Gas Tankless Water Heater Installation & Replacement in Shallotte & Brunswick County, North Carolina

A tankless unit heats water on demand, so it doesn’t store hot water and avoids standby heat loss. That usually means higher energy efficiency, a smaller footprint, and longer lifespan (often 15–20 years vs 8–12 for tanks). However, “better” depends on your needs: initial cost and proper sizing are critical. For large homes with simultaneous heavy hot-water use, a poorly sized tankless can feel underpowered. King Plumbing and Drains evaluates household flow needs, gas supply, and venting to recommend the right system rather than defaulting to “tankless is best.”

Sizing is about matching the unit’s maximum flow rate (GPM) at the temperature rise you need. We calculate expected simultaneous uses (shower + dishwasher + laundry), the incoming groundwater temperature in Shallotte & Brunswick County, and the target hot water temperature. For gas units, BTU input and venting capacity also matter. Oversizing wastes money; undersizing causes lukewarm showers. King Plumbing runs a simple usage map and a temperature-rise calculation so the installed model reliably meets your household’s peak demand.

A straightforward replacement typically takes 4–8 hours; more complicated retrofits (gas line upgrades, new venting, or condensate drains) can take a day or more. Disruption is usually limited to the mechanical room and brief water shut-offs. We plan work to minimize inconvenience—protecting floors, isolating work areas, and keeping communication tight. King Plumbing gives a pre-install checklist (clear access, remove items near the unit) and an estimated window so you know what to expect on install day.

Beyond the heater, common extra costs include gas-line upsizing, new venting or vent termination, electrical hookup for controls or pumps, condensate drains for high-efficiency models, permits, and water-treatment or softening systems to protect the heat exchanger. Some homes need structural tweaks for outdoor units. We itemize each recommended upgrade and explain why it’s needed; often investing in proper venting or a water-softening pre-filter prevents expensive repairs later.

Hard water leads to mineral scale buildup on heat exchangers, reducing efficiency and eventually causing failure. For Brunswick County water hardness, a descaling plan is essential. Regular maintenance should include a flush with descaling solution every 6–12 months depending on hardness and usage. Installing a whole-house water softener or a dedicated pre-filter increases longevity and keeps performance high. King Plumbing offers maintenance plans that include professional descaling and filter checks to protect your investment.

Gas tankless units typically last 15–20 years with proper maintenance—significantly longer than most storage tanks. Signs you’re approaching replacement: decreased hot-water flow, frequent error codes, rising service frequency, rusted venting or valves, and repeated loss of heating efficiency despite maintenance. Also, once replacement parts become scarce or costly, replacement becomes more economical. We provide honest assessments; if a repair only delays inevitable failure, we’ll recommend replacement with a cost comparison.

Modern gas tankless units include combustion and CO safety features, but safe installation and venting are essential. Improper venting, blocked exhausts, or insufficient air supply can create CO risk. King Plumbing ensures compliant vent terminations, installs CO alarms where appropriate, and tests combustion and exhaust flows. Pressure-relief valves and expansion considerations are handled per code. After installation we run safety checks and show you simple maintenance and ventilation clearance checks to keep your family safe.

Savings depend on your current system, household hot-water use, and fuel cost. On average, gas tankless units can reduce water-heater energy use by 10–30% compared to older tanks. Payback periods commonly range from 3–10 years when factoring energy savings, rebates, and longer lifespan. King Plumbing provides a customized cost-benefit estimate using local gas prices and your usage pattern so you can see projected savings and the estimated payback window before you decide.

They can, but it’s about peak flow, not “infinite” hot water. A tankless can supply continuous hot water up to its rated GPM; if two showers plus a dishwasher demand more GPM than the unit’s capacity at the required temperature rise, you’ll experience lower flow or reduced temperature. We model your simultaneous-use scenarios and, when needed, recommend a higher-capacity unit or a multiple-unit (modular) approach to guarantee comfort during peak usage.