Best Tankless Water Heater Service Companies in Wisconsin Ranked

Upgrading to a tankless water heater in Wisconsin offers a reliable, energy-efficient solution for endless hot water. These systems, which heat water on-demand rather than storing it in a tank, can reduce energy bills and save space in your home. This guide explains the key considerations for Wisconsin homeowners, from choosing the right fuel type to navigating state plumbing codes, helping you connect with qualified local professionals for your installation or repair project.

Optimal Plumbing

milwaukee

Optimal Plumbing provides comprehensive plumbing services in Milwaukee, WI, for both residential and commercial clients. Their offerings include water heater installation and repair, water softener installation, sump pump services, and plumbing remodels. The company is fully insured, bonded, and strictly follows Wisconsin state codes to ensure safe and compliant work. They specialize in plumbing system upgrades and new construction projects, delivering solutions that meet current safety standards. Optimal Plumbing emphasizes transparent communication and adherence to regulations throughout each project.

5.0

179 Reviews

All Comfort Services

5245 Voges Rd, Madison, WI 53718

All Comfort Services is a Madison, WI-based company providing comprehensive home services including plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work. With over 50 years of experience serving the Madison area, they offer water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, water softener installation, drain cleaning, and repairs for toilets and garbage disposals. Their skilled technicians handle both residential and commercial needs, ensuring reliable plumbing solutions. The company is employee-owned and emphasizes well-trained staff and customer satisfaction, backing their work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. They also offer 24/7 emergency HVAC and plumbing services.

4.8

3.4k Reviews

Schoenwalder Plumbing Inc

1720 Dolphin Dr a, Waukesha, WI 53186

Schoenwalder Plumbing Inc is a licensed plumbing company serving Milwaukee, WI, and the surrounding Waukesha area. They offer a wide range of plumbing services including sewer camera inspections, water heater installation and repair, water softener installation, drain cleaning, and toilet repairs. The company specializes in water heater solutions, including conventional and tankless models, and provides water treatment services such as water testing, filtration, and softening systems. Established in 1945, Schoenwalder Plumbing brings decades of experience to residential and commercial plumbing projects, including remodeling and compliance certification.

4.8

267 Reviews

O & W Heating and Cooling and Furnace, boiler, water heater install & repair

4379 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

O & W Heating and Cooling and Furnace, boiler, water heater install & repair provides plumbing and heating services in Milwaukee, WI. They specialize in water heater repair, installation, and maintenance, including tankless and traditional tank systems. The company offers individualized consultations to help customers choose the right water heater solution for their home. Their service area includes Milwaukee and nearby communities such as Glendale, South Milwaukee, Greendale, Franklin, and Oak Creek. They handle emergency repairs and installations for furnaces, boilers, air conditioning, and gas hot water heaters.

4.8

210 Reviews

Midwest Water Heater

12610 W Hampton Ave, Butler, WI 53007

Midwest Water Heater is a water heater specialist serving Milwaukee, WI. They provide repair, replacement, and maintenance services for gas, electric, and tankless water heaters. The company offers 24/7 availability to address urgent water heater issues such as leaks and pilot light problems. Regular maintenance services are also provided to extend the lifespan of water heaters.

4.9

64 Reviews

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Understanding Tankless Water Heater Options in Wisconsin

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

Natural Gas or Propane Units are the most popular choice for whole-home applications in Wisconsin due to their high flow rates and efficiency in cold climates ¹. They require a dedicated gas line sized to meet the high BTU (British Thermal Unit) demand of the unit and a specific venting system, typically stainless steel, to safely exhaust combustion gases ². These systems are ideal for larger households with simultaneous hot water needs.

Electric Tankless Heaters are often best for point-of-use applications (like a remote bathroom or kitchen) or smaller homes ³. They require a significant electrical service upgrade, including dedicated high-amperage circuits. While they avoid venting needs, the electrical work can be substantial, making them less common for whole-house replacements unless the home's electrical panel has ample capacity ¹.

