Tankless Water Heater Installation in Clovis, CA

Tankless Water Heater Installation in Clovis, CA

Upgrading to a tankless (on-demand) water heater is one of the most effective ways to get continuous hot water, reclaim storage space, and reduce long-term energy use in Clovis homes. This page explains the installation process in clear, decision-stage detail: why tankless makes sense here, how systems are sized, recommended brands and models, a step-by-step installation overview, permit and warranty considerations, maintenance expectations, typical timeline, cost factors, and financing options common for homeowners in the Clovis/Fresno area.

Why choose a tankless water heater in Clovis

• Energy efficiency: Tankless units heat water only when you need it, reducing standby losses associated with storage tanks. That efficiency is valuable in Central Valley households with variable hot water demand.
• Space savings: Wall-mounted, compact units free garage or utility closet space — helpful in many Clovis neighborhoods with smaller utility areas.
• Endless hot water: On-demand systems supply continuous hot water for showers, laundry, and dishwashing without tank recovery time.
• Longer service life: With proper maintenance, tankless units often last longer than traditional tank heaters.

Local note: Clovis and the surrounding Central Valley commonly have moderately hard water and seasonal groundwater temperature variation (often mid-50s to mid-60s F). Hard water increases scale risk in tankless heat exchangers, so water treatment or routine descaling should be part of your planning.

Common tankless system types and common issues in Clovis

• Condensing vs non-condensing
• Natural gas, propane, or electric models
• Inline recirculation systems for instant hot water at distant fixtures

Common issues to anticipate:

• Scale buildup from hard water (mitigated with water softening or descaling maintenance)
• Undersized gas supply or improper venting on retrofit jobs
• Insufficient flow rate for simultaneous fixtures if sizing is incorrect

Sizing and flow-rate basics (how we determine the right unit)

Sizing a tankless requires two simple calculations: total simultaneous hot water flow (GPM) and the required temperature rise.

1. Calculate simultaneous demand (GPM)

• Example fixture flow rates (typical):
  • Shower: 2.0–2.5 GPM
  • Kitchen faucet: 1.5 GPM
  • Dishwasher: 1.0–1.5 GPM
  • Washing machine: 1.5–2.0 GPM
• Add the fixtures you expect to run at the same time. Example: two showers + dishwasher ≈ 2.5 + 2.5 + 1.2 = 6.2 GPM

1. Determine temperature rise

• Incoming groundwater in Clovis typically ranges from the mid-50s to mid-60s F depending on season. If you want 120°F at the tap and groundwater is 60°F, required rise = 60°F.
• Match a unit’s GPM rating at that temperature rise. Manufacturers provide performance charts showing GPM vs. temperature rise.

For accurate results in homes with multiple simultaneous uses or larger families, a professional flow-rate assessment is recommended.

Recommended manufacturers and models

Top reliable brands commonly used in California installations:

• Rinnai (e.g., RUR series) — strong warranty options and good recovery at higher flows
• Navien (e.g., NPE/Condensing series) — high efficiency condensing models with integrated recirculation
• Noritz — dependable non-condensing condensing options for varying budgets
• Bosch (Greentherm) — solid performance and compact footprint
• Rheem — mainstream options with broad service network

Model selection depends on your calculated GPM, desired features (recirculation pump, Wi-Fi control), fuel type, and budget.

Step-by-step installation overview

1. Site assessment and system selection

• Evaluate existing gas line capacity, vent routes, electrical supply, and water quality.
• Choose a unit sized for your calculated demand.

1. Permitting and planning

• Prepare mechanical/plumbing/gas permit documents per Clovis/Fresno County code requirements.
• Determine the final venting plan (direct vent, power vent, or concentric vent).

1. Gas and electrical connections

• Upgrade gas piping if necessary (tankless often needs larger BTU capacity).
• Install or verify required electrical circuit for unit controls, pump, and ignition.

1. Plumbing and condensate

• Cut over plumbing, install isolation valves, pressure relief devices, and a proper condensate drain for condensing units.
• Include a water filtration or softening option if water hardness is significant.

1. Venting and combustion air

• Install manufacturer-approved venting materials and routing. Proper venting is critical for safe operation and warranty compliance.

1. Startup, configuration, and testing

• Commission the unit: program temperature setpoints, test gas pressure and combustion, inspect vent runs, test multiple fixtures to verify flow and temperature.
• Perform leak checks on gas and water lines.

1. Inspection and paperwork

• Schedule and pass required municipal inspections and register the product warranty with the manufacturer.

Typical retrofit complexities: relocating vent terminations, trenching for gas lines, or upgrading electrical service may extend scope.

Permit requirements in Clovis

Installations require mechanical/plumbing and gas permits issued by the City of Clovis or Fresno County depending on jurisdiction. Inspections usually cover:

• Proper venting and combustion air
• Gas line sizing and pressure test
• Plumbing connections and drain/condensate
• Electrical connections for controls

Allow permit processing time in your installation schedule.

Warranty and maintenance expectations

• Manufacturer heat-exchanger warranties typically range by brand and model; labor warranties vary by installer.
• Warranty coverage often requires professional installation and regular maintenance (annual service).
• Recommended maintenance:
• Annual flush/descale if water hardness is moderate or high
• Clean inlet filters and check pressure relief valves
• Inspect venting and combustion performance

Because Clovis water hardness can accelerate scale formation, an annual maintenance plan is strongly advised to protect performance and warranty coverage.

Typical timeline and cost factors

• Typical install timeline: many straightforward replacements are completed in 1 day; retrofits that need venting reroute, gas line upgrades, or electrical work may take 2–3 days or longer.
• Cost is influenced by:
• Unit selection and efficiency (condensing units cost more upfront)
• Required gas line upsizing or new gas hookups
• Venting complexity and materials
• Electrical upgrades, recirculation pumps, or water treatment systems
• Permit and inspection fees
• Accessibility and retrofit labor complexity

Rather than focusing on sticker price, weigh long-term operating savings, available warranties, and local water treatment needs when choosing a solution.

Financing options and ownership considerations

Many homeowners finance major home system upgrades through common HVAC financing programs that allow monthly payments. When evaluating options, consider:

• The expected energy savings and lifespan of a tankless system
• The impact of water quality on maintenance needs and long-term performance
• Warranty terms and the requirement for documented annual service

Final note: For Clovis homes, addressing hard water and ensuring correct gas and venting infrastructure are the two most important factors for a successful tankless installation. Proper sizing, professional installation, and routine maintenance deliver reliable hot water, improved efficiency, and a longer effective system life.