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Best Tankless Water Heater Installer in the Twin Cities | Navien Service Specialist

  • Writer: Predictable Plumbing
    Predictable Plumbing
  • Jan 23
  • 5 min read


Factory-Trained Tankless Experts Serving the Western Twin Cities Metro

When you're ready to switch to tankless, the installer matters as much as the equipment. At Predictable Plumbing, we're one of the few plumbing companies in Minnesota that holds Navien Service Specialist (NSS) certification—factory training that qualifies us to install, service, and repair Navien tankless water heaters to manufacturer specifications.

This isn't a weekend seminar credential. Navien Service Specialists complete rigorous technical training covering installation best practices, system diagnostics, and warranty-compliant service procedures. When you hire a certified specialist, you're getting an installer who knows these systems inside and out—not someone learning on your home.


Why Navien? Navien is the #1 selling tankless water heater brand in North America, and for good reason. Their condensing technology extracts more heat from combustion gases, achieving efficiency ratings up to 0.97 UEF. That translates to real savings on your gas bill. Navien also offers an industry-leading 15-year warranty on heat exchangers—but only when installed by a qualified professional.


Why the Right Installer Makes or Breaks Your Tankless System

Tankless water heaters aren't plug-and-play. A botched installation can lead to:

  • Error codes and lockouts from improper venting or gas pressure issues

  • Premature heat exchanger failure from incorrect water flow settings

  • Voided warranty if installation doesn't meet Navien's specifications

  • Cold water sandwiches—that frustrating burst of cold water mid-shower caused by poor system sizing or missing recirculation components

We've been called to fix tankless installations done by general plumbers who didn't understand the technology. In most cases, the homeowner paid twice: once for the original install, and again to have it corrected. That's money and frustration you can avoid by choosing a certified installer from the start.

Tankless Installation in Minnesota: What's Different Here

Installing tankless water heaters in the Twin Cities comes with challenges you won't find in warmer climates.

Cold Inlet Water Temperatures

Minnesota groundwater enters your home at 35-45°F in winter—sometimes colder. A tankless unit that performs fine in Texas may struggle here because it has to work harder to achieve the temperature rise you need. We size systems specifically for Minnesota conditions, ensuring you get consistent hot water even on the coldest days.

Proper Venting for Our Climate

Tankless water heaters require specific venting configurations, and Minnesota's freeze-thaw cycles demand careful attention to condensate drainage. Improper venting can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide issues or freeze damage to the unit. We install venting systems that meet both Navien specifications and Minnesota code requirements.

Hard Water Considerations

Much of the western Twin Cities metro—including Maple Grove, Plymouth, Corcoran, and surrounding communities—has hard water. Scale buildup inside a tankless heat exchanger reduces efficiency and shortens equipment life. We'll assess your water quality and recommend filtration or softening solutions if needed to protect your investment.

The Wright County Electrical Issue

If your home is in Wright County or served by Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association, there's something important you should know before replacing any water heater.

Years ago, the utility installed a unique wiring configuration: two electric water heaters on a single 30-amp breaker. This setup is no longer legal under current electrical codes. If you're switching from electric tank heaters to gas tankless, or even replacing electric with electric, you may need electrical upgrades before installation can proceed.

We're intimately familiar with this local issue and coordinate with qualified electricians to handle the necessary upgrades. Most installers from outside the area have never encountered this and may show up unprepared—leaving you without hot water while they figure out the problem.

What to Expect from a Predictable Plumbing Tankless Installation

Before We Arrive

We'll discuss your household's hot water demands, review your current setup, and provide clear upfront pricing. No surprises.

Installation Day

Our licensed plumbers handle everything: removing your old water heater, running gas lines if needed, installing proper venting, mounting the unit, and connecting water lines. We test the system thoroughly before we leave.

After Installation

We walk you through the controls, explain the maintenance schedule, and answer your questions. Every installation includes our 1-year parts and labor warranty, in addition to Navien's manufacturer warranty.

Tankless Water Heater Options We Install

Navien NPE-A2 Series

The most advanced residential tankless on the market. Features built-in recirculation pump, Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring, and ComfortFlow® technology that minimizes cold water lag. Ideal for larger homes or households with high hot water demand.

Navien NPE-S2 Series

A more budget-friendly option that still delivers Navien's renowned efficiency and reliability. Perfect for smaller households or homes replacing a single tank water heater.

Navien NCB-E Series Combi-Boilers

Need both domestic hot water and hydronic heating from one unit? The NCB-E handles both, saving space and installation costs. We install these for homeowners upgrading from boiler systems who also want endless hot water.

We also service and repair Rinnai, Rheem, and other tankless brands—though we recommend Navien for new installations based on our experience with long-term reliability and warranty support.

Is Tankless Right for Your Home?

Tankless isn't the best choice for every situation. Here's an honest assessment:

Tankless makes sense if:

  • Your current tank water heater is 10+ years old and due for replacement

  • You're tired of running out of hot water

  • You want to reclaim floor space in your utility area

  • You're planning to stay in your home long enough to recoup the higher upfront cost through energy savings

  • You have natural gas service (electric tankless rarely makes sense in Minnesota due to electrical capacity requirements)

Tankless may not be ideal if:

  • Your home lacks adequate gas supply (we can assess this)

  • You're on a tight budget and your current tank heater still has years of life left

  • You have extremely hard water and aren't willing to install water treatment

We'll give you a straight answer about whether tankless is right for your situation—even if that answer is "stick with a tank for now."

Service Area

We install tankless water heaters throughout the western Twin Cities metro, including:

  • Hennepin County: Maple Grove, Plymouth, Minnetonka, Medina, Independence, Corcoran, Golden Valley, Crystal, Robbinsdale, Brooklyn Park

  • Wright County: Loretto, Rockford, Hanover, Buffalo, Delano, Maple Plain

  • Carver County: Waconia, Watertown, Victoria

Based in Loretto, we're centrally located to serve the entire west metro quickly.

Get a Tankless Water Heater Quote

Ready to explore tankless? Call us at (612) 900-2026 or schedule online. We'll assess your home, discuss your options, and provide transparent pricing—no high-pressure sales tactics, no hidden fees.

Predictable PlumbingFactory-Trained Navien Service SpecialistServing the Western Twin Cities Metro

[Schedule Online] | [Call (612) 900-2026]

Predictable Plumbing is a licensed Minnesota plumbing contractor specializing in residential water heater services. Our plumbers carry a minimum of five years field experience and are factory-trained on Navien tankless systems. All installations include a 1-year parts and labor warranty.

 
 
 

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