Top Tankless Water Heater Service Companies in San Antonio, Texas Ranked

Upgrading to a tankless water heater is a significant home improvement decision for San Antonio homeowners. These on-demand systems provide endless hot water, save space, and can be more energy-efficient than traditional tank models. However, a successful installation hinges on proper sizing, fuel selection, and adherence to local codes. This guide details what you need to know about installing or repairing a tankless system in San Antonio, from initial considerations and costs to maintenance and finding qualified professionals.

Chambliss Plumbing Company

1875 E Borgfeld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78260

Chambliss Plumbing Company is a family-owned plumbing business serving San Antonio, TX, and nearby communities since 1991. They offer a wide range of residential plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, drain cleaning, leak detection, and sewer camera inspections. The company is a certified Rinnai ACE dealer with plumbers trained in multiple levels of Rinnai tankless water heater expertise. Chambliss Plumbing uses advanced equipment for leak detection and provides hydro jetting to clear clogged drains. With over 30 years of experience, they maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and provide emergency service when needed.

5.0

1.4k Reviews

JL Hearn Plumbing

219 Deer Cross Ln, Timberwood Park, TX 78260

JL Hearn Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing company serving San Antonio, TX, and nearby areas including Timberwood Park and Stone Oak. With over 30 years of experience and a Texas Master Plumber license, they provide a wide range of plumbing services such as water heater repair and installation, sewer line cleaning and repair, leak detection, water softener service, and gas line installation. Their team uses advanced equipment for leak detection and offers whole-house water filtration system installations. JL Hearn Plumbing is known for upfront pricing, fast scheduling, and pressure-free service.

5.0

456 Reviews

Olde Town Plumbing

128 W Bandera Rd, Boerne, TX 78006

Olde Town Plumbing is a licensed plumbing company serving San Antonio, TX, and the surrounding Kendall County area. They offer a wide range of plumbing services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and garbage disposal repair. The company uses specialized video equipment for leak detection and sewer line issues, ensuring precise diagnostics and repairs. With over 25 years of experience, Olde Town Plumbing provides 24-hour emergency plumbing services to address urgent plumbing problems any time of day or night.

5.0

338 Reviews

Kinetico Water Softeners of San Antonio

15678 Tradesman Dr, San Antonio, TX 78249

Kinetico Water Softeners of San Antonio provides water softener installation, water heater installation, and water filtration services in San Antonio, TX. They specialize in addressing hard water issues common in the area due to mineral-rich water from the Edwards Aquifer. Their water softener systems use non-electric, dual-tank technology to ensure continuous soft water supply. The company also installs both traditional and tankless water heaters tailored to household needs. With over 50 years of experience serving South Central Texas, Kinetico offers advanced water treatment solutions including reverse osmosis drinking systems and specialized filters for contaminants like sulfur and arsenic.

4.9

4.2k Reviews

Shafer Services Plus

3800 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212

Shafer Services Plus is a plumbing and HVAC company based in San Antonio, TX. They offer a range of services including water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater plumbing, drain cleaning, and leak detection. With a family tradition dating back to 1884, Shafer Services Plus combines craftsmanship with modern techniques to deliver dependable solutions. The company also provides 24/7 emergency service to support customers whenever needed.

4.9

2.2k Reviews

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Understanding Tankless Water Heaters

Often called on-demand or instantaneous water heaters, these units heat water directly as it flows through the device, eliminating the need for a storage tank. This means you'll never run out of hot water during a long shower, and you avoid the standby energy losses associated with keeping a large tank of water constantly hot. For San Antonio homes, this can translate to lower utility bills and a more efficient use of energy ^{1 2}.

The core benefit is continuous hot water supply, but achieving this requires a unit correctly sized for your household's simultaneous hot water demands. Unlike a tank heater where capacity is measured in gallons, tankless systems are rated by flow rate (Gallons Per Minute, or GPM) and their ability to raise the water temperature (temperature rise). A professional assessment is crucial to determine the right size for your home ^{1 3}.

Key Considerations Before Installation

Before purchasing a unit, several home-specific factors must be evaluated to ensure a smooth and effective installation.

Fuel Type: Gas vs. Electric

Your choice between a gas or electric on-demand water heater has major implications for cost and installation complexity.

