Trusted Tankless Water Heater Installation and Conversion. 40+ Years Experience. Master Plumber. Licensed

Tankless Water Heater Benefits

Tankless water heaters are a significant investment. Before recommending one, we evaluate four factors that determine whether the upgrade makes sense for your specific situation.

Household size and hot water usage patterns

Tankless water heaters excel in homes where demand is either high (multiple bathrooms running simultaneously) or spread throughout the day. A gas tankless unit delivers 8-11 gallons per minute (GPM), enough for two showers and a dishwasher running at the same time. If your household routinely runs out of hot water with a standard 50-gallon tank, tankless solves that problem permanently. However, single-bathroom homes with low demand often don’t see enough savings to justify the higher upfront cost.

Your home’s existing fuel source

If a gas line already runs to your current water heater, converting to a gas tankless unit is significantly simpler. The gas line may still need upsizing (most tank water heaters use a ½” line, while tankless units require ¾” or 1″), but the infrastructure is already there. Homes without gas have two options: adding a gas line (requires a dedicated run from the meter) or installing an electric tankless unit. Electric models require substantial electrical capacity, so the choice depends on your panel size and what’s most practical for your home.

North Texas hard water and ongoing maintenance

Collin County and North Dallas water tests at 15-20+ grains per gallon (GPG), nearly double the national average. Hard water causes calcium and magnesium scale to build inside the tankless heat exchanger with every heating cycle. Without annual descaling, this scale reduces flow rate, triggers error codes, and can void the manufacturer warranty. Homes with a water softener need descaling roughly once per year. Without a softener, expect every 6-12 months. Factor this ongoing maintenance cost into your decision.

Budget and long-term payback

Tankless water heaters cost more upfront than a standard tank replacement. The payback comes from three places: a 15-20+ year lifespan (compared to 8-12 years for a tank), lower monthly energy costs from eliminating standby heat loss, and reduced risk of catastrophic tank failure and water damage. In most Collin County homes, the total cost of ownership breaks even at 3-5 years and saves money every year after that. We provide a side-by-side cost comparison during your consultation so you can see the math for your specific situation.

Not sure yet? That’s exactly what the consultation is for. We evaluate your home and give you a straight answer, even if that answer is “stick with a tank.”

When Tankless Is NOT the Right Call

We don’t recommend tankless to every homeowner. Here are situations where a standard tank water heater is the better choice:

Budget is the top priority. If upfront cost needs to stay as low as possible and long-term payback isn’t a factor, a quality tank water heater costs significantly less to install.
Your home needs major infrastructure work. If you’d need a gas line run from the meter, a full electrical panel upgrade, and significant venting modifications, the additional costs may push the ROI beyond what makes practical sense.
Usage is minimal. A retired couple in a home with one bathroom and modest hot water needs may not use enough hot water to justify the investment.
You’re selling soon. If you plan to sell within 2-3 years, you may not recoup the installation cost. A new tank water heater is a more cost-effective choice for short-term ownership.

If any of these apply, we’ll recommend the right tank water heater instead. See our installation page for tank replacement options.

Gas and Electric Tankless Water Heaters Compared

Staggs Plumbing installs both gas and electric tankless water heaters. Here’s how they differ and which type fits different homes in Collin County and North Dallas.

Gas Tankless

Flow rate

8-11 GPM (whole-house capable, handles multiple fixtures simultaneously)

Best for

Primary whole-house hot water in homes with existing gas service

Infrastructure requirements

Gas line (often needs upsizing to ¾” or 1″), dedicated venting (Category III stainless or PVC for condensing), combustion air supply

Energy efficiency

0.82-0.96 UEF. Condensing models capture exhaust heat for higher efficiency and allow PVC venting

Brands we install

Rinnai, Navien, Noritz, Rheem, Takagi, Bosch

Lifespan

15-20+ years with annual descaling and maintenance

Electric Tankless

Flow rate

2-5 GPM (point-of-use) to 6-8 GPM (whole-house in mild climates, lower in North Texas winters)

Best for

Point-of-use applications (single fixture), smaller homes, or homes without gas service

Infrastructure requirements

Electrical panel capacity (whole-house units draw 100-150 amps and need multiple dedicated breakers; point-of-use draws 30-60 amps)

