The Best Tankless Water Heater (on demand): A Plumber's Review

[@michaelfarris2556]

I have really only seen 2 people on KZbin who actually do this for helping others out. You're in it for just that. Thanks for the honesty.

[@db0nn3r]

My new favorite plumber on KZbin. Thank you for sharing valuable trade knowledge with those less fortunate raised in a society that wants us to know nothing useful.

[@mikepoint4717]

I’m getting mine next week , I’m excited. Three of my friends have them for there homes and there rental units, I waited a year and finally pulled the trigger . Great video. Cheers 🇨🇦

[@johntheboy6555]

How does it work now that you have it in? Curious how it handles the cold water up in Canada? Whereabouts in Canada are ya?

[@mikepoint4717]

@@johntheboy6555 it’s been great , clean install, the demand system can’t be beat . I live in Vancouver BC Canada . The weather is relatively good mostly rain , and the water is isn’t hard water , we don’t use holding tanks . We have great tap water. Cheers 🇨🇦

[@pauldec10]

I am in the markert right now so this video was TRULY helpful. Thank you for putting this together!

[@izzi1s]

My NPE-210A2 is now installed and OMG it works great. We set the temp to 130 degrees. The installers were amazed that as a family of 5 that our 19 year old unit that was never descaled was still working (We started getting leaks about a month ago). They said that with all the calcification that we had in the tank that we were probably getting only 20 gallons of our 50 gallon tank. What a difference this Navien unit makes!!!

[@billy2bob63]

Thanks guys!

[@phillyfathead]

Bugs in everything 😂🤣, how so very true! Thanks for your trusted opinion.

[@ChuckP25.]

Thanks Jim. Hope you enjoyed Italy. Stay safe out there. Thumbs up.

[@rexb9661]

I own a condo that had a Navien tankless water heater when I moved in. It provides domestic hot water and also supplies hot water to the air handler for heating my home. There is no water softener, so I descale the water heater myself every year or so. I have been impressed so far, but I haven't checked with the gardener to see what he thinks.

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

You’re doing such a good job, never mind checking with the gardener.

[@njjeff201]

Don’t forget to clean the input screen once a year

[@izzi1s]

Having my Navien NPE-210A2 installed Friday 2/16. Can't wait.

[@aceofspades6667]

Are you happy with it so far?

[@izzi1s]

@@aceofspades6667 Yes, we love it,. We used to have to wait until the water got warm, now I have to wait to make sure I don't burn myself before getting in the shower.

[@unitedwestand5602]

@@izzi1sI’m looking at getting one. If you don’t mind me asking how much installed for everything parts and labor? Thank you

[@izzi1s]

@@unitedwestand5602 I went with a company in Nashville and it was 4600 but then there was a rebate through Tennessee Valley Association (TVA) fro $800 so it was $3800 after the rebate

[@ACoustaDC]

My gardener agrees.... that your new beard looks great! Have a great week Jim!

[@Johnny-jr2lq]

I remember back in 2010 or 2009 we got a instant hot water heater back then the technology was very new. I remember I had to occasionally take it apart and clean a part inside it to get the hot water flowing again idk what it was that I was cleaning but it worked otherwise the unit was good it was indeed a major space saver now that I’m moving I’m considering getting another tankless water heater and I’m hoping that the tech in the instant tankless hot water heaters has improved

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

@@Johnny-jr2lq yes, they have!

[@pishni259]

Opinion on a Navien combi boiler vs just a tankless? My use case is for domestic + Infloor heat for 2 story house, but the combi boiler is double the cost from a particular contractor in my area (urban Pacific NW). I already have heat pumps and mini splits in the house and am thinking the combi boiler would maybe be overkill

[@tcrichens]

Great video. what is the difference between condensing and non condensing units?

[@brittblanton8342]

Thanks for the great information Jim 👍

[@jaimecabrales8514]

Thank you Sir for sharing

[@anthonybuonsanto437]

Can the make up air come from the room if it’s indoors? Or do you have to run the fresh air intake to the atmosphere?

