Tankless Water Heater Replacement & Installation in Phoenix, AZ
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Expert Tankless Water Heater Installation & Repair in Phoenix, AZ
Tankless water heaters are revolutionizing how homes get hot water. Instead of storing and constantly reheating 40 or 50 gallons in a tank, tankless systems heat water instantly as it flows through the unit—giving you endless hot water, lower energy bills, and more space in your utility room. Whether you are upgrading from a traditional tank or your existing tankless unit needs repair, 1st Choice Mechanical has the expertise to help.
We provide professional tankless water heater installation and repair in Phoenix, AZ, and surrounding areas. Our team specializes in on-demand water heating systems, helping you choose the right model, installing it correctly, and keeping it running efficiently for years to come.
Services We Offer
Why Choose a Tankless Water Heater?
Tankless water heaters offer several compelling advantages over traditional tank models, especially for Phoenix homeowners looking to improve efficiency and comfort.
Endless Hot Water
Because tankless systems heat water on demand, you never run out. Multiple showers, laundry, and dishwasher can all run at the same time without worrying about draining the tank.
Significant Energy Savings
Tankless water heaters only heat water when you need it, eliminating standby energy loss from keeping a tank hot 24/7. This can reduce water heating costs by 20 to 40 percent compared to traditional tank models.
Space-Saving Design
Tankless units mount on the wall and take up a fraction of the space of a bulky storage tank, freeing up valuable room in closets, garages, or utility areas.
Longer Lifespan
With proper maintenance, tankless water heaters can last 15 to 20 years or more—nearly twice as long as traditional tank models.
Cleaner, Fresher Hot Water
Without a storage tank, there is no risk of sediment buildup or rusty water sitting in a corroding tank. Your hot water stays fresh every time you turn on the tap.
Lower Risk of Catastrophic Leaks
Because there is no large tank of water to fail, you eliminate the risk of a sudden tank rupture flooding your home with 40 or 50 gallons of water.
Our Tankless Water Heater Installation Process
Installing a tankless water heater is more complex than swapping out a traditional tank. Proper installation requires careful sizing, upgraded gas lines or electrical service, venting considerations, and precise calibration. 1st Choice Mechanical handles every detail to ensure your tankless system performs flawlessly.
- In-home assessment and sizing
A licensed plumber evaluates your home’s hot water demand, measures flow rates for fixtures, reviews your existing gas or electrical service, and determines the right size and type of tankless unit. - Recommendation and equipment selection
We recommend the best tankless water heater based on your household size, peak usage, fuel type, and budget. You receive clear explanations of options and upfront pricing. - Infrastructure upgrades (if needed)
Tankless units often require larger gas lines, upgraded electrical panels, or new venting systems. We assess what is needed and handle any upgrades to meet manufacturer and code requirements. - Removal of old water heater
If you are replacing a tank water heater, we safely disconnect, drain, and remove the old unit and prepare the area for your new tankless system. - Professional tankless installation
Your new tankless water heater is mounted, connected to gas or electrical service, plumbed to your water supply, properly vented (for gas models), and calibrated for optimal performance. - Testing, calibration, and walkthrough We test the system under real-world conditions, adjust settings for temperature and flow, check for leaks or error codes, and walk you through operation and basic maintenance.
If you are seeing any of these warning signs, it is time to schedule professional drain cleaning before the problem turns into an emergency.
Types of Tankless Water Heaters We Install
Tankless water heaters come in gas and electric models, each with specific advantages depending on your home and usage needs.
Electric Tankless Water Heaters
Electric tankless models are compact, affordable, and easier to install since they do not require venting. They work well for point-of-use applications or smaller homes with lower hot water demand.
Best for
• Single-bathroom homes or apartments
• Point-of-use applications (under sink, guest bath)
• Homes without gas service
Advantages:
• Lower installation cost
• No venting required
• Compact, flexible installation locations
Considerations:
• Lower flow rates than gas models
• May require electrical panel upgrades
• Higher operating costs in some areas
Gas Tankless Water Heaters
Gas-powered tankless units (natural gas or propane) are the most popular choice for whole-home hot water. They deliver high flow rates, fast temperature rise, and lower operating costs in most areas.
