Tankless Water Heater in Hiram, GA

Signs to watch for

• A tank from the house's original build that is reaching the end of its life
• Back-to-back showers that end lukewarm
• Water around the base of the heater
• A tankless unit with an error code or ignition trouble
• Hot water flow that drops over time

Local conditions in Hiram

Hiram grew from 1,361 residents in 2000 to 4,929 in 2020, and its median home was built in 2004. Garages and utility rooms in those houses generally suit a wall-mounted tankless unit with a short vent run. About a quarter of homes predate 1980, mostly closer to the old town center, and those may need more planning for venting and gas.

Water depends on where you are. The City of Hiram serves customers in and around downtown, and Paulding County Water System serves the rest. Paulding's water, posted by the city, uses free chlorine and showed no violations; hardness is not stated, so a test is the way to set a flush schedule.

Hiram's zoning page sends building permits to the Paulding County Development Division, which issues building, electrical, HVAC and plumbing permits from its office on Constitution Boulevard in Dallas. Inspections are scheduled through the county.

What affects the cost

• Gas pipe capacity from the meter to the unit
• Vent route and length
• Condensing versus non-condensing unit
• Recirculation for larger homes
• County permit and inspection
• Converting an all-electric home to gas, which needs a new gas service

For an existing tankless unit, repair cost depends on the part involved. A flush and inlet screen cleaning is a small job; a failed heat exchanger on an older unit can make replacement the better value.

When you call

You will reach an independent plumber who covers south Paulding County. Have the heater's age, your fuel type and the number of bathrooms ready, and mention whether your water bill comes from the city or from Paulding County. Atlanta Gas Light owns the gas pipes in this area; confirm on your gas bill. If you smell gas, leave first, then call 911 and AGL at 877.427.4321 from a safe place.