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

With some tankless water heaters, you have to get your intake air from outside. With the Navien, for example, it depends on the size of the room. But, if the room has a louver door or a closet with a louver door, it should bring in enough air. For example: I put two Naviens in an 8x7 room with a louver door and it works just fine. The control panel on the unit will tell you if you have enough air when it’s operating.

[@thegochu7215]

Dear Jim, do u install floor heating system with Navien?

[@PaoloFrancesco99]

I'm building a cabin and the plumber wants to use Navien. I just got off the phone with Navien tech support to ask them a few questions, and kind of test them out. Unfortunately, the tech support service and live video support for actual troubleshooting is just for licensed plumbers. My cabin is in a somewhat remote area and it'll be hard to get service from this plumber. I can do things myself, but maybe not if Navien won't talk me through it. So now I'm considering just a electric tank for its simplicity, which really isn't what I want but might be less headache in the end. Grumpy - any advice?

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

I highly recommend a Navien and agree with your plumber. A little secret….I’m a licensed plumber but not registered with Navien. You need to take their training course to be registered. When I call Navien, they ask me if I’m a homeowner or a plumber. I say “plumber” and they put me through to tech support. When I talk to tech support, I tell them the problem or I give the error code located on top of the screen. They then walk me through it to find the problem. You can do this yourself. Sometimes they ask if the heater is on a softener or a big blue filter. I would tell them it’s on a softener whether it is or not. All my units are on softeners or filters. That extends the warranty to ten years. Tech support learned everything from the manual and courses, not from the field. 99% are very good at what they do. If the unit is still in warranty, they will send you the parts. I’m sure the plumber that installs the Navien will be there for you.

[@PaoloFrancesco99]

@@TheGrumpyPlumberThank you for the quick reply, sir. My post wasn't crystal clear. The plumber will use Navien if I demand a tankless water heater. He is old school and doesn't like on-demand heaters. This is why I'm concerned about service. Just getting him to the job site for initial rough-in has been a challenge. This is why I feel I would be on my own for maintenance issues.

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

I think it would be easier for you to have the plumber put in the electric water heater. You are right.

[@henrycruz45cal]

Love my Rinnai. 15-year warranty!

[@victorpayne6586]

Thank you. Long time question answered.

[@joseviana2112]

living in the northern area ...the only think i don't like is when i lose electricity for a few days due to weather

[@omphat2799]

I just installed an A2 put in the propane kit, switched the setting to propane, it is on and in standby mode but won’t constantly heat, it pulses hot cold hot cold… I can’t figure it out! Any help is much appreciated! 🙏

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

I’m sorry, but I need more information on the type of heater. I don’t know what an A2 is. I didn’t think you were allowed to buy a conversion kits for an on demand heater or any type of heater.

[@jennifercorraobowen7640]

I have heard many good things about Navian which is why I purchased one but my experience is not good. About 9 months after installation I got an error code that the air intake was clogged and the water heater turned off. The screen had moths in it so I cleaned it out and it was working again. But every 3-4 months I get the same error code and (screen is clear every time). I reset it and it works again for another 3 -4 months. My plumber called to troubleshoot (Navien tech support won't talk to homeowners, only licensed plumbers) They won't replace it and can't figure out what the problems is ( it started having problems 9 months after installation and it's about 4 years old now) and my plumber is not helpful. I need a recommendation for a different brand because I am going to replace it and use a different plumber.

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

So sorry you are having this problem. I’m afraid you picked the wrong plumber. I think you have a problem in the venting. Try to find a certified Navien plumber who has taken the Navien training program. A certified plumber is able to call Navien, give his certification number and Navien will work this problem through with them. My experience with Navien is that they will work to figure the problem out. It would be a lot cheaper to get the Navien fixed. Navien and Norton have the best tech support. You don’t want someone who will condemn the unit before even working on it. Don’t give up!

[@73caprice]

I have a 9 year old State Select 40 gal gas water heater with a power vent. In the middle of the night when no water is running it makes a loud ramming bang wakes everyone up the dog starts barking, it’s nerve racking. Research tells me it’s sediment creating steam that creates the noise. No permanent fix. Seriously considering the on demand when it’s time to replace it. This video has been very helpful in relieving my fears of on demand being glitchy and requiring regular service calls. However I got a quote of $3000 to replace my existing with another tank. According to Jim, If I go on demand it’s at least $4000. Not sure if it’s worth the extra cost.

