Water Heater Installation & Replacement | Mountain Man Plumbing
Source: https://mtnmanplumbing.com/services/water-heater-installation/
Title: Water Heater Installation & Replacement \| Mountain Man Plumbing
Content revision: 8826dd72534e86f3b82222eca7337f82cae3c2ee0ff39a00a4b96a20b7e01122
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## On this page
- What are youconsidering?
- 01Gas storage tankA burner heats stored water.
- 02Electric storage tankElectric elements heat stored water.
- 03Heat-pump water heaterRoom heat goes into a storage tank.
- 04Gas tanklessA burner heats water as it flows.
- 05Electric tanklessElectric elements heat flowing water.
- 06Boiler-heated indirect tankThe boiler supplies the heat.
- Make the vocabulary make sense
- A better visitstarts here.
- Hot water you actually use
- The room and the way in
- Enough gas while things are running
- Air in. Exhaust outside.
- Power the model can actually use
- Room air for a heat pump
- A route for collected water
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← Water heater repair & learning hub Sandy, Utah · Salt Lake Valley
Mountain Man Plumbing / The replacement guide
# Water heater installation.
Choose the heater.
Plan the whole job.
A new heater should fit your mornings as well as your mechanical room. Start with what you need, see what each type asks of the house, and know what belongs in the estimate.
Compare my options ↓
Not sure it needs replacing? Work through repair or replace first.
!Bradford White tank water heater installed by Mountain Man Plumbing in Sugar House
From our job records / Sugar House See this installation ↗
- 01 · Choose a type
- 02 · Plan for the house
- 03 · Tankless in 3D
- 04 · Compare estimates
- 05 · Our actual work
- Sources & public data
01 / Start with the equipment Six types. Different needs.
## What are you *considering?*
Choose a type to see how it works and what to check. You can switch between them without losing your preparation checklist.
### 01Gas storage tankA burner heats stored water.
How it works
### Gas storage tank
A gas burner heats a tank of water ahead of use. The tank stores hot water, and the burner replenishes it as you draw water.
**The planning difference**
A familiar replacement still needs a fit check: the new heater's exhaust requirements may differ from the old one.
**Capacity check:** Compare first-hour rating: the hot water it can deliver during an hour that starts with a fully heated tank. The gallon label alone leaves out reheating.
Read the reference: ENERGY STAR · A. O. Smith
Good questions to bring
1. What is the exact model and first-hour rating?
2. Can the existing exhaust route serve this model?
3. Which connection or protection changes are included?
Explore a gas tank in 3D →See the house checklist ↓
### 02Electric storage tankElectric elements heat stored water.
How it works
### Electric storage tank
Electric elements inside the tank heat the stored water. The thermostats turn them on as the water cools and stop heating when it reaches the set temperature.
**The planning difference**
Check the replacement model’s voltage, power and circuit requirements against the existing electrical supply.
**Capacity check:** Compare first-hour rating, the hot water delivered during an hour that starts with a fully heated tank. It accounts for stored water and reheating during that busy hour.
Read the reference: ENERGY STAR · ENERGY STAR
Good questions to bring
1. Does this model fit the available circuit?
2. How will it handle our busiest hot-water hour?
3. Can it be serviced and removed in this location?
Work through hot-water sizing →See the house checklist ↓
### 03Heat-pump water heaterRoom heat goes into a storage tank.
How it works
### Heat-pump water heater
A fan and compressor move heat from surrounding air into stored water. Many models also have electric elements to help when demand is high.
**The planning difference**
The room is part of the system. Plan for airflow, cooler air, sound and a drain for the water that collects from the air.
**Capacity check:** Compare first-hour rating and the operating mode used to achieve it. A mode that uses backup electric elements can meet a larger draw while using more electricity.
