Adding a Tankless Water Heater

[KennyMack]

It finally happened guys, she put her foot down and said there was no way she was going out full time without a bigger water heater. I decided the devoted wife deserved this single luxury, and I love silky smooth legs so it is a win win.

I began researching all kinds of ways to increase my ability to have endless hot water. Residential 120 and 240 tank less heaters draw way too many amps for my liking so I started looking into tank less gas ( propane ) fired water heaters. Google promptly gave me several options and I narrowed it down to the Girrard Tankless water heater. Cost was a big deciding factor and so it began, the quest to find the best price.

I found there were several dealers of the water heater and got the best overall deal I could. I pulled the trigger and ordered the Heater and the exterior door for my replacement application.

Today my faithful UPS driver drove up and delivered my water heater and door. My initial reaction to the box was "that's it?". But what was I expecting? I don't really know why I was expecting a huge box but I was.

The weather today was far too rainy to attempt this today, and I need some supplies before I get started. I will take photos along the way and give everyone a full write up.

[hankaye]

KennyMack, Howdy;

Sounds like a true 'project' you've set for yourself.
Please keep us posted and take and POST plenty of pix... thanks.

hankaye

[mikell]

We keep the electric on all the time and turn the gas on in the morning when we hit the shower. Never have ran out and I think we have an 10 gallon one

[Johnnyfry]

Kenny,
Please keep the group informed on the install and results. If possible report on propane consumption too.

Gas is certainly the way to go on this. Tankless heaters take way too much juice.

John

[KennyMack]

It took me two days to accomplish the install but mainly due to having to go get parts. Some things I learned along the way:
1. Remove stove for fastest removal of water heater.
2. Some parts are only going to be found at a RV supply center
3. Don't waste your time asking anyone at Home Depot or Lowes about anything relating to RV's.

I would say the install is definitely doable for anyone with basic skills. The new unit lines up to the old nearly perfectly. The hardest thing is manipulating the pex lines and basic 12 volt wiring. The only thing that would concern me is working with gas lines by inexperienced folks. The main concern being a gas leak. I found a bottle of dyed leak detection fluid ( soapy water ) for $5 at CW. This water heater easily produces up to 135 degree water in high and maintains 100 degrees at wide open. I am happy about the investment.

[jje1960]

Super happy you found what you were looking for, good luck with the install! I am just a bit curious though, since your talking about endless hotwater, this kind of tells your going to have hookups, the holding tanks are far from endless! If you have hookups, why would you wish to use your propane vs the hookup electric? Just wondering.

[hankaye]

KennyMack, Howdy;

Originally Posted by KennyMack

It took me two days to accomplish the install but mainly due to having to go get parts. Some things I learned along the way:
1. Remove stove for fastest removal of water heater.
2. Some parts are only going to be found at a RV supply center
3. Don't waste your time asking anyone at Home Depot or Lowes about anything relating to RV's.

I would say the install is definitely doable for anyone with basic skills. The new unit lines up to the old nearly perfectly. The hardest thing is manipulating the pex lines and basic 12 volt wiring. The only thing that would concern me is working with gas lines by inexperienced folks. The main concern being a gas leak. I found a bottle of dyed leak detection fluid ( soapy water ) for $5 at CW. This water heater easily produces up to 135 degree water in high and maintains 100 degrees at wide open. I am happy about the investment.

You have never stated what size the old water heater size was; a 6 or 10 gal.
Thought I'd ask...

Thanks again for the pix and write-up.

hankaye

[WaltBennett]

Originally Posted by KennyMack

2. Some parts are only going to be found at a RV supply center
3. Don't waste your time asking anyone at Home Depot or Lowes about anything relating to RV's..

These two are among the basic truths of life!

[KennyMack]

Here are some before and after pictures.