What to Expect on Tank-to-Tankless Conversion Day

Clear clutter around the existing water heater and around the planned tankless install location. Clear the path between the front or garage door and both locations. If the existing tank is in a basement and the tankless is going on an exterior wall, both routes need to be clear. Pets contained — front doors will be opening as equipment moves in and out. Wi-Fi password handy if you would like NaviLink set up the same day on a Navien install.

Tech dispatches with on-the-way and arrival messaging. Tools, the new Navien or Noritz unit, gas piping materials, vent kit, electrical materials, and condensate drain components arrive on the truck.

Boot covers on. Drop cloths down along the paths. The tech walks both the existing tank location and the planned tankless location with you, confirms the scope from your written quote, and points out where each new component is going: where the gas line will run, where the vent will exit the building, where the 120V outlet will be, and where the condensate drain will route.

Water and gas to the existing tank shut off and isolated. Tank drained, disconnected, and moved out for disposal. Wall plate for the new tankless mounted at the install location. Vent path roughed out — exterior wall opening cut, vent termination installed and sealed, vent runs measured.

The bulk of the project happens here. Gas line upsized as needed (most existing 1/2-inch lines are upgraded to 3/4-inch from the meter for a 199K-BTU tankless). New concentric PVC venting (condensing) or stainless venting (non-condensing) routed from the unit location through the wall termination. 120V outlet installed within reach of the unit if not present. Condensate drain run to a code-approved drain (sometimes a condensate pump is added when the drain location is distant).

The new unit goes on the wall plate. Water supply lines connected. Gas line connected. Venting attached and sealed. Electrical plugged in. Condensate line attached. Service valves installed at the unit (industry standard for future maintenance and descaling access).

Most OKC tankless conversions include a HALO water treatment system installed at the main water line in the same project. Mount, plumb, bypass valve, drain, startup cycle. The water treatment install happens in parallel with or right after the tankless install depending on layout.

Gas leak check on every new joint. Combustion analysis on the new unit's burn. Flow rate verification at a fixture or two. Error code review — any pending codes are resolved before we proceed. Thermostat set point dialed in to your preferred temperature.

Operating walkthrough on the new tankless — set point adjustment, common error codes you might see, recirculation pump operation (Navien NPE has one built in), and maintenance schedule (annual descaling). NaviLink app setup for Navien installs: pair phone, create account, verify connection. Manufacturer warranty registered with Navien or Noritz before we leave. Permits coordinated, inspection scheduled.