Read the reference: ENERGY STAR · ENERGY STAR · ENERGY STAR
Good questions to bring
1. Does this room meet the model's air and temperature requirements?
2. Where will collected water drain?
3. Which mode balances recovery and energy use for us?
Compare demand and recovery →See the house checklist ↓
### 04Gas tanklessA burner heats water as it flows.
How it works
### Gas tankless
Water passes through a heat exchanger, where metal transfers the burner’s heat into it. A condensing model also captures heat from the exhaust and drains the resulting condensation.
**The planning difference**
Assess fuel delivery, the approved exhaust route, electrical supply, service access and, for a condensing model, a condensate drain.
**Capacity check:** Compare the rated gallons per minute at your winter temperature rise.
Read the reference: U.S. Department of Energy · Navien
Good questions to bring
1. What flow can this model deliver with our cold winter inlet water?
2. Can the gas system support it while other appliances run?
3. Will I still wait for hot water at a distant tap?
Explore the tankless cutaway below →See the house checklist ↓
### 05Electric tanklessElectric elements heat flowing water.
How it works
### Electric tankless
Electric elements heat water as it passes through the unit. There is no gas burner or combustion exhaust.
**The planning difference**
Whole-home electric tankless can require substantial electrical capacity. Have the circuits, panel and service evaluated early so any upgrades are included in the plan.
**Capacity check:** Check the model's flow chart at the required temperature rise.
Read the reference: U.S. Department of Energy
Good questions to bring
1. What service, panel and circuit work would this model need?
2. Who is responsible for that electrical work?
3. What simultaneous hot-water demand can it actually meet?
Understand flow and temperature rise →See the house checklist ↓
### 06Boiler-heated indirect tankThe boiler supplies the heat.
How it works
### Boiler-heated indirect tank
An indirect tank stores household hot water but gets its heat from a boiler through a heat exchanger. The boiler's heating water and household water remain separate.
**The planning difference**
Check how much hot water the tank stores and how quickly the boiler and coil can reheat it between showers.
**Capacity check:** Use the tank's performance data with the actual boiler and control arrangement.
Read the reference: Amtrol
Good questions to bring
1. Does the proposed tank match the boiler's available output?
2. How does a hot-water call affect space heating?
3. Which pumps and controls are needed to heat the tank?
Understand the boiler side →See the house checklist ↓
### Make the vocabulary make sense
**First-hour rating (FHR)**
The rated gallons a storage heater can supply in an hour that starts with the tank fully hot. It includes stored water and reheating.
Read the reference: ENERGY STAR
**Temperature rise**
How many degrees the heater adds. Water entering at 40°F and leaving at 120°F needs an 80°F rise.
Read the reference: U.S. Department of Energy
**Gallons per minute (GPM)**
Water flow each minute. A tankless rating only helps when you also know the temperature rise used for that rating.
Read the reference: ENERGY STAR
**Recirculation**
A pump and return path move hot water closer to the taps to reduce waiting. The heater, piping and controls must work together.
Read the reference: U.S. Department of Energy
**Commissioning**
The startup checks and records that show how the installed equipment is operating before handoff.
Read the reference: Navien
02 / The house is part of the job All equipment types
## A better visit *starts here.*
Check off the details you have gathered. Bring the list and photos when you discuss the installation.
Choose a heater above to focus the checklist.
Planning note 01
### Hot water you actually use
List the showers, baths and appliances you want to run together. That gives the capacity discussion a real target.
**Have ready:** Your busiest hot-water period, overlapping uses and what the current heater fails to do.
I have this information ready to discuss
### What the technician needs to establish
Match the household routine to the rating. Use first-hour delivery for a storage tank and gallons per minute at the required temperature rise for tankless.
Read the reference: ENERGY STAR · U.S. Department of Energy
Planning note 02
### The room and the way in
A heater needs room to fit, connect and be maintained. Delivery access and future removal matter too.
**Have ready:** A full-room photo, door/access measurements and clear photos of the existing connections. Keep covers in place.
I have this information ready to discuss
### What the technician needs to establish
Compare the model's installation and service clearances with the actual room, including access to controls and replaceable parts.
