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Tagachi or Rinnai installation?

peteshlagor | Posted in Construction Techniques on July 3, 2007 08:59am

Yes, I am experienced with tankless models.  I’ve had previous very satisfactory experience with an Aquastar 125.

This house I’m in currently has twin 70 gallon gas water tanks.  Really don’t need that much, but a previous owner had some hot tub out back.

I do suffer with some wait since there is no recirc system.  It’s possible I could do some part of the house with one, but the bedrooms and baths are DW’ed in and not accessable for a return line.

My alternative, since there are times the two of us are away for awhile, is two tankless units.  One placed in the garage on the opposite side of the laundry room, close to the kitchen.   Then place a shutoff valve in the hot delivery line from the current setup.  And then a second where the current tanks are.  I got’s me a 6″ vent stack the current heaters blow into (it also used to exhaust the air handler, til I got a high efficiency, blow-out-the-side-wall model). 

The local plumbers pushing tankless are obviously proud of their work.  I’m gonna get a coupla bids to see just how proud. 

But my question is, it’s been 6 years since I had one installed and technology has improved.  Need I go with one of these high priced outfits or can I get the local (licensed) phantom plumber? 

Are these things that difficult to install?

From what I see, I’m gonna have more involved in DW removal and replacement , venting thru the wall and the lines going in, than plumbing rocket science.

 

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Replies

  1. deskguy | Jul 04, 2007 12:58am | #1

    Venting would be the hardest part.   I have a Takagi Mobius, easy to install, but it was new construction.  You should be able to get the installation specs online to see what you would need to swap out/ add to your current venting.  If you end up getting a Takagi TK-2 ?? I think that's the smaller unit.  I have a remote for it I'll give you.  I got sent the wrong one and they didn't want it back.

    1. davidmeiland | Jul 04, 2007 01:07am | #2

      I'll take that remote if no one else wants it... I have a TK1s

      1. deskguy | Jul 04, 2007 01:29am | #3

        David,

        It's a tk-reo-2 I think that's the number.  I was just cleaning the garage the other night and came across it.  If that's the part number that matches your unit, I'd be happy to send it your way.  Heck, I'll be on Whidbey this weekend, I'll just drive up and throw it on the end of the ferry, should make it to you in an hour or so.

        1. davidmeiland | Jul 04, 2007 01:39am | #4

          I just looked at the Ira Wood site, and although it's a little confusing it appears that it's the right remote for our heater. I'd be grateful to take it off your hands. Due to maritime security policy one can no longer send unattended freight on the ferry, so it would have to go in the mail. Postage happily paid.

          How do you like your heater by the way? I had a love/hate relationship with ours until recently when I finally installed a dishwasher and cut way down on the hand dishwashing action. I'll say one thing, it sure does fit in the little tiny space I have for it, much better than any tank unit.

          1. deskguy | Jul 04, 2007 01:56am | #5

            Mostly love it.  Sometimes takes a little longet than I'd like to warm up, but I think that could be worked out in rough plumbing next time.  The kids love the warm swimming pool and sprinkler action.  I like having the remote. we don't adjust the heat, but with the power going out so often last winter, we only had to push a button in the master bath to turn it back on.

            Email me your info, i'll send it out thursday or friday.  Glad it's getting a good home.

            Hmmm??  I wonder what kinda trouble I'd get for throwing a package at the back of a ferry?  Gitmo here I come.

          2. davidmeiland | Jul 04, 2007 02:45am | #6

            I emailed you my address. Thanks a lot!

            Old timers here tell of putting their cars on the ferry empty, so the mechanic on the mainland could come down and pick them up. When repaired he'd drive them back and put them on the ferry. Ain't no mo'...

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