Tankless Water Heater in Triangle, VA

Local conditions in Triangle

Triangle sits in southeastern Prince William County between Dumfries, Prince William Forest Park and Marine Corps Base Quantico. Prince William Water supplies it with Occoquan Reservoir water treated at Fairfax Water's Griffith plant, and describes its water as moderately hard, in the 61 to 120 mg/L range. That is milder than much of the region, but a tankless heat exchanger still collects scale over time, so service valves and a flush schedule are part of a good install. Virginia American Water runs a separate Prince William system nearby, so confirm your provider on your bill.

Because the median home dates to 1999, supply piping is usually modern, and many heaters sit in a garage or basement near an outside wall. The County's guide for gas tankless heaters in existing homes requires a gas permit for gas piping and venting, a plumbing permit if water piping is extended more than 10 feet or the material changes, and an electrical permit for a new circuit. The Building Development Division is at 5 County Complex Court (703-792-6930).

Repair, replace or convert

Signs to look for

• Hot water flow slipping over months
• Error codes during busy mornings
• Water near the base of a tank or tankless unit
• Scale on showerheads and aerators

Seasonal notes

Prince William Water uses chloramine most of the year and switches to free chlorine in spring, which can briefly change the taste; that has no effect on the heater. Winter is when a tankless unit works hardest, so size it for cold incoming water. Many homes near the base keep the heater in an attached garage, which runs colder than a basement in January; keep the unit powered so its freeze protection can work, and ask the plumber about insulating exposed pipe nearby. Both Columbia Gas of Virginia and Washington Gas operate in the county. If you smell gas, leave the house, then call 911 and the gas utility on your bill from outside.