Is a tankless conversion worth it over just replacing the tank?

It depends on your hot water usage, gas line capacity, and how long you plan to stay in the home. Tankless units take up less space and can last longer, but the upfront work is more involved.

Do I need a permit for a tankless conversion?

Most towns in the Hartford area require a permit for both the plumbing and gas work involved in a conversion. A licensed plumber handling the job should pull the permit.

Will my existing gas line work for a tankless unit?

Not always. Tankless units typically demand more gas flow than a tank heater, so the line size and meter capacity need to be checked as part of the quote.

Tankless water heater conversion

Converting from a tank water heater to a tankless unit is a distinct job from a standard repair or like-for-like replacement, and it often pulls in gas line and venting work that a basic water heater listing doesn't spell out. This page is for homeowners who have already decided to go tankless (or are seriously considering it) and want a plumber experienced with the conversion, not just tank swaps.

Conversions usually require upsizing the gas line to meet the higher BTU demand of a tankless unit, which is why some water heater companies subcontract or coordinate with gas line specialists.
Venting changes are common since tankless units often need different venting than the old tank, sometimes requiring a new exterior vent termination.
Older homes in West Hartford, Glastonbury, and Simsbury with existing gas service often need the meter or line capacity checked before a conversion is approved.

What it costs

Expect the total to run well above a simple tank replacement because of the added gas line sizing, venting changes, and sometimes electrical work for the unit's controls. Getting quotes that separate the unit cost from the gas and venting labor helps you compare apples to apples between plumbers.

Top 3 by our score

Ranked from our published scoring of public Google reviews for water heater installation & repair.

1. Delponte Plumbing & Heating
4.9★ · 709 reviews

93
2. JET Plumbing
4.9★ · 184 reviews

92
3. Express Water Heater and Plumbing, LLC
5.0★ · 219 reviews

89

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FAQ

Is a tankless conversion worth it over just replacing the tank?: It depends on your hot water usage, gas line capacity, and how long you plan to stay in the home. Tankless units take up less space and can last longer, but the upfront work is more involved.
Do I need a permit for a tankless conversion?: Most towns in the Hartford area require a permit for both the plumbing and gas work involved in a conversion. A licensed plumber handling the job should pull the permit.
Will my existing gas line work for a tankless unit?: Not always. Tankless units typically demand more gas flow than a tank heater, so the line size and meter capacity need to be checked as part of the quote.

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