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

If that water heater heats up enough to make steam, you would not be around to be asking this question. When a water heater makes a noise like it’s percolating, it’s not hurting the water heater. If you are going to replace the heater, I would highly recommend the on demand because the heater you already have has a plastic vent. If the heater is in the basement or mechanical room, you shouldn’t have to bring in any combustible air for the on demand heater. The life of an on demand heater is about four to one. If it ever does leak, it can be repaired. If you use a Navien on demand, it comes with a built in circulating system. You also want to buy a 240,000 BTU heater. Prices on an on demand are about the same.

[@njjeff201]

My Navient died about 2 years old. They charged me labor for a motherboard.

[@56Spookdog]

Grumpy my water heater is indoors, I imagine the circulating pump is quite but how loud is quite and does it run 24/7?

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

Navien tankless water heaters comes with a circulating pump and you’ll never know that it’s running. An on demand heater is no louder than a standard water heater.

[@FabianGonzalez-xn5xp]

Was the water softener part of the $4000? If not thats another $1500 with the tank and install. And if you don't install a softener they clog up. I prefer traditional water heater unless it's a matter of space or commercial kitchen job.

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

@@FabianGonzalez-xn5xp the tankless water heaters will give you a 15 year warranty with a softener or big blue filter. A softener also benefits the house itself. You do you.

[@sunbird394]

Thank you for sharing

[@jsorensen168]

I just bought a house with a Noritz tankless water heater that is factory set at 120 degrees and my showers are tepid. The plumber I had in to service it said that legally he can't turn up the temperature any higher. He also wanted to charge me $750 to flush it. I called other plumbing companies in the area and they won't even give me a price over the telephone to flush the heater. I hate taking showers now.

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

The Noritz is an excellent company. You can call them ( look for the number on the heater) and talk to tech support. They will tell you how to turn the temperature up and should talk you through the process. Flushing your tankless is not hard to do yourself. If you can screw a garden hose on and follow the instructions in the kit, it takes about an hour. If your house is on a water softener, you’re in good shape.

[@TC-tw5zk]

I changed mine... just dip switches very easy turned to 140

[@stanleywells6728]

What model is it 240 or 210

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

This tankless water heater is a 240 A.

[@benraphael510]

@@TheGrumpyPlumberwhat’s the difference between that and a 240S2?

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

@@benraphael510 the 240A Navien Tankless heater comes with a circulating pump. The 240S2 does not come with a circulating pump. I always recommend the 240 A because it comes with the circulating pump.

[@benraphael510]

@ thank you! Looking at the 240A2 from Navien or maybe the new Rinnai RX199iN which has a 98% efficiency rating

[@gailjohnson6670]

Thank you..

[@pineychristian]

They aren't instant hot water. They are endless hot water. There is a cold water quench even with the advanced model with the buffer tank.

[@robertfleming5829]

Not getting paid for this ? you need to renegotiate your contract with your manager or son. thanx

[@njjeff201]

Not NOT true. Do NOT install heater opposite side of house. Our builder did that & hot water took forever. No pump was installed

[@modocdance]

tri valve broke in less than a year cost me labor ($500) to fix, they covered parts. A new water heater should not break in a year.

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

Are you referring to a Navien Tankless and it broke in less than a year? If you had a license plumber install the heater, it should have had at least a one year warranty on the labor.

[@modocdance]

It was installed by the company that remodeled the house prior to me buying it.

[@mikev.1034]

👍👍

[@michaelpillow5784]

As someone who works on gas equipment, I can say stay away from Rheem and Navien on demand heaters. Noritz and Rinnai are better in my opinion.

[@TheTCOLL]

Saying that this has instant hot water is actually extremely misleading. It actually takes longer than a traditional hot water tank because it needs to heat it every time you want it.

[@DJSephEntertainment]

Mikey pipes turned me off to Navien.

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

I don’t know what Mikey pipes are.