Tankless Water Heater Installation in Santa Barbara
Navien Tankless Systems Installed by a Santa Barbara Plumber Since 1948
We install Navien tankless water heaters for homes and businesses throughout Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara County. Unlike storage tank systems that keep water hot around the clock, tankless systems heat water on demand, reducing standby energy loss. Because installation involves disconnecting gas lines, running new venting, and meeting local code requirements, this work requires a licensed plumbing contractor. Lewis Plumbing is licensed, insured, and has been doing this work in Santa Barbara for over 75 years. We’re a family-owned company, now in our third generation, and we offer free estimates on all tankless installations.
Ready to go tankless? Lewis Plumbing provides free estimates for tankless water heater installation in Santa Barbara and surrounding communities. Call us at (805) 516-5590 or reach out online to get started.
Why Santa Barbara Homeowners Choose Lewis Plumbing
Our technicians receive ongoing training on modern systems, including Navien tankless technology, so the person doing your installation understands the equipment fully. That investment in training contributes to a cleaner, more reliable installation.
We back every installation with a written warranty and provide upfront pricing before any work begins. If a larger project strains your budget, flexible financing options are available. And because we’ve been part of this community for three generations, we’re not going anywhere after the job is done.
What the Installation Process Looks Like
Every tankless installation starts with a full assessment of your home’s current setup: venting paths, gas supply capacity, water line configuration, and your household’s hot water demand. That assessment helps determine which Navien model fits your home. Switching from a storage tank to a tankless system often requires new venting lines, a condensate drain, and adjustments to gas and water piping, so the upfront evaluation matters.
Navien units are engineered to run on 2-inch PVC venting pipe in most applications, which can help keep material costs down. Once the right model is selected, we remove and haul away the old water heater, complete all gas, water, and venting connections to code, and test the system for proper flow, heating performance, and safe operation. Before we leave, we walk you through how the system works and what routine maintenance looks like. Plan for more time than a standard tank swap. The venting, gas sizing, and code compliance work adds to the job.
Schedule Your Free Estimate Today
If your water heater is aging, failing, or you’re ready to upgrade, this is a good time to call. We serve Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Montecito, and the surrounding communities of Santa Barbara County.
Lewis Plumbing is available 24/7, including for urgent water heater situations. Call (805) 516-5590 or contact us online to schedule your free estimate.
Trust the Team That’s There When You Need Us
For over 70 years, we'veproudly served Santa Barbara with a commitment to quality, care, and innovation. From small repairs to major installations, we’re the local team you can always count on.
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Licensed & InsuredWe make it easy for you to have confidence in the team you call.
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Contact Us for a Free ProposalWe make it easy to get started with a completely free proposal.
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We Offer Emergency ServicesDon't sit around and wait for a plumber. We're here for you!
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Ask About Our WarrantyWe back all of our services with a warranty for your peace of mind.
Plumbing problems shouldn’t disrupt your comfort or peace of mind. From quick fixes to major projects, Lewis Plumbing is here to lend a helping hand. As your local, family-run plumbing company since 1948, we take pride in treating every customer like one of our own. Give us a call today and experience the dependable, caring service that’s been keeping Santa Barbara flowing smoothly for decades.
Why Navien Condensing Tankless Systems Stand Out
Navien condensing tankless water heaters carry Energy Star Certification with efficiency ratings up to 0.96 UEF (Uniform Energy Factor, a standardized measure of how efficiently a water heater converts energy into hot water). According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless systems can be 24% to 34% more efficient than storage tank models for lower-usage households. Navien’s NPE-2 series features dual stainless steel heat exchangers, which resist corrosion and can contribute to a longer service life with proper maintenance.
The features that make Navien a strong choice for Santa Barbara households:
- ComfortFlow recirculation technology: A built-in recirculation pump and small buffer tank minimize the cold-water sandwich effect (the brief burst of cold water between hot draws) and can reduce wait times at the tap.
- Compact wall-mounted footprint: Navien units take roughly 80% less space than a freestanding storage tank, freeing up utility room or garage space.
- NaviLink Wi-Fi module: The optional NaviLink module lets homeowners monitor system status, adjust temperature, and track energy use from a smartphone.
- Dual stainless steel heat exchangers: Designed for longevity, particularly relevant in coastal environments where corrosion is an ongoing concern.
Santa Barbara Conditions That Affect Tankless Installation
Installing a tankless water heater in Santa Barbara isn’t the same as installing one anywhere else. Local water quality, coastal exposure, older housing stock, and municipal permit requirements all shape how a project comes together. Our team has spent decades navigating these conditions, and that familiarity shows up in every installation we plan.
Hard Water & Descaling
Santa Barbara’s water is moderately hard, which means mineral buildup inside tankless heat exchangers is a real maintenance concern. Annual descaling is recommended to support system efficiency over time. We share that guidance with every homeowner after installation so you know what to expect.
Coastal Corrosion Exposure
Coastal proximity adds another layer: salt air can accelerate corrosion on outdoor and utility-area equipment. Navien’s stainless steel heat exchangers can hold up better in this environment than units built with less durable components.
Local Codes, Access, & Permits
In older Santa Barbara neighborhoods and coastal properties, tighter access conditions and legacy plumbing configurations can complicate installation planning. Our team stays current on Santa Barbara city and county building code requirements, including seismic anchoring and venting regulations, and has decades of experience working through local permit and inspection processes. If you’re replacing a qualifying gas or electric resistance water heater, it’s worth asking about rebate programs through Santa Barbara Clean Energy. Eligibility depends on the specific unit and program terms at the time of your installation.
Pricing, Warranty, & Financing for Tankless Installations
Tankless water heater installation costs more upfront than a standard tank replacement. The additional labor for venting, gas line work, and code compliance is real, and we don’t obscure it. We explain every line of the estimate before work begins so you’re never surprised by the final number. If the project is a larger investment than you planned for, flexible financing options can make it more manageable.
Over time, tankless systems may deliver savings through reduced energy use and a longer service life than storage tanks. Every installation we complete is covered by a written warranty because we want the relationship to last well past installation day.
Get a Free Estimate on Tankless Water Heater Installation in Santa Barbara
Call (805) 516-5590 to schedule your free estimate, or contact us online. Lewis Plumbing has served this community since 1948, and we’re here for the long run.