Read the reference: ENERGY STAR · Navien
Planning note 03
### Enough gas while things are running
Check the gas supply capacity against the new appliance’s input and the equipment sharing its route.
**Have ready:** The other gas appliances in the home and any planned additions.
I have this information ready to discuss
### What the technician needs to establish
Assess the shared supply and measure pressure entering the heater while it is running. Compare that result with the model's inlet-pressure requirements.
Read the reference: Navien
Planning note 04
### Air in. Exhaust outside.
Gas appliances need air for burning fuel and an approved route for exhaust. Two gas heaters may use different vent systems.
**Have ready:** Photos of visible venting and the place it ends outdoors, if safely visible from the ground.
I have this information ready to discuss
### What the technician needs to establish
Match materials, routing, termination and combustion-air requirements to the exact appliance manual and local requirements.
Read the reference: A. O. Smith · Navien
Planning note 05
### Power the model can actually use
An electric heater needs circuits of the correct voltage and capacity. The electrician also checks how its demand fits alongside the other loads in the home.
**Have ready:** Heater model details and a photo of the closed electrical panel's labels. Do not remove the panel cover.
I have this information ready to discuss
### What the technician needs to establish
Include the circuits, wiring and any panel or service upgrade needed to supply the selected heater.
Read the reference: U.S. Department of Energy · ENERGY STAR
Planning note 06
### Room air for a heat pump
The fan and compressor exchange heat with the room, so air supply, temperature and nearby living spaces affect the choice.
**Have ready:** Room dimensions, whether the door stays closed and any bedroom or quiet space nearby.
I have this information ready to discuss
### What the technician needs to establish
Check the manufacturer's allowed air arrangement and operating temperatures; plan for sound and cooler discharge air.
Read the reference: ENERGY STAR
Planning note 07
### A route for collected water
Heat-pump tanks collect moisture from room air. Condensing gas heaters produce acidic water from cooled exhaust. These are different drain-planning needs.
**Have ready:** The location of nearby drains and any history of freezing or drain backups.
I have this information ready to discuss
### What the technician needs to establish
Check the exact equipment's drainage requirements, including any pump or condensate treatment needed for the installation.
Read the reference: ENERGY STAR · Navien
Planning note 08
### The boiler and tank working together
The indirect tank depends on the boiler, its water circulation and controls for heat.
**Have ready:** Both model labels and any history of the rooms cooling off during a hot-water call.
I have this information ready to discuss
### What the technician needs to establish
Compare the tank's ratings at the specified boiler conditions. Confirm whether hot water gets priority—temporarily taking heat ahead of the rooms—and how the controls manage that.
Read the reference: Amtrol
Planning note 09
### Water pressure and protection
Heating makes water expand. When a check valve prevents that extra water from moving back toward the supply, an expansion tank gives it room. The heater’s safety relief valve opens at its rated pressure or, on a temperature-and-pressure valve, either rated limit.
**Have ready:** Photos of the existing small expansion tank, shutoff, drain pan and visible relief pipe, where present.
I have this information ready to discuss
### What the technician needs to establish
Check pressure, required expansion control, leak protection and relief discharge. Never cap a relief outlet to stop a drip.
Read the reference: A. O. Smith
Planning note 10
### A finished job you understand
Know what was installed, how to use it, and what maintenance comes next.
**Have ready:** Your questions about settings, warranty, service access and who to call if something changes.
I have this information ready to discuss
### What the technician needs to establish
At handoff, record the startup readings and show the homeowner the controls, shutoffs and maintenance schedule. Leave the model, serial number and warranty documents together.
Read the reference: A. O. Smith · Navien
Your checkmarks stay in this tab and reset when you reload. Nothing is submitted by using this checklist.
Inside a condensing gas tankless
## Follow the water. *Understand the heat.*
A hot tap starts a sequence: detect water, establish air movement, light the burner, then regulate heat. Explore the parts that make each step possible. **Condensing** means recovering enough exhaust heat to turn some of its water vapor into liquid.
