Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters instantly heat your water whenever you turn on the tap. You save on energy costs and enjoy a virtually endless supply of hot water.

In recent years, more California homeowners have gone “tankless,” and it’s not hard to see why. Tankless heaters are minimal and sleek—a small metal box that mounts to your wall. They take up way less space than a conventional 60-gallon tank.

That means more storage room and less eyesore. Plus, tankless systems last longer than a standard water heater.

Our team at Souza’s takes a lot of pride in helping our customers in Ripon, CA, and all the surrounding communities spend less on utilities while lowering their carbon footprint. We specialize in finding practical plumbing solutions that fit your budget and lifestyle.

Our licensed San Joaquin County plumbers can help you decide the best water heating system for your home. Call us today at (209) 566-8448 for a free consultation.

How Does a Tankless System Work?

Whenever you turn on the faucet or start your dishwasher, water passes by a heating element in the tank and heats it to the designated temperature. Unlike a conventional water heater that constantly uses energy to heat water, this is true on-demand hot water.

Tankless water heaters have several advantages over standard water heaters. They’re much more efficient than storage tanks since you are not continuously burning fuel or using electricity to keep the water warm. Tankless systems heat water when needed.

They also have a much smaller footprint than conventional tank water heaters. There are many more places to install a tankless version, whether in a closet or a corner of your basement.

Why Choose a Tankless Water Heater for Your San Joaquin County Home?

A tankless water heater offers a modern solution for on-demand water heating, eliminating the need for a bulky storage tank. They boast several advantages over traditional models, including:

• Energy Efficiency: Tankless heaters only heat water when needed, leading to significant energy cost savings compared to constantly heating a tank of water.
• Space Saving: Their compact size allows for flexible installation in tight spaces.
• Longer Lifespan: With proper maintenance, tankless heaters can last over 20 years, exceeding the lifespan of traditional models.
• Endless Hot Water: Unlike tank heaters, which have a limited supply, tankless models provide a continuous flow of hot water.

These savings start to add up over time. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), water heating is the second largest expense in your home, accounting for up to 18 percent of your utility bills.

Tankless Water Heater Installation and Replacement

Need a new water heater? Upgrade to tankless—we know you’ll be pleased with the difference. Let our team of certified specialists help you out. We bring years of trusted craftsmanship and friendly customer service to the table.

Want to replace your conventional water heater with a tankless model? Our team can easily replace your old water heater with a new tankless model.

Every home is unique. Before performing any replacement, we take a detailed inventory of your water system and make calculations to ensure we find a product that’s right for you. Converting to tankless is an upgrade, but it wouldn’t feel like one with an undersized heater.

Tankless heaters have a lower flow rate, meaning they handle less water than a larger tank. For instance, a single tankless heater might not produce enough hot water to run multiple appliances simultaneously if your home is very large.

However, a Souza’s professional can install more than one tankless unit, including a hybrid water heater, when necessary to provide the perfect amount of water to meet your Ripon, CA, home’s needs.

To protect our natural resources, save on your utilities, and avoid cold showers, tankless water heaters are a fantastic investment.

Be sure to discuss financing with us if that can help. We offer several options to suit most homeowners’ needs.

Understanding Your Tankless System

There are two main types of tankless water heaters:

• Whole-Home Tankless: These function similarly to traditional heaters but offer superior efficiency. They are ideal for large households with high hot water demand.
• Point-of-Use: These smaller units provide hot water to a single fixture, like a kitchen sink or shower. They are perfect for supplementing a whole-home system or ideal for smaller homes.

Where Can I Install a Tankless Water Heater?

• Basement: A popular choice due to easy access to plumbing and ventilation.
• Garage: If well-insulated and properly ventilated, a garage can be a suitable location.
• Utility Closet: This is a convenient spot if you have one, especially if it’s close to plumbing and electrical connections.
• Inside a Wall: In some cases, a tankless water heater can be installed within a wall cavity, saving space.
• Outside Wall: If your climate allows, an outdoor installation can be a good option, especially if you have limited indoor space.

Where Can I Install a Point-of-Use Tankless Water Heater?

• Under the Kitchen Sink: Provides instant hot water for dishwashing.
• Under the Bathroom sink: Delivers hot water quickly for showers and baths.
• Laundry Room: Heats water for washing machines.
• Outdoor Spigot: Warms water for outdoor chores or gardening.

Tankless Water Heater Repairs

Tankless water heaters are known for their reliability—but they do experience the occasional breakdown. If you notice irregularities with your water heater, don’t wait—protect your investment.

Here are some of the most common tankless water heater repair issues:

• Mineral Buildup: Hard water can lead to mineral deposits on the heat exchanger, reducing efficiency and potentially causing damage. Regular flushing and professional cleaning can help prevent this.
  Insufficient Hot Water: If multiple hot water sources are used simultaneously, the heater might struggle to keep up. Upgrading to a larger unit or installing a point-of-use heater might be necessary.
• Ignition Failures: Electrical connection issues or faulty gas valves can prevent the heater from igniting. Contact Souza’s for prompt diagnosis and repair.
• Temperature Fluctuations: Inconsistent water temperature can be frustrating. This could be due to mineral buildup, a faulty temperature sensor, or a problem with the flow rate.
• Noise: Excessive noise can indicate a problem with the unit, such as a loose component or a failing pump.

Our team of seasoned professionals can quickly diagnose and treat any plumbing issues in your Ripon, CA, home. We’ll always give you a prompt and honest assessment. We don’t want you to spend money on unnecessary repairs, so we’ll also provide a fair estimate before performing any repairs.

Tankless Water Heater Maintenance

Yearly preventative maintenance is a must to keep your tankless water heater running at peak efficiency. Problems can go unnoticed, cutting short their long life span.

Let one of our Souza’s licensed plumbers perform a tune-up to preserve your investment.

Our maintenance inspection includes an assessment of all your home plumbing. We’ll catch issues before they arise and provide valuable ways to save on your utility bill.

What to expect during a tankless water heater inspection:

A licensed plumber from Souza’s will perform a comprehensive inspection that typically includes:

• Flushing the System: Removing sediment buildup to restore optimal water flow and heat transfer.
• Anode Rod Inspection: Checking the anode rod, which protects your heater’s tank from corrosion.
• Pressure Relief Valve Testing: Ensuring the safety valve functions properly to prevent pressure buildup and potential leaks.
• Electrical and Gas System Inspection (depending on model): Verifying safe and efficient operation of the electrical or gas components.

With our busy lifestyles, we sometimes forget about necessities. Join our Cool Kids Club for an automatic reminder when your water heater and other plumbing equipment are due for maintenance. You’ll also receive priority service, significant discounts, and more. 

Learn More About Tankless Water Heaters Today

Souza’s is pleased to serve our neighbors in Ripon, CA, and surrounding areas. We build relationships with our customers that last a lifetime. Call us at (209) 566-8448 or request service online for a free quote.