus, OH. Their expertise includes water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, gas line installation, and toilet repair. They specialize in installing Navien brand tankless water heaters, offering energy-efficient solutions with on-demand hot water. Founded in 2022 by Trevor Randall, who has five years of professional plumbing experience in the Columbus area, the company emphasizes honest, hands-on service delivered by a small, dedicated team.

5.0

311 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

10574 Ravenna Rd Ste 2A, Twinsburg, OH 44087

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides comprehensive residential and commercial plumbing services in Cleveland, OH. Their offerings include water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair with trenchless options, leak detection, gas line installation, and garbage disposal repair. The company also specializes in emergency flood cleanup and mold remediation. They use advanced equipment such as hydro jetting for drain cleaning and offer 24/7 availability year-round to handle urgent plumbing needs. Serving the Cleveland area, Roto-Rooter has extensive experience managing complex commercial plumbing systems and residential repairs. Their expertise in trenchless sewer repair minimizes disruption during sewer line work. The company emphasizes prompt emergency response and continuous service availability, ensuring plumbing issues are addressed at any time.

5.0

224 Reviews

Chaney Services

5353 Dixie Hwy A, Fairfield, OH 45014

Chaney Services is a plumbing company based in Cincinnati, OH, offering a wide range of services including sewer camera inspections, tankless water heater installations, sump pump repairs, drain cleaning, sewer line repairs, leak detection, repiping, gas line installations, toilet repairs, and garbage disposal repairs. They specialize in identifying and resolving complex plumbing issues such as broken sewer lines and outdated piping systems, using advanced techniques like camera inspections and code-compliant PVC pipe replacements. The company has a history of providing detailed and thorough plumbing solutions, including gas line upgrades and tankless water heater installations, with a focus on safety and efficiency. Chaney Services is known for their comprehensive approach to plumbing repairs and upgrades, ensuring systems are tested and leak-free upon completion.

5.0

197 Reviews

Josh's Ground Effects

1350 George Rd NE, Lancaster, OH 43130

Josh's Ground Effects is a full-service plumbing company serving Columbus, OH, and the Central Ohio area. With over 10 years of experience, they provide a wide range of plumbing services including sewer camera inspections, water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, trenchless sewer repair, and gas line installation. Their team is licensed by the DOT for gas services, ensuring safety and expertise in gas line installation and repairs. They use advanced technology and non-invasive methods to address plumbing issues efficiently.

5.0

193 Reviews

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Understanding Tankless Water Heater Options in Ohio

The first major decision is choosing between a gas or electric on-demand water heater. Each type has distinct requirements that impact installation complexity and cost.

Gas Tankless Heaters (Natural Gas or Propane): These are the most common choice in Ohio due to their high heating capacity, making them suitable for larger homes with multiple bathrooms. They require a substantial gas supply. Your existing gas line may need to be upgraded to a larger diameter (e.g., 3/4" or 1") to meet the unit's high instantaneous demand ^{1 2}. Proper venting is also crucial; gas models produce combustion gases that must be safely expelled using specific materials like PVC or stainless steel venting ^{1 3}. Additionally, high-efficiency condensing gas models produce acidic condensate that requires a dedicated drain line ^{1 2}.

Electric Tankless Heaters: These units are often simpler to vent but place a heavy demand on your home's electrical system. They typically require dedicated, high-amperage circuits (e.g., 40-60 amps per unit) and may necessitate an upgrade to your home's electrical service panel, especially in older homes ^{1 4}. While the equipment cost can be lower, the expense of new wiring and panel upgrades can significantly increase the total project price.

The Installation Process: A Step-by-Step Overview

A professional installation by a licensed Ohio plumber or HVAC contractor is not just recommended-it's essential for safety, performance, and code compliance. Here's what a typical installation entails:

1. Site Assessment & Planning: A technician will evaluate the best location (indoor or outdoor), check for adequate clearance and fresh air supply, and assess your home's existing gas and water lines or electrical capacity ^{1 5}.
2. Removal of Old Unit: The existing water heater is safely disconnected from power and fuel sources, drained, and removed.
3. Gas or Electrical Upgrades: For gas units, a larger gas line is often installed. For electric models, new dedicated circuits are run from the breaker panel ^{1 3 2}.
4. Mounting & Water Connections: The tankless unit is securely mounted to a wall. New cold water supply and hot water outlet lines are connected, frequently using flexible PEX or copper piping ⁶.
5. Venting Installation: For gas models, the manufacturer-specified venting system is installed to safely exhaust combustion gases to the outdoors ^{1 5}.
6. Final Connections & Testing: The unit is connected to power (and gas, if applicable), a condensate drain is installed for gas models, and a pressure relief valve is fitted for safety. The system is then thoroughly tested for leaks, proper venting, and correct operation ^{5 6}.

Ohio Codes and Permit Requirements

All tankless water heater installations in Ohio must comply with state and local regulations to ensure safety. The primary governing code is the Ohio Plumbing Code (OPC), which references other standards ⁷.

• Manufacturer's Instructions: The OPC mandates that installations must follow the manufacturer's instructions, which are considered part of the code ⁷.
• Gas Code Compliance: Gas-fired units must also comply with the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) ⁷.
• Electrical Code Compliance: Electric on-demand water heaters must be installed according to the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) ³.
• Permits: A building permit is almost always required for a tankless water heater installation. Your licensed contractor will typically pull this permit. The inspection that follows ensures the work meets all safety codes, protecting your home and investment ¹.

Cost Breakdown for Ohio Homes

The total cost for a tankless water heater installation in Ohio varies widely based on the unit type, your home's existing infrastructure, and labor rates. Here is a general cost range based on recent data:

• Equipment Cost: $300 - $3,600+. Electric models tend to be on the lower end, while high-capacity gas or propane units are more expensive ^{8 9}.
• Labor & Installation Cost: $600 - $1,800+. This range can expand significantly if major upgrades are needed, such as running a new gas line, installing complex venting, or upgrading an electrical panel ^{8 10}.
• Total Project Cost: $2,400 - $5,400+. A standard gas tankless installation often falls in the middle to upper part of this range ^{8 11}.

Crucial Note: These are estimated ranges. The only way to get an accurate price for your specific Ohio home is to obtain multiple detailed quotes from licensed professionals after a thorough on-site assessment ^{1 12}.

Benefits and Considerations for Ohio Homeowners

Switching to an on-demand system offers several advantages:

• Endless Hot Water: Never run out of hot water during back-to-back showers.
• Space Savings: Wall-mounted units free up floor space.
• Energy Efficiency: By heating water only when needed, you can reduce standby energy losses common with tank heaters, potentially lowering utility bills ¹³.

However, consider these points:

• Upfront Cost: The initial investment is higher than a conventional tank replacement.
• Retrofit Challenges: Older homes may require costly upgrades to gas or electrical systems.
• Flow Rate Limitations: The temperature rise depends on the inlet water temperature and flow rate. In very cold Ohio winters, a single unit may struggle to supply enough hot water to multiple fixtures running simultaneously.

Maintenance and Repair Needs

To ensure longevity and efficiency, tankless water heaters require periodic maintenance, especially in areas with hard water. A common service involves descaling the unit's internal heat exchanger to remove mineral buildup, which can impair performance and lead to repairs. Other potential issues include error codes related to ignition, venting, or water flow sensors. Always rely on a certified technician familiar with your specific brand and model for maintenance and repair work.

Frequently asked questions

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