Tankless Water Heater installed by Lifewell Water Solutions

 Why Homeowners Switch to Tankless 

Hot water that doesn't run out. A properly sized tankless unit keeps delivering hot water through back-to-back showers, a full bathtub, or a house full of guests.

A much longer lifespan. A typical tank water heater lasts 8 to 12 years. A well-maintained tankless unit can last 20 years or more.

Lower energy use. A tank keeps 40 to 80 gallons of water hot around the clock, even while you sleep or travel. A tankless unit only turns on when you open a tap, which makes it a strong fit for second homes and weekend properties.

More space. A wall-mounted tankless unit is about the size of a suitcase, freeing up floor space in your utility room, garage, or closet.

No tank to leak. When an old tank fails, it can dump its contents onto your floor. Tankless units don't hold a tank of water that can fail that way.

 Is Tankless Right for Your Home? 

Tankless isn't the right choice for every home, and we'll tell you honestly if it isn't for yours. It costs more upfront than a standard tank, and it needs yearly maintenance, especially on well water. Gas and propane units need a large fuel supply, which may mean upgrading your gas or propane line. Electric units need a lot of electrical capacity, which may mean upgrading your electrical panel. For many households, a new tank water heater is the better value. We'll walk you through all your options.

Compare our gas and propane tank water heatersCompare our electric tank water heaters

Choosing the Right Size 

Tankless water heaters are sized by how much hot water your home uses at the same time, not by gallons stored. Eastern Shore well water can drop to about 55°F in winter, so the unit has to work hard to bring it up to temperature. That's why proper sizing matters here.

The sizes below are for our gas and propane units. Electric tankless options are covered further down the page.

160,000 BTU Tankless

Best for smaller homes with 1 to 2 bathrooms. Comfortably runs one shower plus a sink or appliance at the same time in winter.

180,000 BTU Tankless

A good fit for most 2 to 3 bathroom homes. Handles two showers at once in most conditions.

199,000 BTU Condensing Tankless with Built-In Recirculation

Our top option for larger homes with 3 or more bathrooms, waterfront homes, and homes with long pipe runs. It offers the highest output, the best efficiency, and a built-in recirculation pump for hot water at the tap in seconds.

We'll size your unit after looking at your home, the number of bathrooms, your fixtures, and how your family uses hot water.

 Clean, Simple Concentric Venting

Many of our gas and propane tankless installations use concentric venting. Intake air and exhaust run through a single pipe, so only one small hole goes through your wall or roof. It's a cleaner look on the outside of your home and often simplifies the installation. We'll recommend the best venting setup for your home during the estimate. 

Hot Water in Seconds with Built-In Recirculation 

In larger homes, you can wait a minute or more for hot water to reach the far bathroom, running gallons of water down the drain while you wait. Our 199,000 BTU condensing unit has a built-in recirculation pump that keeps hot water ready near your fixtures, so hot water arrives in seconds.

Recirculation can work with a dedicated return line or with a crossover valve installed at the farthest fixture, depending on your home's plumbing. It's especially valuable in large waterfront homes and in homes where the water heater sits at one end of the house.

Propane and Natural Gas Tankless Water Heaters 

Many Eastern Shore homes run on propane, and tankless water heaters work well with it. Because a gas or propane tankless unit burns a lot of fuel quickly, we check a few things before installation:

  • Gas line size: Many existing gas lines are too small to supply a high-output tankless unit. If yours needs an upgrade, we handle that as part of the job. 
  • Propane tank and regulator: Your propane tank and regulator must be able to keep up with the unit's demand. We'll coordinate with your propane supplier if changes are needed.
  • Electrical outlet: Gas and propane tankless units need a standard outlet to power their controls.

 Electric Tankless Water Heaters 

For all-electric homes without propane or natural gas, an electric tankless water heater can be a good option. There's no venting and no fuel supply to manage, and the units are compact enough to fit almost anywhere.