Energy efficiency

0.95-0.99 UEF. Highest efficiency of any water heater type because no heat is lost to exhaust or venting

Brands we install

EcoSmart, Stiebel Eltron, Bosch, Rheem, Trutankless

Lifespan

15-20+ years with periodic descaling and element inspection

Important context for North Texas homeowners

Incoming water temperature in Collin County averages 55-65°F depending on the season. To deliver 110-120°F hot water, the unit needs a 50-60°F temperature rise. Electric tankless units rated for 8 GPM at a 35°F rise may only deliver 4-5 GPM at a 60°F rise. This is a critical sizing consideration. Gas tankless units handle this temperature rise with minimal flow reduction, which is why gas is the more common choice for whole-house tankless in North Texas. We measure your actual incoming water temperature during the consultation so you get accurate flow rate expectations.

We install both types and recommend whichever actually fits your home. During the consultation, we check your gas and electrical capacity, measure incoming water temperature, and recommend the type that delivers the performance you need.

Schedule Your Consultation

What Tank-to-Tankless Conversion Requires in a North Texas Home

Converting from a standard tank to a tankless water heater is not a simple swap. It involves infrastructure changes that vary by home. Here’s every step involved, why it matters, and what to expect.

Old tank removal and disposal

We drain the existing tank completely, disconnect water, gas, and electrical lines, and remove the unit from your home. Standard residential tanks weigh 100-150 lbs when empty. If the tank is in an attic, closet, or tight utility space, removal requires additional care to avoid damage to walls, floors, or surrounding plumbing. We haul the old tank away and dispose of it properly. Verification: All connections capped and tested for leaks before new installation begins.

Gas line assessment and upgrade (gas units)

Most existing tank water heaters connect to a ½” gas line, which is undersized for tankless demand. Tankless gas units require a ¾” or 1″ dedicated gas line to supply the higher BTU input (up to 199,000 BTU for whole-house models, compared to 30,000-50,000 BTU for a standard tank). We assess the available BTU capacity at your gas meter and the sizing of your existing gas piping. If the existing line can’t support the load, we run a new dedicated line from the meter or nearest adequate supply point. Verification: Gas pressure test after installation confirms adequate supply pressure and no leaks at any joint.

Venting requirements (gas units)

The existing B-vent (natural draft) from a standard gas tank water heater cannot be reused for tankless. Tankless units require Category III venting because they use powered exhaust fans. Condensing models (0.90+ UEF) can vent through PVC or CPVC pipe horizontally through an exterior wall, which simplifies installation and reduces cost. Non-condensing models require stainless steel venting rated for higher exhaust temperatures. We evaluate the shortest and most practical venting route during the home assessment. Verification: Combustion analyzer confirms proper draft, acceptable CO levels, and correct combustion air supply after installation.

Electrical panel assessment (electric units)

Whole-house electric tankless water heaters draw 100-150 amps, which is a substantial portion of most residential panels (typically 100-200 amp service). Installation requires multiple dedicated breakers (typically 3-4 at 40-50 amps each). We check your panel’s available capacity before recommending an electric unit. If the panel is full or undersized, an upgrade may be needed, which we coordinate with a licensed electrician. Point-of-use electric units draw 30-60 amps and are much more manageable for most panels. Verification: Load test after installation confirms the panel handles the unit’s draw without tripping.

Water softener recommendation for North Texas homes

At 15-20+ GPG hardness, Collin County and North Dallas water will scale a tankless heat exchanger faster than softer-water regions. Scale buildup inside the heat exchanger restricts flow, forces the unit to work harder, and eventually triggers error codes or causes premature failure. A water softener significantly extends the interval between professional descaling visits and protects the heat exchanger, which is the most expensive component to replace ($800-$1,500+ for parts and labor). A water softener is not required, but we strongly recommend it for tankless installations in our service area. Most manufacturers’ warranty documentation references water quality as a factor in coverage.

Unit mounting and all connections

Tankless water heaters mount on a wall (interior or exterior, depending on model and location). We handle all water connections (hot and cold supply lines with isolation valves and service ports for future descaling), gas or electrical hookup, condensate drain routing (condensing gas models produce acidic condensate that must drain properly), and recirculation loop installation if you want instant hot water at distant fixtures. Isolation valves and service ports are included on every installation. They’re required for annual descaling and make the maintenance process faster and cleaner.

