At a recent property inspection, the primary inspector recommended that the buyer contact a plumber (among other specialists) for further evaluation.  There were numerous plumbing issues including problems with the old water heater as well:  “not properly strapped and the drip line needs to be extended”. The estimate to correct was about $500.00.

The plumber also offered the buyer the option of relocating the gas, hot and cold water and installing a new tankless water heater at a cost of just over $2,000.00 A tankless water heater ("on demand" water heater), doesn’t store hot water but heats the water as you use it. 



The savings are from the elimination of standby losses -- energy lost from warmed water sitting in a tank. Old storage tank water heaters keep water hot 24 hours a day, even while your family is sleeping or out of town. The tankless water heater can save 10-40% on the cost of heating water. 

There are tax credits and rebates available for installing the tankless water heater:

Tax Credit information   

$200 rebate information  

My new La Crescenta listing with the solar panels and the $17.00 electric bill  also has a tankless water heater.  The photographer is coming on Wednesday; photos and additional information will be shared soon.

Related Posts: How many inspectors does it take to inspect a Los Angeles Home  
Home Buying, the inspection contingency