They're a great fit for:

  • Smaller homes and cottages with modest hot water needs
  • Additions, guest suites, and detached spaces
  • Under-sink installations that deliver instant hot water at a single faucet

Electric tankless units do have limits, and we'll be upfront about them. A whole-house unit draws a lot of power, often more than 100 amps, so many homes need an electrical panel upgrade first. [We coordinate that work with a licensed electrician.] Eastern Shore well water is also cold in winter, which limits how much hot water an electric unit can produce. In many homes that means one or two showers at a time.

If you need more hot water than an electric tankless can deliver, we'll help you compare it with a propane tankless or an electric tank water heater.

Tankless Water Heaters Built for Eastern Shore Homes 

Flood-prone properties. Many homes in Dorchester County and along the Shore's waterfront sit in low-lying areas. A tankless unit mounts on the wall, so we can install it well above the floor and out of reach of rising water, something a floor-standing tank can't do.

Waterfront and salt air. Salt air is hard on metal components and exterior vent terminations. On waterfront homes in places like St. Michaels, Oxford, Rock Hall, and Kent Island, we choose installation locations and venting that hold up to coastal conditions.

Second homes and rentals. A tank heats water around the clock, even when your weekend home or short-term rental sits empty. A tankless unit only runs when someone turns on a tap. We also set up seasonal homes so the tankless unit is protected from freezing during winter, including during power outages when its built-in freeze protection can't run.

Homes without basements. High water tables mean many Shore homes have crawl spaces instead of basements, with the water heater squeezed into a closet or garage. Replacing a tank with a compact tankless unit frees up that space.

Older homes in historic towns. In older homes in Easton, Chestertown, and Cambridge, we plan venting routes carefully and check the existing gas line and plumbing before installation.

 Protecting Your Tankless from Well Water 

This is where we differ from most plumbers. Hard water leaves scale inside a tankless unit's heat exchanger or heating elements, which cuts efficiency, causes error codes, and can lead to early failure. Scale damage may also affect your warranty coverage. Iron and sediment, both common in Eastern Shore wells, cause similar problems.

Before we install a tankless water heater, we can test your water. If you have hard water or iron, we'll recommend protection, such as a water softener or iron filter, so your new unit lasts as long as it should.

Learn About Water SoftenersSchedule A Water Test

 What's Included in Your Installation 

  • An on-site assessment of your water quality and your gas supply, venting, or electrical capacity
  • Removal and disposal of your old water heater
  • Installation of your new tankless unit with all water and fuel or electrical connections
  • Venting and condensate drain setup for gas and propane models
  • Any required permits
  • Testing and a walkthrough of your new system

Keeping Your Tankless Running Well

Tankless water heaters need a descaling flush about once a year, and more often with hard water. 

 Frequently Asked Questions 

Should I choose a gas, propane, or electric tankless water heater?

For most Eastern Shore homes, propane or natural gas tankless units deliver the most hot water, especially in winter. Electric tankless works best for smaller homes, additions, or a single bathroom. We'll recommend the best fit based on your home and fuel options.

How long does a tankless installation take?

Most installations are completed in one day. Jobs that need a gas line upgrade, new venting, or electrical work may take longer, and we'll let you know upfront.

Will a tankless water heater work with my well?

Yes. Tankless units work with well water, but hard water, iron, and sediment can damage them over time. We'll test your water and recommend protection if you need it.

Does a tankless water heater work during a power outage?

No. Every tankless unit needs electricity, so it won't heat water during an outage. If your home has a backup generator, a gas or propane tankless unit can run on it.

Do I need a bigger gas line?

Often, yes. High-output gas and propane tankless units use much more fuel at once than a tank water heater. We check your gas line during the estimate and include any upgrade in your quote.

Is an electric tankless water heater a good choice for my home?

It can be, especially for smaller homes or a single bathroom or addition. For larger households, cold winter well water and high electrical demand can make whole-house electric tankless a poor fit. We'll look at your home's electrical service and hot water needs and give you an honest recommendation.

Can I switch from a tank to a tankless water heater?

Yes. Most homes can switch. We'll check your fuel supply or electrical service, venting options, and water quality to make sure it's a good fit.

 Ready for Endless Hot Water? 

Whether you're replacing an old tank or building out a larger home, we'll help you choose the right tankless water heater and install it the right way.

Request a Tankless Estimate