Tankless Water Heater Installation and Repair in Metairie and New Orleans, LA

Bienvenu Brothers installs, repairs and maintains tankless water heaters throughout Metairie, New Orleans and the surrounding Jefferson Parish and Orleans Parish communities, from gas line upsizing and condensing vent installation to descaling and error code repair. Our BBB A+ Rated, 4th generation family-owned company is 100% recommended on Facebook, Loved Locally on Nextdoor and an Angi Super Service Award winner. We work under Louisiana master plumber license LMP#7214WSPS, stay fully insured and have served South Louisiana since 1937. Same-day scheduling and 24/7 emergency service are available. Contact Bienvenu Brothers or call (504) 835-7783 to schedule your tankless water heater evaluation.

Tankless Water Heater Installation & Repair New Orleans, LA

What Is a Tankless Water Heater, and Why Do Metairie and New Orleans Homeowners Choose One?

A tankless water heater heats water only while a hot water tap is open. Cold water flows through a heat exchanger, a gas burner or electric element heats it, and hot water leaves at the temperature you set. With no storage tank, the unit has no standby heat loss and keeps delivering hot water as long as the flow stays within its rating. The U.S. Department of Energy publishes a plain-language overview of how demand-type heaters work.

I highly recommend Bienvenu for ALL your plumbing needs

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“We were in a pinch when our kitchen sink stopped up on a Saturday evening of a HOLIDAY WEEKEND with several out of town guests staying with us. We needed to get the kitchen sink unclogged as soon as possible so I called Bienvenu Brothers Plumbing and they went above and beyond what I expected. They arrived on time, were professional and courteous, answered all of our questions, and most importantly got our sink working again! I highly recommend Bienvenu for ALL your plumbing needs!”
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Metairie and New Orleans homes range from raised bungalows and slab-on-grade ranch houses to shotguns, doubles and historic cottages, and many have little room for a large tank. A wall-mounted tankless unit frees floor space and removes the large reservoir that can fail in an attic or closet. Our broader water heater services cover tank models, and this service covers tankless installation, repair and maintenance.

Local Conditions That Shape Tankless Water Heater Installations in Metairie and New Orleans

Six local factors decide how we size, vent and maintain a tankless unit in Jefferson Parish and Orleans Parish. The table shows what each factor looks like here and what it means for your installation.

Local factorWhat the data showsWhat it means for your unit
Water supply in Metairie and Jefferson ParishJefferson Parish treats Mississippi River water. Its 2025 water quality report lists total hardness of 75.7 to 190 ppm on the East Bank, which includes Metairie, and 81 to 190 ppm on the West Bank. That spans moderately hard to very hard on the USGS hardness scale.Scale builds on a heat exchanger faster here than in soft-water cities. Annual flushing, and sometimes water conditioning, protects the unit.
Water supply in New OrleansThe Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans also treats Mississippi River water.We plan for mineral scale in New Orleans homes the same way, and we test hardness at your address when the maintenance plan depends on it.
Natural gas serviceAtmos Energy serves Jefferson Parish residents. Delta Utilities has operated the New Orleans gas system since July 1, 2025, after Entergy completed the sale of its gas distribution business.The utility owns the meter and regulator, so a larger gas load may need a utility review before install day.
Permits and inspectionsJefferson Parish states that a licensed plumber is required to install a new water heater with a plumbing filing. In New Orleans, a licensed master plumber registered with the Sewerage & Water Board files plumbing permits through the City’s One Stop.We file the permit and schedule the inspection in both parishes.
Storms and floodingAtlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 according to the National Hurricane Center, and parts of both parishes flood in heavy rain.A gas tankless unit needs power, so a generator plan matters. A wall-mounted unit can sit above expected flood levels.
Housing stockMetairie and New Orleans include raised bungalows, shotguns, doubles and slab-on-grade ranch homes with tight utility space.We choose among closet, garage, attic and exterior wall locations and plan the vent route and gas run around the building.

Our Tankless Water Heater Services in Metairie and New Orleans

Tankless Water Heater Installation

Every installation starts with one question: can your home deliver the gas, venting, water and power the unit needs? We check each of these before we recommend a model, and we install gas and electric units in new construction, remodels and tank-to-tankless conversions.