The 3D cutaway loads here. The part explanations below also work without 3D.
Incoming water Heat-recovery path Main heating path Colored paths are teaching overlays
**Standby: no hot-water draw is shown.**
The burner waits for a hot-water draw. Models equipped with recirculation or freeze protection can also run those functions while the taps are closed.
01 / Detect the demand
### Water-flow sensor
This sensor tells the control that water is moving. A tiny trickle may be below the model’s minimum flow needed to start heating.
What a technician checks: compare actual flow with the control’s flow reading. A trickle may simply be too small to start heating. An inlet restriction or mixing problem may change the amount passing through it.
02 / Make the heat
### Gas valve & burner
The gas valve controls fuel entering the burner. Ignition lights the air-and-gas mixture, and the control adjusts the flame as water demand changes.
What a technician checks: an ignition failure needs evidence about fuel delivery, air, ignition and flame detection. We check the gas supply while the heater is running, then follow the model’s ignition checks. A gas line can show pressure with everything off and still fall short under load.
03 / Transfer the heat
### Main heat exchanger
A heat exchanger transfers heat through metal into the water. The drinking water and combustion gases stay in separate passages.
The technician measures inlet and outlet temperatures alongside flow. That shows how much heat reaches the water and helps narrow a low-temperature complaint to demand, heat transfer, controls or mixing farther along the pipes.
04 / Recover more heat
### Condensing heat exchanger
Incoming water first collects heat from the cooler exhaust, then reaches the main exchanger. Cooling that exhaust produces liquid called condensate.
Follow the incoming-water line through this exchanger first. It picks up heat that would otherwise leave with the exhaust, then continues to the main heating section.
05 / Supply air and carry exhaust away
### Air intake, fan & exhaust
The fan brings air to the burner and moves exhaust through the vent to outdoors. Pipe size, route and length affect how freely that air can move.
The technician checks the intake and exhaust for blockage, damage and loose connections, then compares the vent material and route with the heater’s manual.
06 / Remove the liquid
### Condensate drain
Cooling the exhaust produces acidic water called condensate. It leaves through a drain, with a neutralizer where required to reduce its acidity before disposal.
What service checks: drainage, blockage, leakage, freeze exposure and any required neutralizer. A neutralizer treats the acidity of the condensate before disposal.
07 / Make maintenance possible
### Water shutoffs & service ports
The shutoffs isolate the heater. The capped service ports let a technician connect flushing equipment. Mineral buildup, called scale, can restrict water passages and heat transfer.
The service ports let cleaning fluid circulate through the heater during descaling. The relief-valve branch stays connected to the heater above the water shutoff, giving pressure a way out. Keep its discharge pipe open.
08 / Coordinate the heater
### Electronic controls
The control uses sensor readings to manage heating. An error code records a detected condition for the technician to investigate. Match the code to the exact model.
The error code points to the condition the control detected. Comparing sensor readings with the manual’s expected values helps locate the failed step in the heating sequence.
Teaching cutaway based on the Navien NPE-240S2. Colored overlays trace the flow, and each heating stage pauses for inspection. The internal sections and external piping are simplified for the lesson. Equipment reference ↗ · Model manuals & piping drawings ↗
Capacity, in plain English
### Capacity changes with incoming water.
**Flow rate** means gallons passing through each minute, abbreviated GPM. **Temperature rise** means how many degrees the heater adds. Water entering at 40°F and leaving at 120°F needs an 80°F rise.
Colder incoming water reduces how much hot water a heater can deliver per minute. Size it from the manufacturer’s flow chart at the needed rise and the taps used together.
Try a worked sizing example →
Comfort, in plain English
### How hot water reaches the faucet.
The cooled water already in the pipe still has to leave before hot water arrives. **Recirculation** uses a pump and a return path to reduce that wait. Compatibility and controls matter.
