Project Summary
Project Type
Tankless Water Heater Installation
Location
Santa Cruz, CA
Duration
2 Days
Services Provided
Water Heater Removal, Navien Tankless Installation, Gas Line Rework, Venting & Electrical Connections
When a homeowner in Santa Cruz needed a more energy-efficient hot water solution, Bellows Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical stepped in with the perfect upgrade. We replaced their outdated tank-style unit with a modern Navien NPE240A2 through a professional tankless water heater installation, delivering improved performance, long-term efficiency, and peace of mind.
Project Scope & Key Components
This project focused on upgrading the home’s hot water system while ensuring compliance with modern building codes and performance standards.
Tankless Water Heater Installation:
- Removed and recycled the existing tank-style water heater.
- Mounted and installed a Navien NPE240A2 tankless unit in the same location.
- Connected existing hot/cold water lines and shut-off valves.
- Made hard-piped connections to the hot and cold ports.
- Connected existing gas line and added sediment trap, shut-off valve, and ¾” gas supply.
- Installed new PVC exhaust vent piping and condensate drain line.
- Hooked up to a 120V electrical outlet and 24V control wiring.
- Calibrated system, tested for proper function, and cleaned up the site.
Installation Phases & Timeline
Before we dive into the results, here’s how our team approached the installation step by step. From removing the old system to calibrating the new Navien tankless unit, every stage was carefully planned and executed to ensure maximum efficiency, safety, and performance.
Day 1: Main Installation
- Removed old tank water heater.
- Installed and mounted new Navien tankless water heater.
- Completed major plumbing, venting, and electrical connections.
- Left $500 off the final invoice as customer was unavailable for system walkthrough.
- Scheduled a follow-up visit to finalize remaining details.
Day 2: Final Touches & Inspection Prep
- Returned to repair a drill hole on the exterior with custom flashing.
- Secured strapping in the crawlspace and capped off old flue.
- Walked customer through new system operation.
- Customer tested system with all fixtures running—no issues reported.
- Final balance collected; customer extremely satisfied.
Final Results & Homeowner Feedback
This tankless water heater installation resulted in a seamless transition from a traditional tank system to a compact, high-efficiency tankless unit. The Navien system now delivers on-demand hot water without delay or temperature fluctuations. With the added benefit of saved space and lower utility bills, the homeowner was thrilled with the upgrade and praised the Bellows team for their professionalism and communication.
Photo Highlights
Want to get a closer look at the craftsmanship behind this tankless water heater installation? Below are photos highlighting key moments from the installation process—from removing the old tank-style unit and mounting the new Navien system to the detailed plumbing, venting, and crawlspace work. These images showcase the clean execution, code-compliant setup, and attention to detail that define every Bellows Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical installation.
Energy Savings & Everyday Benefits
A tankless water heater installation provides homeowners with several concrete advantages:
- Endless hot water: The Navien NPE240A2 delivers on-demand hot water without the temperature fluctuations or limited capacity of traditional tanks.
- Space savings: The compact tankless unit frees up valuable space previously occupied by the bulky tank system.
- Energy efficiency: Unlike traditional tanks that constantly heat water, the tankless system only operates when hot water is needed, reducing energy consumption and utility costs.
- Longer lifespan: Navien tankless systems typically last 15-20 years compared to 8-12 years for conventional tanks, providing greater long-term value.
- Improved home value: Modern, energy-efficient upgrades like tankless water heaters can increase property value and appeal to future buyers.
- Code compliance: Our professional installation ensures all current building codes are met, with proper venting, gas connections, and safety features in place.
The customer’s ability to run all fixtures simultaneously without issues demonstrates the superior performance of this system. This installation showcases how thoughtful plumbing upgrades can significantly improve daily life while providing long-term financial benefits.
Why Homeowners Trust Bellows for Tankless Water Heater Installations
We’re experts in upgrading traditional water heaters to space-saving, high-efficiency tankless systems. Our plumbers ensure proper venting, gas line sizing, water line connections, and temperature calibration all up to code. We install top brands like Navien with the goal of providing endless hot water, lower energy bills, and peace of mind. Whether it’s rewiring for more electrical capacity or modernizing your HVAC system, every job ends with a full system test, clean workspace, and happy homeowner.