  • Gas supply: line size, run length, meter and regulator, matched to the unit’s maximum Btu rating.
  • Vent system: stainless steel or approved plastic, depending on whether the model is non-condensing or condensing.
  • Water connections: shutoff and isolation valves that make future flushing simple.
  • Power: a grounded outlet within reach, plus surge protection for the control board.
  • Condensate: a drain path and neutralizer for condensing units.

Natural Gas, Propane and Condensing Installations

Our installers handle every common configuration. Natural gas water heaters, propane water heaters and condensing water heaters for the details of each fuel and vent type.

Expert Tips
- Vint Bienvenu Jr.
Looking to upgrade your water heating system? Consider installing a tankless water heater for efficient and endless hot water supply. As an expert in tankless water heaters, I recommend choosing a unit with the right size and capacity to meet your household's needs. Additionally, regular maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Don't forget to schedule professional servicing in Metairie, LA, to keep your tankless water heater running smoothly and efficiently. Enjoy the convenience and energy savings this modern technology brings to your home!
- Vint Bienvenu Jr.

Tankless Water Heater Repair and Troubleshooting

Error codes, ignition failures, temperature swings and low flow have a short list of causes. We read the code, check the gas supply, vent, flame and flow sensors, inlet screens and condensate drain, and then repair or replace the failed part. Our service vehicles carry common tankless parts, so many repairs finish in one visit.

Tankless Water Heater Descaling and Maintenance

A flush removes mineral deposits from the heat exchanger. The same visit covers the inlet filter, vent termination, condensate trap, burner and combustion readings. Jefferson Parish water runs moderately hard to very hard, so routine descaling does more for a unit here than almost any other service.

Tankless Water Heater Replacement and Upgrades

We replace tank heaters with tankless units, replace older tankless units, and upgrade gas lines, vents and controls that limit performance. A recirculation loop or an instant hot water dispenser at the kitchen sink can complement the main heater in a larger home.

Brands We Install and Service

Our technicians work on Rinnai, Navien, Rheem, Bradford White, Noritz, Takagi and AO Smith tankless units. Manufacturer-certified service helps keep your warranty intact.

Signs Your Tankless Water Heater Needs Service

  • Error codes on the display. A code names the system that tripped, and a code that returns means the condition remains.
  • Lukewarm or fluctuating water. Scale, a failing sensor, low flow or a weak gas supply can cause temperature swings.
  • Reduced hot water flow. A clogged inlet screen or scale on the heat exchanger restricts flow.
  • Noises from the unit. Scale often causes rumbling or popping, and a rattling fan points to a failing motor.
  • Shutoffs mid-shower. Ignition, flame or vent faults interrupt the burner before the hot water runs out.
  • Water around the unit. A leak at a connection or a blocked condensate drain needs attention soon.
  • Condensation, residue or staining near the vent. These point to a vent or combustion issue.
  • Hot water that takes longer to arrive. Scale, a failing flow sensor or a changed pipe route can slow delivery.

Tankless Water Heater Repair or Replacement

Most tankless problems have a repair that works. This table shows when we repair, when we maintain and when we recommend replacement.

SituationUsually the better choiceWhat we do
An error code traced to a failed igniter, flame rod, sensor, fan or condensate trapRepairReplace the failed part, clear the cause and test combustion and flow before we leave.
Reduced flow, noise or temperature swings on an otherwise sound unitFlush and maintenanceFlush the heat exchanger, clean the inlet screen and condensate trap, and recheck output.
Repeated vent or combustion air errorsRepair or vent correctionClear obstructions, correct the vent route or termination, and verify combustion air.
A cracked or leaking heat exchangerReplacementRemove the unit and install a new one sized to your current household demand.
A unit well past its expected service life, with parts no longer availableReplacementRecommend a current model, upgrade the gas line or venting if needed, and register the warranty.
A household that has outgrown the unitUpgrade or add a second unitRerun the sizing, then replace the unit or add a second unit or a point-of-use heater.

Why a Licensed Plumber Should Install and Service Your Tankless Water Heater

A tankless unit combines gas piping, combustion venting, water connections and electrical power. This table shows where professional work matters most.