Best for
• Whole-home applications with multiple bathrooms
• Homes with existing natural gas or propane service
• High-demand households that need maximum flow capacity
Advantages:
• Higher flow rates support multiple simultaneous uses
• Lower operating costs compared to electric
• Faster temperature rise in colder climates
Considerations:
• Requires proper venting to the exterior
• May need upgraded gas lines
• Higher upfront installation cost
During your consultation, we help you decide which type and size of tankless water heater is the best fit for your home.
Proper Sizing for Tankless Water Heaters
Sizing a tankless water heater correctly is critical. Too small, and you will not have enough hot water during peak usage. Too large, and you are wasting money on unnecessary capacity. Tankless units are sized based on two factors:
Temperature Rise
This is the difference between the incoming cold water temperature and your desired hot water temperature. In Phoenix, AZ, groundwater is warmer than in colder climates, so the temperature rise is lower—which means you can get away with a smaller unit than in northern states.
We handle the calculations and recommend the right unit to meet your household’s needs without overspending on excess capacity.
Flow Rate (Gallons Per Minute, or GPM)
This measures how much hot water the unit can deliver at once. We calculate your peak demand by adding up the flow rates of fixtures you use simultaneously:
- Shower: 2.0 to 2.5 GPM
- Bathroom faucet: 0.5 to 1.5 GPM
- Kitchen faucet: 1.0 to 1.5 GPM
- Dishwasher: 1.0 to 1.5 GPM
- Washing machine: 1.5 to 2.0 GPM
If you run two showers and a dishwasher at the same time, you need a unit that can handle at least 5 to 6 GPM.
Common Tankless Water Heater Problems We Repair
Tankless water heaters are reliable and long-lasting, but like any mechanical system, they need occasional repairs and maintenance. Common issues we fix include:
- No hot water or system not firing
Ignition problems, gas supply issues, electrical faults, or sensor malfunctions can prevent the unit from heating water. - Inconsistent water temperature (cold water sandwich effect)
Flow rate fluctuations or cycling issues can cause brief bursts of cold water in the middle of a shower. - Error codes on display
Tankless units display error codes when something is wrong. We diagnose and resolve the underlying issue, whether it is a flame failure, overheating, or blockage. - Mineral buildup and scaling
Hard water causes mineral deposits to build up inside the heat exchanger, reducing efficiency and flow. Regular descaling restores performance. - Low water pressure or reduced flow
Clogged filters, scale buildup, or partially closed valves can restrict water flow through the unit. - Unit shutting off unexpectedly Overheating, venting issues, or electrical problems can cause the system to shut down as a safety measure.
If your tankless water heater is acting up, our technicians have the specialized knowledge and equipment to diagnose and repair it quickly.
The Importance of Tankless Water Heater Maintenance
Tankless water heaters require regular maintenance to perform efficiently and last as long as they are designed to. The most critical maintenance task is descaling—flushing the system to remove mineral buildup from the heat exchanger.
In Phoenix, AZ, hard water is common, and mineral deposits can accumulate quickly inside your tankless unit. Without regular descaling, performance drops, energy costs rise, and the unit can fail prematurely.
What Tankless Maintenance Includes
- Descaling and flushing the heat exchanger
- Cleaning or replacing inlet filters
- Inspecting burners, igniters, and flame sensors
- Checking venting and combustion air supply
- Testing gas pressure and electrical connections
- Verifying temperature and flow settings
- Inspecting for leaks or corrosion
We recommend annual maintenance for most tankless systems, or more frequently if you have very hard water. Regular service keeps your system running efficiently and helps you avoid costly repairs down the road.
Tankless vs. Traditional Tank Water Heaters: Which Is Right for You?
