I'm looking to replace my gas-powered 40-gallon water heater currently sitting in my attic. I want to switch to a tankless system but don't want to keep it in the attic. Since I don't have a garage, I'm considering moving it outside. Has anyone gone through this process? I'm really worried about the additional plumbing that might be required. For context, I live in North Carolina, which might impact installation due to the climate.
2 Answers
It really depends on your setup! The previous owner squeezed a 40-gallon tank into my attic, which was a tight fit. Luckily, I have a back porch that can accommodate a new unit; just need to reroute some plumbing and cap off the old heater. If yours is gas, it might take a bit more effort compared to my electric setup where I just had to put a new breaker in. Good luck!
You don't necessarily have to hook the new water heater to the same pipes as the old one! It can go anywhere, as long as you can make the right connections. Keep in mind that with tankless systems, the hot water might take longer to reach the taps, so placing the heater closer to the most used bathrooms could help speed things up. Plus, easy access to the plumbing can simplify installation!
This is so helpful. Thank you!