TaskWhy it needs a professionalWhat we do
Gas line sizing and connectionAn undersized line starves the burner, and every joint needs a pressure test.Calculate the load, size or upsize the line and test the connections.
Vent systemThe wrong material or route causes exhaust, condensation and combustion problems.Install manufacturer-approved vent, terminations and clearances.
Condensate handlingAcidic condensate damages drains and concrete.Route it to a proper drain and add a neutralizer.
Permits and inspectionsJefferson Parish requires a licensed plumber and a plumbing filing, and New Orleans requires a licensed master plumber registered with the Sewerage & Water Board.File the permit and schedule the inspection.
Water connections and isolation valvesWrong connections leak and block future flushing.Install isolation valves and test every joint.
WarrantyManufacturers set installation and service requirements that affect coverage.Use manufacturer-certified technicians and register the unit.

Our Tankless Water Heater Process

  • Contact us. Call (504) 835-7783 or use the contact form, and tell us the brand, any display code and what you see at the fixtures. We offer same-day scheduling.
  • Evaluate on site. We inspect the existing heater, gas line, meter, vent route, water connections, power supply and the space around the unit.
  • Plan and size the unit. We total your fixture flow, calculate the temperature rise and recommend a model with the gas, venting and electrical work it requires.
  • Approve the written scope. You review what the job includes, who handles the permit and how long the work should take, and you approve before we start.
  • Install with a permit. We pull the permit when your address requires one, then install the unit, vent, condensate drain, isolation valves and any gas line upgrade.
  • Test and inspect. We check combustion, gas tightness, flow and temperature at the farthest fixture, and we schedule the inspection.
  • Walk through and maintain. We show you the controls and display codes, register the manufacturer warranty and set your flush schedule.

Why Metairie and New Orleans Homeowners Choose Bienvenu Brothers

Four generations of the Bienvenu family have kept Metairie and New Orleans homes running since 1937. This table shows what that experience means for your tankless water heater.

What We OfferWhat It Means for You
Louisiana master plumber license LMP#7214WSPSA state-licensed master plumber handles your gas, water and venting work, not an unlicensed handyman.
Fully insuredYou are protected if something goes wrong on your property.
BBB A+ RatedAn independent organization rates our business practices and tracks complaints, and you can read the profile yourself.
100% recommended on FacebookCustomers recommend our work in public reviews that anyone can read.
Loved Locally on NextdoorYour neighbors recommend us on the platform many local families use to find help.
Angi Super Service Award winnerAngi recognizes companies that earn consistently high ratings from verified customers.
Manufacturer-certified techniciansWe service Rinnai, Navien, Rheem, Bradford White, Noritz, Takagi and AO Smith, which helps protect your warranty.
Stocked service vehiclesCommon tankless parts ride on our trucks, so many repairs finish in one visit.
Same-day scheduling and 24/7 emergency serviceHelp is available when hot water stops, whatever the hour.
4th generation, serving since 1937Four generations of experience with South Louisiana homes, gas systems and plumbing.
Permits handled for youWe file the permits and schedule the inspections your job requires.

Book your tankless water heater evaluation. Call (504) 835-7783 for same-day scheduling or 24/7 emergency service in Metairie, New Orleans and the surrounding areas.

Tankless Water Heater Service Across Metairie, New Orleans and Surrounding Areas

Our crews install and service tankless water heaters from Old Metairie, Lakeview and Uptown to Mid-City, Gentilly, the West Bank and the North Shore. Each neighborhood has its own housing age, gas layout and permit office, and we plan the work around those details. Homeowners in the capital region can see our Baton Rouge tankless water heater.

Bienvenu Brothers: licensed, fully insured and BBB A+ Rated tankless water heater experts for Metairie, New Orleans and the surrounding areas. Call (504) 835-7783 today.

Tankless Water Heater FAQs for Metairie and New Orleans Homeowners

These are the questions Metairie and New Orleans homeowners ask us most often about tankless water heater installation, repair and maintenance.

