Tankless Water Heater Installation & Repair in Los Angeles

Tankless water heaters have become a popular upgrade for Los Angeles homeowners, and for good reason. A traditional tank heater keeps 40 to 50 gallons hot around the clock, takes up a closet, and runs out when the last person showers. A tankless unit heats water only when you open a tap, so you get a steady supply without paying to keep a tank warm all day.

The 5 Star Plumbing has handled tankless water heater installation and repair in Los Angeles since 2006. We are a licensed (CSLB #1041772), family-owned plumbing company, and we are available 24/7 at (888) 909-0120.

Tankless Water Heater Installation in Los Angeles

A good tankless water heater installation starts with sizing, not with the most expensive unit on the truck. Some companies push the biggest model and tell you that you “need” it. We look at how many bathrooms you have, how many fixtures run at the same time, and what your existing gas line, venting and electrical can support, then recommend the unit that fits your household. For larger homes, we can link up to four tankless units so they work together.

Gas tankless water heaters

• Higher flow rates, so they suit families that run several showers or appliances at once
• Need a correctly sized gas supply and dedicated venting; older homes often need a gas line upgrade to feed a high-BTU unit

Electric tankless water heaters

• No venting required, which makes placement simpler
• Best for smaller households or a single point of use; whole-home electric units can need a large electrical service

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless water heaters can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank heaters in homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water a day, and most last more than 20 years.

Permits in the City of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety requires a plumbing permit to replace a gas water heater in a single-family home unless a registered contractor is swapping in an equivalent unit (LADBS). Converting from a tank to a tankless unit is usually not an equivalent swap, so plan for a permit and inspection. We will walk you through what your job needs when we look at it.

Wondering what the project will cost? Our guide to tankless water heater cost in Los Angeles breaks down unit prices, conversion work and permits. Financing is available.

Tankless Water Heater Repair

Tankless units are reliable, but like any appliance they can develop problems. If you need tankless water heater repair in Los Angeles, our plumbers are trained on the major brands. Common tankless problems include:

1. Mineral build-up in the heat exchanger
2. System overload when too many fixtures run at once
3. Ignition errors and error codes on the display
4. Water that goes hot, then cold, then hot again
5. Overheating or a tripped high-limit switch
6. Exhaust or air supply obstruction
7. No hot water at all, often from a gas supply or flow sensor problem

Whatever the issue, our team will find the cause and explain your repair options before any work starts.

Tankless Water Heater Flush and Descaling

There is no tank to drain, so why flush a tankless unit? Calcium and other minerals still build up inside the unit, which cuts flow and efficiency and can trigger error codes. A periodic water heater flush or tankless descaling service keeps the heat exchanger clean. Signs you are overdue include lower flow, fluctuating temperatures and scale-related error codes.

We serve homeowners across Los Angeles, including Pasadena, Long Beach and Malibu.

Tankless Water Heater FAQs

Is a tankless water heater worth it?
For many households, yes. You get continuous hot water, a unit that frees up floor space, and lower standby energy loss. The upfront cost is higher than a tank, so the payback depends on your hot water use and the conversion work your home needs.

What size tankless water heater do I need?
Size depends on the flow rate you need at the same time (for example, two showers plus a dishwasher) and how much the incoming water has to be heated. We size the unit to your home rather than guessing from square footage.

Do I need a permit to install a tankless water heater in Los Angeles?
In the City of Los Angeles, a plumbing permit is generally required unless a registered contractor is replacing a gas water heater with an equivalent unit. A tank-to-tankless conversion usually needs one.

Why is my tankless water heater not producing hot water?
Common causes are a blocked air supply or exhaust vent, a gas supply problem, a tripped high-temperature limit switch or a faulty flow sensor. Call (888) 909-0120 and a plumber can diagnose it.