Tankless Water Heater
About This Project
This family of five was constantly running out of hot water with their aging 50-gallon tank. We installed a Rinnai RU199iN tankless water heater, upgraded the gas line to 3/4-inch, installed new stainless steel venting, and added a recirculation pump for instant hot water at every fixture. Their energy bills dropped by 35% in the first month.
Project Details
- Duration
- 1 day
- Location
- Pine Valley
- Budget
- $4,800
- Type
- Equipment upgrade
"Endless hot water and lower bills. Should have done this years ago!"
— Michael T.
Challenge → Solution → Result
The Challenge
The existing gas line was only 1/2-inch — far too small for the BTU demands of a tankless unit. The old tank water heater also vented through a shared B-vent with the furnace, which wouldn't work for the new direct-vent tankless system. We needed to run a completely new venting path through the exterior wall.
Our Approach
First, we disconnected and removed the old 50-gallon tank, capping the old vent. We then upgraded the gas supply from 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch from the meter to the new unit. A new Category III stainless steel vent was routed horizontally through the exterior wall. Finally, we installed a Grundfos recirculation pump with a timer and dedicated return line so hot water reaches every faucet within seconds.
The Result
The family now enjoys endless hot water — no more cold shower surprises. The recirculation pump means hot water arrives at the master bathroom (the farthest fixture) in under 5 seconds. Monthly gas bills dropped from $180 to $117 in the first billing cycle. The wall-mounted unit also freed up 12 square feet of floor space in the utility room.
Key Work Performed
Gas Line Upgrade
The entire gas supply from the meter to the unit was upgraded from 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch to meet the 199,000 BTU demand of the Rinnai tankless system.
Direct Vent Installation
A new stainless steel concentric vent was routed through the exterior wall, providing both intake air and exhaust in a single, sealed system — far more efficient than the old atmospheric vent.
Recirculation System
A Grundfos comfort pump with programmable timer was installed on a dedicated return line, delivering instant hot water to every fixture in the house without wasting water.
Project Photos
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