Tankless Water Heater Installation & Repair in Marin & Sonoma
Local Plumbing — Certified Navien & Rinnai Specialists
If your hot water is inconsistent, you’re experiencing error codes, or you’re ready to replace an old tank with an efficient on-demand system, Local Plumbing installs and repairs tankless water heaters across Marin, Sonoma, and Napa.
We are
certified and trained installers for Navien and Rinnai, the two most common and trusted tankless brands in the North Bay.
We also service
Takagi, Noritz, Rheem, and Bradford White tankless systems.
Whether you need a new tankless installation, a repair, or annual maintenance, we’ll make sure your system delivers endless hot water and reliable performance all year.
Why Homeowners Choose Local Plumbing for Tankless Systems
Tankless water heaters require precise installation and maintenance:
- Correct gas line sizing
- Proper venting and air intake
- Full descale and flush setup
- Recirculation configuration
- Manufacturer-specific programming
- Combustion tuning
- Condensate management
- Water filtration protection
Local Plumbing installs and services tankless systems every week, making us one of the most experienced installers in the North Bay.
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
- Endless hot water
- Longer lifespan than tank heaters
- Lower energy use
- Compact, wall-mounted design
- Faster recovery for large families
- Better performance with recirculation pumps
- Qualifies for certain rebates (varies by region)
Tankless systems are especially popular in Mill Valley, San Rafael, Sausalito, Petaluma, and Sonoma homes where space is limited or hot water demand is high.
Tankless Brands We Install & Repair
- Navien (Certified Installer)
The most common tankless brand in Marin and Sonoma.
Models: NPE-A2, NPE-S2, NPN-E, NPN-UE
Strengths: High efficiency, recirculation capabilities, reliable, easy to service.
Common issues: E003 ignition fail, E012 flame loss, E110 fan, scale buildup.
- Rinnai (Certified Installer)
Known for exceptional reliability and long-term performance.
Models: RU, RL, SENSEI, RUR
Strengths: Strong hot water output, great for large families.
Common issues: Code 10 venting, flow sensor problems, burner maintenance.
- Takagi
Common in remodels and builder-grade installations.
Reliable units but require routine descaling.
Common issues: Error 111 ignition, flame sensor issues.
- Noritz
Frequently used in compact spaces and ADUs.
Common issues: Scale buildup, three-way valve issues in combi units.
- Rheem Tankless
Home Depot favorite with good performance.
Common issues: Flow sensor problems, ignition failures.
- Bradford White Tankless
Less common but solid performers with strong warranties.
We service every tankless brand — no matter who installed it.
Tankless Water Heater Installation
Every installation includes:
✔ Full gas line evaluation
Tankless units often require upgraded gas piping for proper flow.
✔ Proper venting (PVC, CPVC, stainless, polypropylene)
Correct venting prevents backdraft and premature failure.
✔ Recirculation options
We install both built-in and external recirculation pumps to eliminate long waits for hot water.
✔ Descale/flush valves & service ports
Required for annual maintenance and long-term performance.
✔ Condensate neutralizer
Protects plumbing and increases venting lifespan.
✔ Temperature setup and safety programming
We set your unit to a safe, efficient operating temperature.
✔ Old tank removal and disposal
Fast, clean, and fully code-compliant.
✔ Earthquake strapping if you keep your old tank temporarily
(For hybrid setups during construction.)
Tankless systems must be installed correctly to perform correctly — we follow all manufacturer specs and California plumbing code.
Tankless Water Heater Repair
We repair all major tankless brands.
Common problems include:
- Error codes (Navien, Rinnai, Takagi, Noritz)
- No hot water
- Water goes hot then cold
- Ignition failure
- Flame loss
- Slow hot water
- Scale buildup
- Recirculation not working
- Leaking connections
- Gas valve issues
- Fan failure
- Burner cleaning needed
If your tankless unit is shutting off, throwing codes, or struggling to keep up with demand, we can diagnose and repair the issue quickly.

Annual Tankless Maintenance
Tankless water heaters need a yearly service — especially in Marin and Sonoma, where water hardness is high.
Annual service includes:
- Full system descale/flush
- Cleaning inlet filters
- Burner and flame rod cleaning
- Fan inspection
- Combustion testing
- Condensate trap cleaning
- Checking recirculation operation
- Inspecting gas and water connections
- Updating temperature and seasonal settings
This keeps your tankless system safe, efficient, and reliable.
Tankless Water Heater Pricing**
Installation Pricing
- Navien or Rinnai installation: $4,800 – $6,900
- Recirculation pump setup (internal/external): +$500 – $1,200
- Gas line upsizing (if required): $450 – $2,500
- Old tank removal & disposal: Included
Repair Pricing
- Standard tankless repair: $350–$850
- Flow sensor replacement: $250–$450
- Flame rod cleaning: $180–$320
- Fan replacement: $550–$1100
- Valve or gasket repairs: $200–$450
Maintenance Pricing
- Annual tankless descale + service: $280–$450
**Pricing varies based on brand, access, venting, and diagnostic findings.
Real Local Tankless Jobs
Mill Valley — Navien NPE-A2 Installation
Replaced old 50 gallon heater, added recirc pump, full vent upgrade.
Total: $6,350
Petaluma — Rinnai Sensei Repair
Intermittent hot water due to failed flow sensor.
Total: $385
San Rafael — Takagi Tankless Not Heating
Cause: Heavy scale buildup.
Fix: Full flush + burner cleaning.
Total: $420
Tiburon — Noritz Tankless System Install
Installed 2-unit tankless system for large home.
Total: $12,800
Service Areas
We install and repair tankless systems across:
Marin County: San Rafael, Mill Valley, Tiburon, Sausalito, Corte Madera, Fairfax, San Anselmo, Larkspur, Novato
Sonoma County: Petaluma, Cotati, Rohnert Park, Sonoma, Glen Ellen, Penngrove
Napa County: Napa, American Canyon
Tankless Water Heater FAQ
How long do tankless water heaters last?
Typically 15–20 years with annual maintenance.
Can tankless replace my old tank water heater?
Yes — most homes can be converted with proper gas and venting upgrades.
Do tankless water heaters need to be flushed?
Yes. Every tankless system requires annual descaling to prevent failure.
What size tankless unit do I need?
We size your unit based on your number of bathrooms, fixtures, and simultaneous hot water use.
Why does my tankless water go hot then cold?
Usually caused by flow issues, scale buildup, or recirculation problems.
Book Tankless Installation or Repair
Local Plumbing is the North Bay’s certified Navien and Rinnai tankless expert.
- Certified installers
- Same-day service available
- Full conversions from tank to tankless
- Clean, code-compliant installations
- All major tankless brands repaired

Call, text, or book online — enjoy endless hot water today.
