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KEYS TO A SUCCCESSFUL TANKLESS INSTALLATION
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Location, Location, Location
(or short hot water delay)
The most important installation factor for a tankless water heater is locating it as close as possible to the most commonly used fixtures, particularly the bathrooms. Often times an outdoor model can be located on the side of back of the house near the bathrooms and a dedicated 1/2" copper pipe can serve the kitchen sink. This results in very fast hot water to all of the fixtures.
Recirculation return systems do work with tankless water heaters, but they can be in-efficient if not done properly (all hot an return pipes insulated, recirc pump on a timer and aquastat). Under sink demand recirculation devices, such as the Metlund or Chilipeper can be used, but consult a plumber who specializes in tankless for best results. The biggest mistake is to move it farther away from fixtures (so it is easier to flue or gas line) increasing the hot water delay with concomitant water and energy waste.
Gas Line Requirements
Unless very close to the meter (within 10' for example, tankless water heaters require dedicated gas lines to meet code. Your plumber should perform a formal gas line sizing, but a key fact is that 3/4" gas line will carry 199,000 btu/hr (size of most tankless) for 30'. Any distance over that, say 31' will require a 1' dedicated line to meet the Uniform Plumbing code.
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Example:
Original House
Hot Water Design
Improved Tankless
Hot Water Design
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Fluing Requirements
Tankless water heaters require dedicated (not shared with the furnace, for example) 4', type III stainless steel fluing. The fluing does not need to go to the roof, however; it can terminate just outside the wall with a stainless steel cap piece, which looks like a dryer vent cap. For vertical flue runs, a condensate T must be added to insure long life of the machine.
Combustion Air Requirement
In confined spaces, such as closests, a DV model, such as the 751M-DV must be used. It has a seperate intake air pipe where the combustion air is piped in from the attic, crawl space or outside.
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