Water Heater Installation in Union County, NJ — New Construction, Additions & Conversions

Building, adding on, or upgrading from tank to tankless? A new water heater installation is more than a swap — it's a project. We handle every part.

Whether you're finishing a basement, adding an in-law suite, or converting your old tank to a tankless system, a water heater installation involves gas lines, venting, electrical, code compliance, and timing with other trades. Continental Plumbers has been installing water heaters across Union County since 1985 — for new construction, home additions, and homeowners upgrading to better systems. We coordinate with your GC, your designer, or run the whole plumbing scope ourselves if you're managing the project.

NJ Master Plumber License #9142
Since 1985
4.7★
(1,377 reviews)
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Accredited A+
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When You Need a New Installation

Five Times You Need an Installation, Not a Replacement

“Replacement” is swapping an old unit for a new one. “Installation” is a bigger project. Here’s when an installation is the right call:
New Home Construction

Building a home from scratch. Water heater rough-in, gas line, venting, and final install — coordinated with your GC and other trades.

Home Addition or Finished Basement

Adding square footage that includes a bathroom, kitchenette, or laundry — usually means adding hot water capacity. Sometimes a second water heater, sometimes upgrading the main one.

Converting Tank to Tankless

Big upgrade. Requires new venting, possible gas line upsize, and electrical work in some cases. Not the same as a like-for-like replacement.

First-Time Install or Major Conversion

A home that didn't have a water heater before (rare but happens), or switching from gas to electric, electric to gas, or to a hybrid heat pump system.

Multi-Unit & Small Commercial

New rental units, building additions, or small commercial spaces requiring new water heating capacity.

Just need to swap out a failing tank for a similar one? That's a replacement, not an installation. Learn about Water Heater Replacement →

What We Install

Tank, Tankless, or Hybrid — Sized for Your Project

For new installations, you have more flexibility than a replacement — you’re not locked into the existing setup. Here’s what we install:
Tank Water Heaters

Gas or electric, 30–80 gallons. Best for: most additions, finished basements, and straightforward new builds. Simpler install, lower upfront cost.

Tankless Water Heaters

Gas or electric, sized by flow rate. Best for: larger homes, multi-bathroom additions, or homeowners planning to stay long-term. Requires proper venting and gas line capacity.

Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heaters

The most efficient option. Best for: new construction with the right basement clearance. Qualifies for the largest NJ Clean Energy Program rebates.

For new installs, we size based on the total project demand — bedrooms, bathrooms, and peak hot water usage. Not on what's easiest to install.

Converting Tank to Tankless

Switching from Tank to Tankless — What's Actually Involved

A tank-to-tankless conversion is one of the most common “installations” we do. But it’s more than swapping units. Here’s what’s actually involved so you can plan:

Four-step process:

Step 1
Gas Line Assessment
Tankless units demand significantly more gas flow than tank units. Most homes need the gas line upsized from the meter to the tankless unit. We assess this first.
Step 2
Venting Requirements
Tankless units vent differently than tank units — usually through PVC out a sidewall rather than a metal flue. We plan and install the new venting.
Step 3
Electrical (If Needed)
Even gas tankless units need 120V power for the controls. Electric tankless units need significant electrical capacity — sometimes a panel upgrade.
Step 4
Unit Selection & Install
We size the tankless properly based on your peak demand. Install, test, and confirm temperature consistency at every fixture.

Honest note: Tankless conversions cost more upfront than a like-for-like tank replacement. They pay back in energy savings over time. We'll tell you straight whether the math works for your situation before recommending it.

We Get It

The Concerns We Hear About New Installations

"I'm doing a remodel — when should I bring in the plumber?"

As early as possible. The water heater install needs to be planned around your other trades — framing, drywall, electrical, gas line, and venting routes. Bringing us in during the planning phase prevents expensive rework later.

"I want tankless, but I'm not sure my house can handle it."

Common concern. Most Union County homes can be converted to tankless, but some need gas line upgrades, panel work, or different venting. We do a free site assessment to tell you what's actually involved — before you commit.

"My contractor said the plumbing isn't until later. Should I wait to talk to you?"

No. Even if the install itself happens later, decisions on location, gas line sizing, and venting need to be made now. A 15-minute conversation early saves days of delays later.

"I'm adding rental units. Can you handle multi-unit installs?"

Yes. We handle multi-unit water heater installations across Union County — building additions, new ADUs, and commercial spaces. Coordinated installs, clear billing, documented for your records.

Permits, Code & Inspections

Code-Compliant, Permitted, Inspected

Every new water heater installation in NJ requires a permit. Skipping the permit is one of the most common reasons installations fail when you sell the house, file an insurance claim, or have a problem.

We handle the full process:

The Neighbor Difference

Why Union County Chooses Continental for Installations

Local since 1985

40+ years installing water heaters across Union County. We know the homes, the inspectors, and the codes.

Permits + code compliance, every job

NJ Master Plumber License #9142. Your install passes inspection and protects your warranty and insurance.

We coordinate with your trades

GC, designer, electrician, HVAC. We plan around the project, not the other way around.

Warrantied installation

Manufacturer warranties stay valid. Our installation work is warrantied too — if it fails, we come back at no charge.

Where We Serve

Water Heater Installations Across Union County

Don’t see your town? call (973) 900-0430

Water Heater Installation FAQs

Replacement is swapping an old unit for a similar new one — usually because the old one failed. Installation is a new project — new construction, addition, first-time install, or major type change (like tank to tankless). Installations involve more planning and often more code work.

Yes. NJ plumbing code requires permits for water heater installations. We handle the permit, schedule the inspection, and meet the inspector on-site.

Standard tank install: 4–6 hours. Tankless install or tank-to-tankless conversion: 6–10 hours, sometimes spread across two days. We confirm timing during the quote.

Yes. NJ Clean Energy Program offers significant rebates on heat pump water heaters and qualifying tankless systems. We'll let you know what your install qualifies for and can help with the paperwork.

Yes, through Wisetack — approved in minutes, no credit impact. Useful for tankless conversions or high-efficiency installs with higher upfront cost. Learn more →

Yes. New additions and finished basements often need water heater rough-in — gas line, supply lines, venting, and electrical. We handle that and the final install. We coordinate with your other trades to keep the project on schedule.