Water Heater Repair & Installation
No Hot Water? Error Codes? Leaking?
If your water heater is failing, you need clear options—not a sales pitch.
The Tankless Plumber handles tankless, hybrid, and standard tank water heaters across Boise and the Treasure Valley. Owner-operated by Andy Bello, a licensed plumber with 40+ years in the trade. You talk to the person doing the work.
📞 Call/Text: 208-995-6791
Typical response: Same-day or next-day for urgent issues
What We Fix (And When We Replace)
Common Water Heater Problems
No hot water / not enough hot water
Temperature swings or lukewarm water
Tankless error codes (Rinnai 11/12/79, Navien E003/E010, Noritz 90/66)
Ignition failures, cycling on/off, flame rollout
Rumbling/popping sounds (sediment buildup in tanks)
Leaks at fittings, pressure relief valves, or tank base
Efficiency concerns (high gas/electric bills, long recovery times)
Our Approach
Diagnose: Check error history, flow rates, venting, gas pressure, electrical.
Explain: Plain language—what failed, why, and what matters next.
Options: Repair cost vs. replacement cost vs. efficiency upgrade. You decide.
Execute: Permitted work (when required), code-compliant installation.
Verify: Stable temperature, proper operation before we leave.
Repair-first: If a $300 repair buys you 3+ good years, we'll tell you. If your 18-year-old tank is rusted through, we'll tell you that too.
Tankless Water Heaters — Specialty Service
We've installed and serviced hundreds of tankless units across Boise—especially in older homes where retrofit challenges (venting, gas line sizing, electrical) require experience.
Tankless Brands We Service
Rinnai (RU/RL/RUR series)
Navien (NPE/NPN/NCB series)
Noritz (NR/NRC series)
Rheem/EcoSmart (select models)
Common Tankless Issues We Handle
Error code diagnosis (ignition, flame, exhaust, flow sensor)
Descaling service (Boise hard water requires annual maintenance)
Inlet filter cleaning (low flow = error codes)
Flame rod/igniter replacement
Venting problems (condensation, backdraft, clearance issues)
Hard water note: Boise water averages 180-220 ppm hardness. Tankless units require descaling every 12-18 months or warranty claims get denied. We offer descaling service or can walk you through DIY.
Hybrid & Standard Tank Systems
Not everyone needs tankless. If you've got a 40-50 gallon tank serving 2-3 people and reasonable demand, a quality tank system may be smarter.
When We Recommend Tanks Over Tankless
Lower upfront cost ($1,200-$2,500 vs. $3,500-$6,000 installed)
No gas line upgrade needed
Simpler maintenance (anode rod replacement vs. descaling)
Adequate hot water for household size
Hybrid Heat-Pump Water Heaters
Efficient in Boise's climate (cold basement? less efficient). We'll run the math on payback vs. standard electric/gas tanks.
What's Included
Every service visit includes:
Diagnosis + clear recommendations (what's wrong, repair vs. replace options, cost breakdown)
Upfront flat-rate pricing (labor + parts + permits if applicable)
Work area protection (drop cloths, cardboard, cleanup)
Startup verification (stable temp, no leaks, proper venting/exhaust)
Operation walkthrough (how to use new system, maintenance requirements)
Diagnostic fee:
Free estimates for replacement/new installs
$[XX] diagnostic charge for repairs (applied to work if you proceed)
What's NOT Included (Unless Quoted Separately)
Major gas line upgrades (1/2" → 3/4" for tankless demand)
Electrical panel upgrades or new circuits (hybrid/electric units)
Venting rebuild (if chimney liner or PVC exhaust needs structural changes)
Drywall/tile repair after access cuts
Manufacturer warranty claims (we'll advise, but you handle direct with manufacturer)
Typical Time Windows
Service Type | Duration | Scheduling |
|---|---|---|
Diagnosis only | 30-60 min | Same-day or next-day |
Tankless repair (error code, descale) | 1-2 hours | Same-day or next-day |
Tank water heater replacement | 3-5 hours | Scheduled; often same-week |
Tankless install (retrofit) | 5-8 hours | Scheduled; may require inspection |
Urgent situations: Actively leaking tank? Call immediately. We'll walk you through shutoff and prioritize your visit.
Customer Prep Checklist
✅ Clear access to water heater, gas shutoff, water shutoff, and electrical panel
✅ Secure pets (we'll be in/out with tools and parts)
✅ Adult (18+) home during service visit
✅ If tankless: Take photo of error code display and text it when you call
✅ If tank: Note when leak started and approximate age of unit (label on side)
What You Get
✔ Reliable hot water—and a clear plan when replacement is the smarter move
✔ No surprise costs—flat-rate pricing before we start
✔ Code-compliant work—permits pulled when required
✔ Workmanship warranty—[X years] on labor (parts covered by manufacturer)
Why Boise Homeowners Choose The Tankless Plumber
Reason | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
Owner-operated | Andy Bello answers the phone. No dispatch center. |
40+ years experience | We've seen every water heater failure mode. |
Tankless specialists | Hundreds of installs in Boise homes—including tricky retrofits. |
Older-home experience | North End homeowner; careful work around finishes. |
Repair-first mindset | We fix when it makes sense. Replace when it doesn't. |
Service Area — Treasure Valley
Boise (North End, East End, Bench, Downtown) • Meridian • Eagle • Kuna • Star • Nampa • Caldwell • Middleton • Nearby Treasure Valley communities
FAQ — Water Heating
Q: Tankless vs. tank—what's better for Boise homes?
A: Depends on demand, utilities, and budget. Tankless wins on efficiency and space; tanks win on upfront cost and simplicity. We'll run the numbers for your household size and usage.
Q: How do I know if repair or replacement makes more sense?
A: We compare: (1) repair cost, (2) unit age, (3) efficiency loss, (4) risk of repeat failure in 12-24 months. If repair is 50%+ of replacement cost on a 12+ year-old unit, replacement usually wins.
Q: Do you handle permits and inspections?
A: Yes, when required (gas line changes, electrical, new installs). We'll advise when a permit is needed and can pull it. Inspection scheduling depends on jurisdiction (Boise City, Ada County, Canyon County).
Q: What should I do if my water heater is leaking?
A:
Shut off water supply to the unit (cold water inlet valve—turn clockwise)
Turn off gas (if gas unit) or breaker (if electric)
Call us immediately: 208-995-6791 (we'll prioritize leaking units)
Q: Do you work on all brands?
A: Most brands, yes. Parts availability determines timeline—common brands (Rheem, AO Smith, Bradford White, Rinnai, Navien) are usually same-day or next-day. Obscure brands may require ordering.
Q: How often should I descale my tankless unit?
A: Every 12-18 months in Boise due to hard water (180-220 ppm). Skipping descaling voids most manufacturer warranties and causes premature failure.
Q: Do you offer maintenance plans?
A: [Link to maintenance plans page if available] Annual descaling + inspection packages available for tankless owners.
Q: What's your warranty on labor?
A: [X years] on workmanship. Parts warranties are manufacturer-direct (typically 5-15 years depending on component and registration).
Related Services
Hard water destroying your water heater? — Water softener + conditioner service
Leak detection if water damage is showing up — Leak detection + plumbing repair
Prevent water heater breakdowns — Annual maintenance plans
📞 Call/Text: 208-995-6791
✉ Email: tanklessplumber@yahoo.com
No hot water? Let's fix it.