The Installation Process: What to Expect

A professional installation by a licensed plumber is not just recommended-it's essential for safety, warranty protection, and compliance with Wisconsin codes ¹. The process typically follows these steps:

1. Professional Assessment: A technician will evaluate your current plumbing, gas or electrical service, and calculate your household's peak hot water demand (measured in gallons per minute, or GPM) to properly size the unit ¹.
2. Unit Selection & Permitting: Based on the assessment, you'll select an appropriately sized unit. Your plumbing professional will then pull any required permits from your local municipality, a crucial step for ensuring the installation meets all safety standards ⁴.
3. Removal & Preparation: The old water heater is safely disconnected and removed. Necessary upgrades, such as running a new gas line, installing new venting, or upgrading electrical circuits, are completed ⁵.
4. Installation & Connection: The new tankless unit is mounted, and all water lines, gas or electrical connections, and venting are securely attached ².
5. Testing & Inspection: The system is tested for leaks and proper operation. Finally, a municipal inspector will often verify the installation complies with Wisconsin SPS 382 plumbing codes before the job is considered complete ¹.

Wisconsin Plumbing Code Considerations

Wisconsin's plumbing codes (SPS 382) have specific rules for on-demand water heaters that installers must follow ⁶. Key requirements include:

• Minimum Flow Rate: The unit must activate at a specific minimum flow rate. Your plumber will calculate this based on the number of fixtures and their flow rates to ensure the heater turns on when you need it ⁷.
• Venting Specifications: For gas units, the code dictates strict requirements for flue pipe material, sizing, and termination location to prevent dangerous backdrafting of carbon monoxide ⁶.
• Proper Sizing: Undersized units lead to "cold water sandwich" effects. Codes and best practices require sizing the heater to meet the calculated peak demand of the home ¹.

Cost Breakdown for Installation

The total cost for a tankless water heater installation in Wisconsin is highly variable, typically ranging from $2,000 to over $8,000 ^{1 4 8}. This wide range is driven by the unit itself and the necessary supporting work.

• Unit Cost: The heater alone can range from around $300 for a small point-of-use electric model to $2,000 or more for a high-performance whole-home gas unit ⁹.
• Labor & Essential Upgrades: This is where costs can escalate and represents the bulk of the investment, often between $1,000 and $6,000+ ⁴. This includes:
  • Running new or upsizing existing gas lines.
  • Installing complex venting systems (stainless steel vent pipes are a common cost factor).
  • Upgrading electrical service and installing dedicated circuits for electric models.
  • Permits, labor, and any necessary plumbing reconfiguration ⁸.

Common Repair Needs and Costs

While known for their longevity, tankless water heaters may occasionally need service. Common issues include error codes due to scale buildup (especially in areas with hard water), ignition problems, or leaks. Typical repair costs in Wisconsin include:

• Service Call & Diagnosis: A standard professional service call for diagnosis and a minor fix typically ranges from $100 to $250 ¹⁰.
• Component Replacement: Replacing common parts like an igniter, flame sensor, or thermostat/control board usually costs between $100 and $300 for parts and labor ².
• Leak Repairs: Fixing leaks in water line connections or internal components can range from $100 to $350, depending on the location and complexity ¹⁰.

Annual maintenance, such as flushing the system to remove mineral scale, is highly recommended to maintain efficiency and prevent costly repairs.

Benefits for Wisconsin Homes

Investing in a tankless system offers several advantages tailored to Wisconsin living:

• Endless Hot Water: Never run out of hot water during back-to-back showers or while running appliances.
• Energy Savings: By eliminating the standby heat loss of a traditional tank, homeowners can see significant savings on gas or electric bills, especially during cold winters.
• Space Savings: The compact, wall-mounted design frees up valuable floor space in utility rooms or basements.
• Longer Lifespan: With proper maintenance, tankless units often last 5-10 years longer than traditional tank-style heaters.
• Reduced Risk of Water Damage: Without a large storage tank, the risk of catastrophic leaks and flooding is minimized.

Choosing the Right Professional in Wisconsin

Given the technical and regulatory complexity, selecting the right installer is critical. Look for a licensed Wisconsin plumber with specific experience installing tankless water heaters. They should be familiar with SPS 382 codes, permit processes in your locality, and the nuances of both gas and electric systems. A reputable professional will provide a detailed, written estimate that breaks down the cost of the unit, all necessary upgrades, labor, and permits, ensuring no surprises.

Frequently asked questions

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