• Gas Tankless Heaters: These typically offer lower operating costs in the long run, which is a significant advantage in San Antonio. However, installation costs are generally higher due to the need for proper gas line sizing, dedicated venting, and sometimes a condensate drain line ^{4 3}.
• Electric Tankless Heaters: These units are often less expensive to install initially but may require a substantial upgrade to your home's electrical service, as they demand a high amperage circuit. Their operational cost can be higher depending on local electricity rates ^{5 3}.

Sizing Your System Correctly

Sizing is the most critical step. An undersized unit will fail to deliver enough hot water when multiple fixtures are in use. A professional plumber will calculate your needed flow rate (GPM) by considering all simultaneous uses (showers, sinks, dishwasher) and the required temperature rise, which is the difference between San Antonio's groundwater temperature and your desired hot water output ^{1 6}.

Venting and Exhaust Requirements (Gas Models)

High-efficiency gas models require specific venting materials, such as PVC or stainless steel, to safely exhaust combustion gases. The venting route must be carefully planned, often requiring a new, dedicated line. This is a key factor in the installation cost and must comply with strict building codes for safety ^{1 7}.

Location and Climate Factors

You must decide whether to install the unit indoors or outdoors. San Antonio's generally mild climate makes outdoor installation an option, but the unit must be in a weather-proof enclosure with freeze protection for our occasional winter cold snaps. Indoor installations require consideration of wall space, access for maintenance, and proper venting ^{6 8}.

Permits and Code Compliance

In San Antonio, a permit from the city's Development Services department is typically required for water heater installation or replacement ^{9 8}. A licensed contractor will handle this process, ensuring the installation meets all local plumbing and building codes, which is essential for your safety and home insurance.

Installation Process and Cost Breakdown

Replacing a traditional water heater with a tankless system is not a simple swap. It's a comprehensive upgrade that involves multiple steps and variables affecting the final price.

What the Installation Entails

A professional installation by a licensed San Antonio plumber generally includes:

• A detailed site inspection and load calculation.
• Removal and disposal of the old water heater.
• Installation of the new tankless unit.
• Any necessary upgrades to gas lines, electrical service, or venting systems.
• Connection of water lines and, if needed, a condensate drain.
• System testing, activation, and cleanup.
• Securing the required permit and arranging for inspection ^{1 10 9}.

Understanding the Costs in San Antonio

Installation costs in the San Antonio area vary widely based on the unit's fuel type, brand, your home's existing infrastructure, and labor. Current data indicates a typical range of $4,500 to $10,000 or more for a whole-home system ^{1 4}.

• Gas System Installation: Often falls on the higher end of the range ($4,700+), primarily due to the cost of running new gas lines and installing complex venting systems ^{5 11}.
• Electric System Installation: Can start at a lower price point (around $4,200) but may spike if a heavy-up electrical panel upgrade is necessary ^{10 11}.
• Cost Factors: The final quote will depend on the unit cost, labor, materials for new venting or gas lines, electrical upgrades, and any unforeseen complications discovered during the install ^{4 7}.

Ongoing Maintenance and Repair

To protect your investment and ensure a long lifespan-which can exceed 20 years with proper care-regular maintenance is non-negotiable ^{1 7}.

Essential Annual Maintenance

The most critical task is annual flushing to descale the unit's heat exchanger, especially in San Antonio's hard water areas. Mineral buildup drastically reduces efficiency and can lead to premature failure. This service involves circulating a descaling solution through the heater and should be performed by a professional with the correct tools and chemicals ^{1 7 12}.

Common Repairs and Troubleshooting

Even with maintenance, components can fail. Common issues include error codes due to ignition problems, flow sensor issues, or scale blockage. Repairs should always be handled by a technician certified to work on your specific brand of tankless water heater to ensure correct diagnosis and safe service ^{1 12}.

Choosing a Professional in San Antonio

Given the complexity and code requirements, selecting the right contractor is paramount. Look for a licensed, insured plumber with specific experience installing and servicing tankless water heaters. They should provide a detailed, written estimate that includes all costs for the unit, labor, materials, permits, and any potential upgrades. Reputable local companies will offer an in-home assessment to give you an accurate quote tailored to your situation ^{1 4 5}.

Frequently asked questions

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