Gas units also need electricity for their controls. Whole-home electric tankless uses heating elements and can require substantial electrical capacity.
DOE guide: sizing, delivery & electrical supply ↗
### Is every tankless heater built this way?
Gas tankless heaters come in condensing and non-condensing designs. This condensing model adds an exchanger to recover exhaust heat. Electric tankless heaters warm the water with electric elements. Some models also include a small buffer tank or a pump that circulates hot water through the home.
Link to this answer
**Already own one?**
Use the model-specific code tool for a fault. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and water-quality requirements for service.
Look up a tankless error code →
**Considering a change?**
Compare hot-water demand, gas or electrical capacity, venting, drainage and service access before choosing equipment.
Compare installation options →
04 / The written scope Equipment + the work around it
## Compare the work. *Then the number.*
Two quotes can name the same heater and cover different work. Get these answers before deciding which price is better.
### The exact heater
Which model, fuel, capacity rating and included accessories are we comparing?
### Work around the heater
Which water, gas, vent, electrical and drain changes are included—and why?
### Access and removal
Who handles the old heater, access restrictions and any opening or restoration work?
### Permits and other trades
What approvals or electrical work does this job need, and who arranges them?
### Startup and handoff
What operating checks, documentation and control walkthrough are included?
### Price, warranty and unknowns
What is the total price, and what work would cost extra if a hidden problem is found?
Translate unfamiliar estimate items →
05 / Real homes. Recorded work. Updates from our published jobs
Still weighing it up?
## Questions worth asking.
### Which type is best for my house?
Start with the busiest hot-water period in your home, then compare equipment that can handle it. Space, fuel or electrical supply, venting and drainage determine the changes needed to install each option.
Read the reference: ENERGY STAR · U.S. Department of Energy
Link to this answer
### Can I just buy the same number of gallons?
Gallons describe stored volume. First-hour rating adds how the heater performs during a busy hour. Compare that rating as well as the physical fit and connection requirements.
Read the reference: ENERGY STAR
Link to this answer
### Will tankless give me instant hot water?
It heats on demand, but cooled water in the pipe still has to leave before hot water reaches the tap. Ask about the pipe distance and any compatible recirculation arrangement.
Read the reference: U.S. Department of Energy
Link to this answer
### What if I do not need a new heater?
The repair guide helps you work through a leak, short shower or error message. Note when the problem happens and what you see so we can find the cause.
Link to this answer
### Why is there no instant installation price?
Access, gas or electrical upgrades, vent changes and new drain routes can add to the installation. The estimate should name those changes so you can see where the price comes from.
Link to this answer
Customer feedback
## Hear it *from our customers.*
Read the feedback in full, alongside the actual job records above.
```
Mountain Man Plumbing 79 Google reviews Write a review Posted on Google Liz Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Super helpful and informative. Communicated well and was punctual! Posted on Google Nathan Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tyler from Mountain Man Plumbing replaced my in-house main water shutoff valve and the pressure reducing valve (PRV) with a very practical new system that enables me to view the line pressure coming in and any drops in pressure easily. Very good looking workmanship.
Prior to the work Tyler came out to my home and provided an estimate on the work, and stuck to the estimate. He's been easy to work with, cleaned up after himself, and also allowed me to change an appointment close to my originally planned estimate appointment over the phone. The website is also easy to use and efficient for scheduling an estimate. Thank you! Posted on Google Jeremy Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had a great experience with Mountain Man Plumbing. Tyler showed up right on time, was professional, and got everything taken care of faster than expected—finishing the entire job in less than a day. He replaced our water heater, took care of the valves, and installed a new expansion tank, all with great attention to detail.