Not by itself. The wait comes from cold water that sits in the pipe between the heater and the fixture, and a tankless unit does not change that. A recirculation loop or a point-of-use water heater beside the far bathroom shortens the wait. We look at your pipe runs and recommend the simplest fix.
Usually yes. Most swaps reuse the same closet, garage or attic area, and the work happens at the connections: gas, vent, water, power and a condensate drain for condensing models. A tank connects at the top and a tankless unit connects at the bottom, so we reroute the water lines. Some homes need wall space or a new vent route, and we explain both before work begins.
We recommend against it. The job combines gas piping, combustion venting, water connections and electrical power, and each one affects safety and performance. Jefferson Parish requires a licensed plumber for a new water heater installation, and manufacturers set installation requirements that affect warranty coverage. Our licensed team handles the full job and the paperwork.
Many units reset when you switch the power off for a minute and turn it back on, or when you press the reset control described in the manual. One reset is reasonable after a power surge or a one-time fault. A code that returns means a condition still needs attention, and repeated resets only hide the cause. Call us when a code comes back.
Both parishes regulate the work. Jefferson Parish states that a licensed plumber is required to install a new water heater with a plumbing filing and that all required permits must be obtained before work begins. In New Orleans, a licensed master plumber registered with the Sewerage & Water Board files plumbing permits through the City's One Stop, and inspections cover new work. We confirm which permit applies to your address, file it and schedule the inspection.
Many manufacturers specify hardness limits or recommend treatment in harder water, and Jefferson Parish water reaches 190 ppm in the 2025 report. A softener or scale-reduction cartridge protects the heat exchanger and sensors, and a tighter flush schedule adds another layer. Check your model's guidance, and we test your home's hardness and recommend an approach. Our water softener service covers installation and maintenance.
Often, yes. Your existing line was sized for a tank heater that draws a fraction of the gas a tankless unit needs at full fire. A 199,000 Btu per hour unit burns about 192 cubic feet of natural gas per hour, based on the Energy Information Administration's heat content figure of 1,036 Btu per cubic foot. We measure the run, count fittings, add your other gas appliances and size the line to the manufacturer's requirements.
Call 504-835-7783 or use our contact page to request service. We offer same-day scheduling, and our emergency line runs 24/7 for failures such as a leaking unit or no hot water. Tell us the brand, the display code if any, and the problem you see so the technician arrives prepared.
Jefferson Parish's 2025 water quality report lists total hardness of 75.7 to 190 ppm on the East Bank, which includes Metairie, and 81 to 190 ppm on the West Bank. That range runs from moderately hard to very hard on the USGS hardness scale, or about 4 to 11 grains per gallon. Hard water builds scale on a heat exchanger faster than soft water does, so the flush schedule matters. New Orleans water also comes from the Mississippi River, and we plan for scale there too.
A tank heater keeps a large volume of water hot around the clock and can run out during heavy use. A tankless unit heats water only when you use it and keeps delivering as long as flow stays within its rating. Tankless units mount on a wall, need more gas input and a different vent system, and call for regular descaling. Our posts on choosing between tankless and tank water heaters and the energy efficiency of tankless units compare the two in more detail.
The Department of Energy describes demand-type water heaters as longer-lived than storage models, and replaceable parts extend their service life. Water quality, gas supply, venting and maintenance decide how long your unit runs. Regular flushing matters most in hard water, and we tell you where your unit stands at each visit.
A straightforward swap with a usable gas line and vent route often fits in one day. Gas line upsizing, a new vent through the roof or wall, electrical work or permit scheduling can add time. The site visit tells us which of these apply, and we give you a realistic timeline before work begins.
Every model has a maximum flow rating at a given temperature rise. Run two showers, a dishwasher and a washing machine together on a small unit, and the temperature at each fixture drops. Households with heavy simultaneous demand can choose a larger unit, install two units, or give the farthest bathroom its own small heater. We total your fixture flow before we recommend a model.
Many manufacturers call for an annual flush, and the moderately hard to very hard water in Jefferson Parish makes that visit especially important. We set the schedule from your manufacturer's instructions, your water hardness, your household's hot water use and the unit's history. The visit also covers the inlet filter, vent termination, condensate trap and combustion readings. Our guide to removing sediment from a water heater covers the basics.
For most homes with natural gas or propane service, yes. A tankless unit gives you hot water on demand, frees wall space and stores no large volume of water that can fail overhead. It works best when the home can supply the gas load, vent route and power the unit needs, which we confirm during a visit. Homes with limited gas capacity or no practical vent route may suit a tank heater better, and we tell you so. Our guide to upgrading to a high-efficiency water heater shows how the options compare.
Most gas tankless units run on natural gas or propane, and electric models run on household power. Natural gas suits homes with utility service, and propane suits homes without it. Whole-house electric units draw very large currents, so they work only where the panel and wiring can support them. We check your gas supply and electrical panel first, then recommend the fuel that fits.
A condensing unit pulls extra heat from its exhaust, so it earns a higher efficiency rating and vents through plastic pipe where the manufacturer allows. It also makes acidic condensate that needs a drain and often a neutralizer. A non-condensing unit exhausts hotter gas through stainless steel venting and has no condensate line. We match the choice to your vent route, drain access and available wall space.
Parts of Metairie and New Orleans flood in heavy rain and tropical storms, and mounting a water heater above expected flood levels protects it. A wall-mounted tankless unit is easier to raise than a floor-standing tank. Check your zone on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center, and we set the mounting height with you within the manufacturer's clearances and code requirements.
 

