Reliable provider offering 24/7 plumbing & HVAC services
Tankless water heaters have become increasingly popular among Grande Prairie homeowners who want endless hot water, lower energy bills, and space savings in their homes. Unlike traditional tank water heaters that constantly heat and store 40-60 gallons of water, tankless systems heat water instantly as it flows through the unit, providing hot water on demand without the energy waste of keeping a large tank hot 24/7. In Grande Prairie's climate where heating costs are significant, the energy savings from tankless systems can be substantial, often reducing water heating costs by 25-40% compared to conventional tank heaters.
At TMK Plumbing & Heating, we've installed hundreds of tankless water heaters throughout Grande Prairie homes and businesses. We handle every aspect from helping you select the right-sized unit for your household needs to ensuring all gas, water, electrical, and venting connections meet manufacturer specifications and Alberta building codes. When you call us for tankless water heater installation in Grande Prairie, you're getting licensed professionals who do it right the first time with quality workmanship that ensures years of reliable, energy-efficient hot water.
New tankless installations include complete system setup when upgrading from tank water heaters or installing in new construction.
Tankless water heater replacements involve removing old units and installing new systems with updated connections and venting. Our team of Grande Prairie plumbers examines your existing tankless heater, assess whether current gas lines and venting meet requirements for new units, make necessary upgrades to comply with current codes, install the new tankless system with manufacturer-specified clearances, and ensure optimal performance.
We also handle supplemental tankless installations for remote bathrooms, basement suites, or dedicated applications where point-of-use water heating makes sense. These smaller units provide instant hot water exactly where needed without waiting for hot water to travel from distant central heaters, saving water and energy while improving convenience.
Understanding the advantages and requirements of tankless water heaters helps you make informed decisions for your Grande Prairie home. We help homeowners evaluate whether tankless systems match their needs and hot water usage patterns.
Key Tankless Advantages:
When you need tankless water heater installation in Grande Prairie, you want experienced plumbers who understand proper sizing, gas requirements, and local climate considerations. Here's why homeowners trust TMK Plumbing & Heating:
From Bear Creek to Countryside, TMK Plumbing & Heating has installed countless tankless water heaters throughout Grande Prairie with quality workmanship homeowners trust.
Safety is our top priority at TMK Plumbing & Heating. We adhere to all Alberta building codes, gas fitting regulations, and manufacturer installation requirements to ensure your tankless water heater operates safely and efficiently.
Our technicians are licensed gas fitters trained in proper tankless installation procedures. We use quality materials including CSA-approved venting systems, proper gas connections, and safety devices that meet all regulatory standards for safe operation and long-lasting performance.
TMK Plumbing & Heating is proud to be locally owned and operated in Grande Prairie. When you choose TMK for tankless water heater installation, you're supporting a company committed to quality workmanship and our community's safety.
Most tankless water heater installations take 4-8 hours to complete, though project duration varies based on installation complexity. Straightforward replacements where gas lines and venting already meet requirements typically take 4-6 hours.
New installations requiring gas line upgrades, extensive venting work, or electrical modifications take 6-8 hours or a full day. Complex installations with significant gas line runs, difficult venting paths, or installations in challenging locations may require two days.
We complete most residential installations in a single day, minimizing disruption to your household. The installation includes removing your old water heater if applicable, mounting the tankless unit, connecting all gas, water, and electrical lines, installing proper venting, testing thoroughly, and demonstrating operation before we leave.
Yes, tankless water heaters work excellently in Grande Prairie's climate, though cold incoming water temperatures require proper sizing considerations. Our municipal water supply enters homes at approximately 5-8°C during winter months, significantly colder than southern regions where water arrives at 10-15°C. This means tankless units must work harder to achieve desired temperature rise.
A unit rated for 8 GPM at 35°C rise (adequate in warmer climates) might only deliver 6 GPM at the 45°C rise needed here. We account for Grande Prairie's cold water temperatures when sizing units, ensuring adequate hot water delivery even during our coldest months. Properly sized tankless systems perform reliably year-round in our climate and actually provide better energy savings here because the alternative, maintaining a 50°C tank of water in cold basements, wastes significant energy.
Many Grande Prairie homes require gas line upgrades when installing tankless water heaters because tankless units demand higher gas flow rates than tank heaters. Tank water heaters typically use 30,000-40,000 BTU/hour, while whole-home tankless units require 150,000-200,000 BTU/hour during operation. Existing 1/2-inch gas lines that adequately served tank heaters cannot supply sufficient gas volume for tankless units. Most installations require upgrading to 3/4-inch or larger gas lines from the meter to the tankless unit.
We assess your existing gas line capacity during the consultation, measure distances and pipe sizes, calculate required capacity considering all gas appliances, and recommend necessary upgrades. Gas line upgrades typically add $500-$1,500 to installation costs depending on distance and complexity, but are essential for proper tankless operation and safety.
Tankless water heaters require annual maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity, especially in Grande Prairie where our hard water causes mineral buildup inside heat exchangers.
Annual maintenance includes flushing the unit with descaling solution to remove calcium and mineral deposits, cleaning or replacing inlet screens that filter debris, inspecting burners and flame sensors, checking venting systems for proper operation and blockages, testing safety devices and pressure relief valves, and verifying proper gas pressure and combustion. Most manufacturers require annual professional maintenance to maintain warranty coverage. We offer maintenance service plans that include annual tankless servicing.
Neglected tankless units develop reduced flow rates, inadequate heating, error codes, and shortened lifespans. With proper annual maintenance, quality tankless water heaters reliably serve Grande Prairie homes for 20+ years.
We strongly discourage DIY tankless water heater installation. Alberta regulations require licensed gas fitters to perform gas appliance installations – homeowners legally cannot work on gas systems.
Tankless installations involve complex gas line sizing calculations, proper venting design that meets current codes, electrical connections that must be performed by qualified electricians, and precise water connections with required valves and pressure considerations. Improper installation creates serious safety hazards including gas leaks, carbon monoxide risks from inadequate venting, fire hazards, and equipment damage.
Most manufacturers void warranties on units not professionally installed. Additionally, building permits and inspections are required for tankless installations. The complexity, legal requirements, and safety considerations make professional installation essential. Our licensed technicians ensure your tankless water heater is installed safely, operates efficiently, and maintains full warranty coverage.
Yes, properly sized tankless water heaters provide endless hot water for whole-house use, though "enough" depends on simultaneous demand. A correctly sized unit handles typical household usage including multiple showers, laundry, and dishwashing without running out.
However, if your household regularly runs 3-4 showers simultaneously plus other hot water fixtures, you may need a larger capacity unit or multiple units. Unlike tank heaters that provide a fixed volume before depleting, tankless units provide continuous flow at their rated capacity, a unit rated for 8 GPM delivers 8 gallons per minute indefinitely.
The advantage is you never completely run out of hot water, though flow rate might decrease slightly during peak simultaneous usage if demand exceeds unit capacity. We evaluate your household's typical usage patterns and recommend units with adequate capacity for your specific needs.
