Project Overview

Burbank Plumbing replaced this home’s existing water heating setup with a wall-mounted Navien tankless water heater in Magnolia Park. Unlike a traditional tank water heater, the new system heats water on demand rather than storing a tank of heated water. The installation included new copper water connections, gas connections, venting, condensate drainage, and accessible isolation valves for future service.

Making the Switch to Tankless

The homeowner was looking for a more compact water heating setup that could provide hot water on demand without the footprint of a traditional storage tank.

A Navien condensing tankless water heater was selected for the installation. The wall-mounted design allowed the unit to be positioned vertically on a dedicated plywood backer while leaving the surrounding area accessible for plumbing connections and maintenance.

Installing the Navien Unit

The tankless water heater was secured to a plywood backer board, providing a solid mounting surface for the wall-mounted unit.

New copper piping was installed for the hot and cold water connections. Isolation ball valves were also incorporated into the setup, making it easier to shut off the water supply when the system needs to be serviced.

The piping was arranged to keep the connections accessible and the installation organized.

Gas and Venting Connections

Because the Navien unit operates on gas, the installation included a dedicated gas connection with a flexible connector and labeled CSST gas line connection.

The unit’s intake and exhaust venting was routed through the ceiling using PVC vent piping appropriate for the condensing system.

The venting was positioned to provide the required connection between the water heater and the exterior termination point.

Managing Condensate

Condensing tankless water heaters produce condensate during operation, so the installation also included provisions for condensate management.

A condensate neutralizer/trap was incorporated near the bottom of the unit, with a drain line routed toward the floor drain area.

This setup helps manage the condensate produced by the system before it enters the home’s drainage system.

Accessible Controls and Service Points

The installation includes the water heater’s built-in digital control display along with a separate wall-mounted controller.

The copper piping and isolation valves were arranged to leave key service points accessible. This gives the homeowner and service technicians convenient access to the system’s controls and connections when adjustments or maintenance are needed.

The Finished Installation

The completed installation provides the home with a compact, wall-mounted Navien tankless water heating system.

The new setup combines copper water connections, gas supply, dedicated venting, condensate management, and accessible shut-off valves in one organized installation.

After the installation was completed, the system and its connections were checked to verify proper operation and ensure there were no leaks.

Considering a Tankless Water Heater?

If you’re considering replacing a traditional water heater with a tankless system, Burbank Plumbing can assess your home’s existing plumbing, gas supply, venting, and hot water needs to determine whether a tankless installation is a suitable option.