Codes name the system that tripped: ignition, flame, venting, flow, temperature sensors, power or condensate. Each manufacturer numbers its codes differently, so the same number can mean different things on a Rinnai, a Navien and a Noritz. Our tankless error code guide explains common codes by brand. Write down the code, power the unit off and on once, and call us if it returns.

Installation covers the wall mount, a gas connection sized for the unit, the vent system, hot and cold water connections with isolation valves, a condensate drain for condensing models, a power connection and the permit when your jurisdiction requires one. We remove the old heater, test combustion and gas tightness, and confirm flow and temperature at your fixtures before we leave.
A tankless water heater, also called an on-demand water heater, heats water only when a hot water tap opens. Cold water enters the unit, a gas burner or electric element heats it as it passes through a heat exchanger, and the unit sends hot water to the fixture. Because it holds no large storage tank, it has no standby heat loss, as the U.S. Department of Energy explains.
Leave the building right away, avoid switches, flames and anything that could spark, and call your gas utility's emergency line or 911 from outside. Do not try to find the source yourself. Once the utility or fire department clears the building, call a licensed plumber for gas leak repair. Our guide to detecting a gas leak at home lists the warning signs to know.
Start with the fixtures that may run at the same time. Add their flow rates in gallons per minute, then subtract the incoming water temperature from your set point to find the temperature rise. A home with two full bathrooms, a kitchen and laundry needs more capacity than a one-bathroom bungalow, and mild Gulf Coast winters keep the temperature rise modest. Our guide to choosing the right size water heater walks through the method, and we run the numbers for your home during the visit.
Garages, utility closets, laundry rooms, attics and exterior walls all work when clearances, combustion air and the vent path meet the manufacturer's instructions. Older New Orleans homes such as shotguns and doubles often have little interior utility space, so we look at exterior wall and side alley locations. Exterior units need freeze protection and weather-rated hardware.
We install and service Rinnai, Navien, Rheem, Bradford White, Noritz, Takagi and AO Smith. Manufacturer-certified technicians follow each brand's installation and service procedures, which helps protect your warranty. We recommend a model after we review your home's gas, venting and flow needs, not before.
Atmos Energy serves Jefferson Parish residents, and Delta Utilities has operated the New Orleans gas system since July 1, 2025, when Entergy completed the sale of its natural gas distribution business. The utility owns the meter and regulator, so a larger gas load may need a utility review. We tell you before install day whether your service can support the unit.
Scale on the heat exchanger usually causes rumbling, popping or kettle-like sounds, because it traps steam bubbles as water heats. In Jefferson Parish's harder water this shows up sooner, and a descaling flush often quiets the unit. Persistent noise can also point to a failing fan or a restricted vent, so we inspect those during the visit.
Temperature swings usually trace to low flow, flow beyond the unit's rating, scale, a failing temperature sensor or a gas supply that cannot keep up. Plumbing that crosses hot and cold lines can also dilute the hot water. We test flow and temperature at the unit and at the fixture to find the cause. Our guide to troubleshooting hot water issues covers the basic checks.
Common causes include a closed gas valve, an interrupted gas supply, no power, a blocked vent, an ignition fault, a clogged inlet screen or flow below the unit's minimum activation rate. Check the power and the gas valve, note the display code and call us. Scale on the heat exchanger can also stop the unit from firing. We read the code, test the flame, flow and sensors, and repair the failed part.
Gas tankless units need household electricity for the control board, igniter and fan, so they stop heating when the power fails. A generator sized for the unit's electrical draw restores hot water, and some models support battery backup. Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 according to the National Hurricane Center, so tell us if you own or plan to buy a generator and we will plan the connection.

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