Everything is working perfectly now, and the whole process was smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend Tyler and the team if you’re looking for reliable, efficient plumbing work! Posted on Google Dana Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tyler was very professional, polite and honest. Instead of trying to sell me new parts or a whole new water heater he showed me that some of the heating elements just needed cleaned. I would recommend this company for anyone looking for honest help to get the right fix without getting ripped off. Posted on Google Kyle Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Honest, thorough (caught a problem a couple people had missed), on time/reliable Posted on Google Barb Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Efficient, clean, and knowledgeable. Posted on Google Wendy Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tyler was great! Hard to find a plumber who preps for a service call like he did. He asked questions before he came over to fix a shower valve so he could make sure he had the right parts for the fixture so he was as efficient as possible when he got here. Communication was great prior to the service call and during. Fixed everything I needed in a couple of hours for a very reasonable price. Posted on Google Ellen Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service, fair pricing, quality work. I feel lucky to have found Tyler Nerdin at Mountain Man Plumbing! Posted on Google Karthik Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tyler was great. He kept his schedule and his work was flawless. Definitely knows his craft. Posted on Google Jon Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service. Tyler updated everything that had been missed with my old water heater, even unplugged my floor drain. Highly recommended.
```
Read all customer reviews →
Open references / Maintained knowledge Revision 1.0.1 · 2026-09-09
## Follow the evidence. *Keep the context.*
These manufacturer and technical references explain the equipment and planning checks in this guide.
1. ENERGY STAR · Water heater ratings ↗
First-hour rating, gallons per minute and energy-efficiency terminology.
Reference checked 2026-09-09
2. ENERGY STAR · Heat-pump design considerations ↗
Air, sound, room temperature, condensate and model-dependent electrical requirements.
Reference checked 2026-09-09
3. ENERGY STAR · Heat-pump installation planning ↗
Access to controls, filters, service connections and drainage.
Reference checked 2026-09-09
4. U.S. Department of Energy · Transitioning to tankless ↗
2012 building-science guide: demand, delivery distance and gas/electric conversion considerations. Not a current price list or local code.
Reference checked 2026-09-09
5. Navien · NPE-2 installation manual ↗
An example of model-specific gas, vent, water and drain planning. NPE-2 details do not apply to every tankless heater.
Reference checked 2026-09-09
6. A. O. Smith · Residential gas tank manual ↗
Example gas-tank requirements for venting, water pressure, expansion and relief discharge. Match the manual to the installed model.
Reference checked 2026-09-09
7. Amtrol · BoilerMate installation and operation ↗
How an indirect tank uses boiler heat; product-specific manual and performance information.
Reference checked 2026-09-09
### Public records, reading formats & update history
Download the equipment guide, checklist and questions below. Recent installations appear in the project section as new jobs are published.
- Source record · JSON ↗
- Record schema ↗
- Full page · Markdown ↗
- Full page · Agent-Net JSON ↗
**Maintained by:** Mountain Man Plumbing. Plan a residential water-heater replacement in Sandy and the Salt Lake Valley. Compare hot-water delivery, equipment choices and the work needed to connect each option in your home.
- 2026-09-09 · 1.0.1: Clarified equipment-selection explanations and the checks used to assess electrical, gas and hot-water capacity.
- 2026-09-09 · 1.0.0: Replaced the legacy installation guide with linked equipment, planning, terminology and source records.
- The main hub **Something wrong?**Find the symptom, repair options and heater parts →
- Demand before equipment **How much hot water?**Compare storage and tankless capacity →
- Local equipment rules **Utah gas water heaters**Check the address, fuel and equipment category →
Connected in your home
## Keep following the plumbing.
- 01 **Water heater repair & learning hub →** Start with the main water heater hub for repair and equipment choices.
- 02 **Water heater sizing →** Match storage and output to the household’s hot-water demand.
- 03 **Gas pressure & pipe sizing →** A fuel change or larger burner calls for a gas-supply check.
## Approved image details
- https://mtnmanplumbing.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sugarhouse-bradford-white-water-heater-install.webp — New Bradford White water heater installation in Sugarhouse by Mountain Man Plumbing
Source page: https://mtnmanplumbing.com/past-work-water-heater-replacement-sugarhouse/
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