Top Tankless Water Heater Service Companies in Columbus, Ohio Ranked

Upgrading to a tankless water heater is a smart investment for Columbus homeowners seeking endless hot water, improved energy efficiency, and valuable space savings. Unlike traditional tank-style heaters that constantly heat and reheat a stored supply, on-demand or instantaneous water heaters heat water directly as it flows through the unit, providing hot water only when you need it. This guide will help you understand the key considerations for installation, maintenance, and selecting a qualified professional in the Columbus area to ensure your project is a success.

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

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

Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians

4691 Northwest Pkwy, Hilliard, OH 43026

Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians provides a range of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC services in Columbus, OH. Their plumbing expertise includes water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, and leak detection. They use advanced equipment for sewer camera inspections and eco-friendly technology for drain and sewer maintenance. Founded by Aaron Gaynor, who earned his contractor's license at age 23 and rebuilt his business after the 2007 financial crisis, the company emphasizes sustainable solutions and home comfort. They also offer an app for HVAC system monitoring and a membership plan with priority scheduling and annual system checks.

4.9

20k Reviews

Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians

27 E Home St, Westerville, OH 43081

Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians provides plumbing, electrical, and HVAC services in Columbus, OH. Their plumbing services include water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater systems, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, and leak detection. The company uses advanced eco-friendly technology to maintain and restore plumbing systems efficiently. Founded by Aaron Gaynor, who started the business after earning his contractor's license at age 23, the company has grown with a focus on sustainable solutions and customer care. They serve Columbus and many surrounding areas in Central Ohio.

4.9

1.4k Reviews

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Understanding Tankless Water Heater Technology

The core appeal of a tankless system is its method of operation. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit. A gas burner or an electric element instantly heats the water, delivering a continuous supply. This eliminates the standby energy losses associated with keeping a large tank of water hot 24/7, which can lead to significant savings on your energy bills over time ¹. For families in Columbus, this means no more worrying about being the last one in line for a morning shower and running out of hot water.

Critical Installation Considerations for Columbus Homes

A successful on-demand water heater installation is highly dependent on your home's existing infrastructure. It's rarely a simple swap for an old tank. Professional assessment is crucial to identify necessary upgrades, which are a significant part of the project's scope and cost.

Gas Line and Venting Requirements

For gas-fired instantaneous water heaters, which are common for whole-home applications, two major factors come into play. First, the unit requires a sufficient gas supply. Many older homes have a 1/2-inch gas line, but a high-BTU tankless model often needs a 3/4-inch or larger line to deliver enough fuel for instantaneous heating ^{2 3}. Running a new gas line may be required.

Second, and critically important for safety, is proper venting. Gas models produce combustion exhaust that must be vented directly outdoors. This typically requires installing new, dedicated PVC or special concentric venting, which may involve running new pipes through your walls or roof ^{2 4}. Proper venting is non-negotiable for safe operation and is a key task for a licensed professional.

Electrical Service Demands

Electric tankless water heaters are often used for point-of-use applications (like a single bathroom or kitchen) but can serve whole homes with sufficient power. The electrical demand is substantial. A whole-home electric on-demand heater may require multiple dedicated circuits drawing 60 to over 100 amps each ⁵. This often necessitates a major upgrade to your home's electrical service panel, which is a significant project in itself. An electrician must evaluate your panel's capacity before proceeding.

Space and Location Planning

While tankless units are compact and can be mounted on a wall, saving considerable floor space compared to a traditional tank, location matters. The unit must be installed where it can be easily connected to water lines, gas or electrical supplies, and venting. It also needs to be placed in an area protected from freezing temperatures, such as a garage, basement, or utility closet, unless it is a specially designed outdoor model ⁶.

The Importance of Professional Installation and Maintenance

Given the technical complexities involving gas, water, electricity, and venting, professional installation is not just recommended-it's essential for safety, performance, and warranty validation. Local Columbus companies like Lohmeyer Plumbing, with specific expertise in brands like Navien, or Summers PHC, known for focusing on energy efficiency, have the training to navigate these requirements ^{2 7 8}.

Once installed, an on-demand water heater requires regular maintenance to perform efficiently over its long lifespan. The most critical task is an annual descaling or flushing of the unit. Columbus water contains minerals that can build up on the internal heat exchanger over time, reducing efficiency and potentially causing damage. A professional technician will perform an acid flush to clear this buildup, a service that helps maintain your system's warranty and peak performance ².

Evaluating Costs for Your Tankless Water Heater Project

The total cost for a tankless water heater in Columbus is highly variable, typically ranging from $2,400 to over $5,400 for a complete professional installation ^{9 10}. This broad range reflects the cost of the unit itself plus the potential need for infrastructure upgrades.

• Gas Tankless Systems: The unit cost for a gas model can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. However, installation labor and necessary upgrades (like gas line enlargement or new venting) can add another $1,000 to $2,000+ to the total project cost ^{2 11}.
• Electric Tankless Systems: The units themselves are often less expensive, ranging from $250 to $1,100. Installation labor for the plumbing and electrical connections typically falls between $650 and $950, but this does not include the potentially high cost of a required electrical panel upgrade, which is a separate and substantial expense ^{10 5}.

While the upfront investment is higher than for a conventional tank-style heater, the long-term energy savings, longer average lifespan (often 20+ years), and space savings provide significant value over time ¹².

Choosing a Provider in Columbus, IN

Selecting the right professional is key. Look for a licensed, insured plumbing company with specific experience installing and servicing the type of on-demand water heater you choose. Some providers, like Peterman Brothers, offer tankless installation as part of a full suite of plumbing services, while others may specialize in certain brands or system types ⁷. During consultations, ask about their experience with the necessary gas, electrical, or venting modifications your home might need. A reputable company will provide a detailed, transparent estimate that breaks down the cost of the unit, labor, and any anticipated upgrade work.

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