System testing, calibration, and homeowner walkthrough

After installation, we run a complete system test: flow rate measured at every fixture, outlet temperature verified at 110-120°F (adjusted to your preference), combustion analysis on gas units (confirming safe CO levels and proper ignition), error code history cleared, and thermostat programmed. We walk you through how the unit operates, where the isolation valves are, what the display indicators mean, and what to do if an error code appears. Verification: You see the test results at every fixture before we consider the job complete.

Factors That Affect Tankless Water Heater Installation Cost

Every home is different, and tankless installation cost depends on several variables. Here are the factors we evaluate when preparing your estimate.

New install vs. conversion

Conversions include old unit removal, infrastructure modifications, and disposal. New construction installs are simpler because infrastructure is built to spec.

Gas vs. electric

Gas units require venting and possibly gas line work. Electric units may need panel upgrades. The infrastructure cost varies by home.

Gas line modifications

If your existing gas line needs upsizing or a new dedicated run, this adds to the total. Length of run and complexity of routing affect the cost.

Electrical panel capacity

Electric tankless may require dedicated breakers or a full panel upgrade. We check available capacity during the home evaluation.

Venting route

Condensing units vent through PVC (less expensive). Non-condensing require stainless steel. Wall distance and routing affect material and labor.

Water softener

Recommended for North Texas hard water. Not required, but protects the heat exchanger and reduces descaling frequency.

Permits and inspections

Required in most Collin County municipalities. Staggs Plumbing handles the permitting process so you don’t have to.

Recirculation system

Provides instant hot water at distant fixtures. Some models (like Navien NPE series) include a built-in recirculation pump. External recirculation adds cost.

How We Handle Pricing

We provide a written estimate that includes every line item before work begins. The estimate covers the unit, all materials, labor, permits, and disposal. If we discover something during installation that changes the scope, we stop and get your approval before proceeding.

No surprise charges. No hidden fees. You see the total before we start, and that’s the total when we finish.

Financing is available on qualifying installations. Ask during your consultation for details and monthly payment options.

Get a Free Estimate

Tankless Water Heater Brands We Install and Service

Staggs Plumbing is not locked into a single manufacturer. We install and service every major tankless brand and recommend the model that fits your home, usage, and budget.

Rinnai

Industry leader in gas tankless. Condensing and non-condensing models up to 11 GPM. 12-year heat exchanger warranty with isolation valve kit installed. Extensive parts availability in the North Texas market.

Navien

High-efficiency condensing gas tankless. NPE series includes a built-in recirculation pump and buffer tank (ComfortFlow technology) for instant hot water without a separate recirc system. 15-year heat exchanger warranty.

Noritz

Reliable mid-range gas tankless. EZ Series designed specifically for retrofits and conversions. Compact form factor for tight installations. 12-year heat exchanger warranty.

EcoSmart

Leading electric tankless brand. Self-modulating technology adjusts energy output to match demand, reducing waste. Point-of-use and whole-house models. Lifetime warranty on heating elements and electronics.

Rheem

Gas and electric tankless models for residential and commercial applications. Broad availability, strong parts network, and a well-established warranty program. Widely used in North Texas new construction.

Additional brands

Takagi, Bosch, Stiebel Eltron, Trutankless, Eccotemp. If you have a specific brand preference or need to match an existing system, we can source and install it.

What to Expect During Tankless Water Heater Installation

From first call to finished installation, here’s how the process works with Staggs Plumbing.

1

Home evaluation and recommendation

We visit your home to assess your gas or electrical capacity, measure incoming water temperature, check venting options, and evaluate your hot water usage patterns. You receive a written recommendation with a specific brand and model, a complete cost estimate covering every line item, and a clear explanation of any infrastructure work required.

2

Pre-installation work (if needed)

If your installation requires a gas line upgrade, electrical panel work, or venting preparation, we schedule that before installation day. In many homes, pre-work and installation happen in the same visit. For complex projects (like electrical panel upgrades that require a licensed electrician), we coordinate a separate visit so installation day goes smoothly.