If you are deciding between tankless and traditional tank water heaters, here is a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Tankless Water Heater | Traditional Tank |
| Hot water supply | Endless, on-demand | Limited by tank size |
| Energy efficiency | 20 to 40% more efficient | Standby heat loss reduces efficiency |
| Lifespan | 15 to 20+ years | 8 to 12 years |
| Space requirements | Compact, wall-mounted | Bulky tank takes up floor space |
| Upfront cost | Higher installation cost | Lower initial cost |
| Operating cost | Lower monthly energy bills | Higher energy costs |
| Maintenance | Annual descaling recommended | Periodic flushing and anode replacement |
| Recovery time | Instant, no recovery needed | 30 to 60 minutes to reheat a full tank |
Tankless water heaters are ideal for homeowners who value efficiency, space savings, and endless hot water and who plan to stay in the home long enough to see the energy savings add up.
Why Choose 1st Choice Mechanical for Tankless Water Heater Service
Tankless water heaters are more complex than traditional tanks, and proper installation and repair require specialized training and equipment. Here is why Phoenix homeowners trust 1st Choice Mechanical:
- Tankless specialists
Our plumbers are trained and experienced in tankless technology, from sizing and installation to troubleshooting and repair. - Proper sizing and system design
We take the time to calculate your actual hot water needs and recommend the right unit—no guessing, no oversizing. - Code-compliant installation
We handle gas lines, venting, electrical upgrades, and permits to ensure your installation meets all manufacturer and local code requirements. - Reliable repairs and maintenance
From descaling to error code diagnosis, we have the tools and expertise to keep your tankless system running at peak performance. - Honest recommendations We explain your options clearly and help you decide whether tankless is the right choice for your home—no sales pressure, just straightforward advice.
No matter where the clog is located, we have the expertise to handle it.
Make the Switch to Tankless Water Heating Today
If you are tired of running out of hot water, wasting energy on standby losses, or dealing with an aging tank water heater, it is time to consider going tankless. 1st Choice Mechanical makes the transition easy with expert guidance, professional installation, and ongoing support to keep your system running flawlessly.
Call 1st Choice Mechanical at (623) 323-1021 to schedule a tankless water heater consultation in Phoenix, AZ, and the surrounding areas. Whether you are ready to install a new system or need repair service for your existing tankless unit, we are here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tankless Water Heaters
How much does tankless water heater installation cost?
Tankless water heater installation typically costs between $3,000 and $6,500, depending on the unit size, fuel type (gas or electric), and whether infrastructure upgrades are needed. Gas models generally cost more to install due to venting requirements and potential gas line upgrades, while electric models are less expensive but may require electrical panel upgrades. We provide detailed, upfront pricing during your consultation.
How long does it take to install a tankless water heater?
A complete tankless water heater installation usually takes 4 to 8 hours, depending on your home’s existing setup. If your home needs gas line upgrades, new venting, or electrical panel modifications, installation may take longer. We handle everything from start to finish and provide you with a clear timeline before we begin work.
How often does a tankless water heater need maintenance?
Tankless water heaters should be serviced at least once a year. In Phoenix, where hard water is common, we recommend annual descaling to remove mineral buildup from the heat exchanger. Homes with very hard water may benefit from maintenance every 8 to 9 months to prevent scaling issues and maintain peak efficiency.
Will a tankless water heater work for my whole house?
Yes, a properly sized gas tankless water heater can provide endless hot water for an entire home, including multiple bathrooms and appliances running simultaneously. The key is correct sizing based on your household’s peak demand and flow rate. During your consultation, we calculate your needs and recommend a unit with enough capacity to handle your usage.
How long do tankless water heaters last?
With proper annual maintenance, tankless water heaters typically last 15 to 20 years or more—nearly twice as long as traditional tank water heaters. Regular descaling and filter cleaning are essential to reaching this lifespan, especially in areas with hard water. We offer maintenance plans to help you protect your investment and maximize the life of your system.
