Tankless Water Heater Installation — Owings, MD
A family of five in Owings was constantly running out of hot water with their aging 40-gallon tank. We installed a Navien NPE-240A2 tankless unit, upgraded the gas line, and they now have unlimited hot water with a 20-year expected lifespan.
The Problem
A family of five in Owings called us in May 2025. Their 40-gallon gas water heater was 14 years old and struggling to keep up with demand. Morning showers were a battle — the last person always got cold water. The unit was also showing signs of sediment buildup, with rumbling sounds during heating cycles.
Our Diagnosis
We inspected the existing unit and confirmed heavy sediment accumulation in the tank bottom — a common issue with Calvert County well water, which is moderately hard. The tank was at end of life. We also measured the existing gas line: a 1/2-inch line that would be insufficient for a high-output tankless unit. The homeowners wanted to upgrade to tankless to eliminate the hot water shortage and reduce energy costs.
The Repair Process
- 1Shut off gas and water supply to existing water heater
- 2Drained and removed the 14-year-old 40-gallon tank
- 3Upgraded gas supply line from 1/2" to 3/4" to support tankless demand
- 4Installed Navien NPE-240A2 condensing tankless water heater
- 5Installed new venting using PVC concentric vent kit through exterior wall
- 6Installed isolation valves and service ports for future maintenance
- 7Installed whole-house sediment filter upstream to protect heat exchanger
- 8Tested all connections, verified ignition and modulation
- 9Walked homeowners through maintenance schedule and filter replacement
The Outcome
The family now has unlimited hot water. The Navien NPE-240A2 delivers 11.2 GPM — enough for two showers, a dishwasher, and a washing machine running simultaneously. Energy bills dropped approximately 25% compared to the old tank unit. The unit carries a 15-year heat exchanger warranty.
Key Takeaway
For families of four or more with well water, a condensing tankless water heater paired with a sediment filter is the best long-term investment. The higher upfront cost pays back in energy savings and eliminates the hot water shortage problem permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Articles
More Water Heaters Stories
Other real jobs in the same category — with full diagnostic details.
What Southern Maryland Homeowners Are Saying
Real Google reviews from homeowners we've helped across Calvert & Anne Arundel County.
George Baker III
Annapolis, MD
May 2026
"We recently had Deep Dive Plumbing Maryland out to our home in Annapolis after we suddenly started noticing sewer flies throughout the house. They truly lived up to their name and performed a full "deep dive" diagnostic inspection instead of just treating the symptom. During their inspection they discovered our sewer pipe connected to the toilet had been leaking into the basement for quite some time. The team explained everything clearly, provided upfront pricing before starting any work, and even gave us a military discount which was greatly appreciated. They were professional, respectful, extremely knowledgeable, and took the time to make sure the repair was done correctly."
Angelis Reilly
Southern Maryland
June 2026
"TJ was great!! He answered our emergency call late evening hours. He was honest and gave us options to make a decision. Highly recommend!!"
Sally Ludwig
Dunkirk, MD
June 2026
"Great service with knowledgeable and neat professionals. Highly recommend! Deep Dive Plumbing helped with my bathroom project, including reinstalling a pedestal sink after new flooring was installed and addressing a toilet issue that had been causing constant clogs. The team was professional, courteous, and took the time to make sure everything was completed correctly. Their attention to detail and cleanliness really stood out. I am very happy with the results and would not hesitate to call them again."
Facing a Similar Issue?
We diagnose first, then fix. No guesswork, no repeat service calls. Serving Calvert and Anne Arundel County, Maryland.