RheemMid-Efficiency 7.0GPM Indoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater

Replaced my old tankless heater with the same Rheem unit because I loved everything about it. The speed of “priority” hot water, consistent temps when multiple appliances and shower are running, and (to me) it was quiet. A win win! Installation went great. You’ll need the brass valves also available on Amazon. Condensation drain not pictured but was installed.

In replacing my old, failed 40 gal. waster heater that lasted for 27 years only because I did the tank connections myself given that I know what connection parts are needed for a long life due in part to my having been associated with the HVACR industry for 40+ years, I also installed a 10 micron water filter so the filter captured the dirt & debris any cit water supply has. The pipes used by a city are steel pipes.But to install this Rheem tankless water heater took the assistance of two extra guys as it is a bit heavy and somewhat awkward in trying to attach it to a wood wall. Use 5/16" or 3/8" lag bolts! I wanted a tankless because it only consumes natural gas when its on unlike a tank style water heater that cycles the burner via the gas valve/thermostat combo. I opted to leave the 10 micron water filter in place so the water filter would do its job like it did for 27 years for the old tank style unit. After the unit turns on via the flow switch it has, the burners adjust themselves based on the water flow and it cranks out the hot water as advertised. I opted to not install the remote wall mounted thermostat control because for my house and its needs, the remote thermostat control isn't needed.

Product is 13 years old and requires special vent that's additional $800 because of age

I was very worried after reading some of the reviews after I purchased the item, but so far so good everything works and no issues yet so I hope everything continues to work

I did my research and got this. I’m not a plumber and I suggest DO NOT do this as a DIY deal. But if something does go wrong you can send photos and talk to customer service and it’s super simple to get ahold of them. I know this sounds crazy, but I wish it got hotter than the 120… maybe there’s a way to, but I haven’t called or googled it

So far this water heater has been great BUT you need to make sure to order 3 inch by 5 inch double walled stainless steel venting in order for it to work! I was able to order it easily online from Home Depot but it took us awhile to figure out what the issue was.

Only difference with the old one was the location of the condensate drain hole in the vent pipe. The unit worked the same as the old one at its peak.

The house was built in 1950, and only has 1/2" gas lines, as well as a 3" exhaust vent for the original tank-style water heater. This size on-demand Water Heater requires 3/4" gas feed and 4" or better exhaust. Install would have cost between $2750 and $4000 due to the need to replace the gas line from the meter, as well as pulling the old exhaust vent from the roof, making a larger hole and installing a larger gas combustion exhaust vent pipe. Size your system appropriately unless you are ready to spend a lot more doing the actual installation.