3

Installation day (4-8 hours for most homes)

Old unit drained, disconnected, and removed. New tankless unit wall-mounted and connected: water lines with isolation valves and service ports, gas or electrical hookup, venting (gas units), condensate drain (condensing units), and recirculation loop (if applicable). We work clean and protect your home throughout the process.

4

Testing and calibration

We test flow rate at every fixture in your home, verify outlet temperature, run combustion analysis on gas units, clear any setup error codes, and program the thermostat to your preference. Every test is documented. You see the results before we call the job complete.

5

Walkthrough and ongoing care plan

We walk you through how the unit operates, where the isolation valves and service ports are, what the display indicators mean, and what to do if you see an error code. We review the maintenance schedule (annual descaling is required in North Texas) and offer the Family Plan for ongoing care at a predictable cost.

One team handles everything.

Staggs Plumbing has been handling water heater installations in Collin County and North Dallas for over 36 years. We’ve installed every type of tankless unit in every type of home, from 1970s ranch houses with cramped utility closets to new construction with dedicated mechanical rooms.

Gas line work, venting, mounting, plumbing connections, testing, and cleanup. One crew, one visit (for most installations), one point of contact.

“Fixed Right the First Time”: if anything about your installation isn’t right, we come back and resolve it at no additional charge.

Save on Tankless Descaling, Repairs, and Priority Scheduling

Tankless water heaters last 15-20+ years with proper maintenance. The Family Plan keeps yours on schedule with annual service, repair discounts, and priority scheduling.

50% off tankless descaling

First unit, with significant savings on the service that keeps your heat exchanger running

Annual safety inspection included

Complete system check: burner, venting, connections, error codes, and inlet filter

$59 diagnostic fee waived

On all service calls, whether routine or unexpected

Emergency trip fee reduced

$149 reduced to $75 for after-hours and emergency calls

10% off repairs + 5% off installs

Applies to all plumbing work, not just water heaters

24-hour priority scheduling

Family Plan members move to the front of the line

Also includes: annual camera inspection and 100% satisfaction guarantee on all membership services.

Family Plan Pricing

$12.95/month

or

$180/year

The 50% descaling discount alone saves more than the monthly cost in most cases. Add repair discounts, waived diagnostic fees, and priority scheduling, and the plan pays for itself year after year.

Ask About the Family Plan

Where We Install Tankless Water Heaters

Staggs Plumbing installs and services tankless water heaters throughout Collin County and the North Dallas metroplex, including:

Plano

Rockwall

Dallas (North)

Richardson

Garland

Mesquite

Rowlett

Sachse

Wylie

Murphy

Allen

McKinney

Frisco

Lucas

Heath

Forney

Sunnyvale

Don’t see your city? Call us. We likely cover your area.

What Homeowners Say About Tankless Installation by Staggs Plumbing

Real reviews from Collin County and North Dallas homeowners.

Mark & Jennifer P. · Plano

“We switched from a tank to a Rinnai tankless. Randy’s team upsized the gas line, ran new venting, and removed the old tank in one day. Endless hot water now and our gas bill dropped noticeably. Should have done this years ago.”

Sarah T. · Allen

“We had no idea our electrical panel couldn’t handle a whole-house electric tankless until Staggs came out for the evaluation. They explained the options honestly and recommended a gas Navien instead, which worked perfectly with our existing gas line. Really appreciated the honesty instead of just trying to sell us whatever we asked for.”

Robert & Linda K. · Rockwall

“Our 12-year-old tank started leaking on a Saturday morning. Staggs came out the same day, evaluated our setup, and installed a Noritz tankless by that evening. They also recommended a water softener because of our hard water, which we added a week later. Two years in, zero issues, zero error codes.”

Read all 550+ reviews on Google →

Ready to Go Tankless? Schedule Your Free Consultation

Whether you’re converting from a tank, building new, or replacing an existing tankless unit, one call gets it started. We’ll evaluate your home, recommend the right unit, and provide a complete written estimate.

Call to Schedule

TX Master License #M-17697 · 4.8 Stars · 550+ Reviews · Same-Day & Next-Day Scheduling

Tankless Water Heater Installation in Plano and Collin County