tankless water heater installation quote and suggestions

[Michael Phillips]

I just finished a remodel for a duplex in Echo Park and had a Rheem RTX 13 electric tankless heater installed in each unit.  Working great for the downstairs unit that only has a shower in the bathroom but the upstairs unit has a tub and this heater cannot keep up.  I need to install new unit but it does not look like I have the power for a larger electric unit which means I will need to install a gas tankless.  I have a gas line for the dryer that seems reasonably accessible and is near where I would want this unit installed.  The only quote I have gotten so far however is for $5k and that does not even include the electric or patching work.  Is this reasonable?  It seems pretty over the top.... Does anyone have suggestions as to how much this should cost  and any suggestions for someone to work with that can service the Echo Park area?

[Ilya G.]

Hi Michael,

The gas tankless water heaters installation could be tricky. You may use your laundry gas supply line, but need to make sure it will work. Some models do support ½” gas line. We like to use Navien water heaters for our projects. They are 120v, so you may not need any additional power. Further, the gas tankless water heaters require to have a vent, depending on the location, it may add to the overall price of the installation.

I do have a couple of plumbers who do install tankless water heaters. You can PM me if you are interested.