Propane & Tankless Water Heaters
Hot water for cabins without grid power — propane tanks, on-demand tankless units, and direct-vent installs.
About this service
When grid power isn't reliable — or doesn't exist — propane carries the hot water load. We install and service propane tank-style and tankless water heaters, including direct-vent setups for tight cabin layouts.
Signs it's time to call
- No hot water, or hot water that runs cold quickly.
- Pilot won't stay lit on an older unit.
- Tankless throws error codes or short-cycles.
- Existing heater is undersized for the cabin or the family it serves.
- Vent or combustion-air setup looks sketchy.
How we approach it
- Size the heater to actual draw — bedrooms, fixtures, simultaneous use.
- Install with proper gas line, venting, and combustion air.
- Service existing units: pilots, igniters, gas valves, descaling on tankless.
- Recommend tankless vs. tank based on use pattern, not what's on the truck.
Common Questions
Should I get a propane tank or tankless water heater?
Tank works well for steady, predictable use and is cheaper up front. Tankless is great for cabins with intermittent use or limited space, and you never run out — but the install is pricier and they don't love hard, untreated well water. We'll match the heater to the cabin.
How long does a propane water heater last?
A standard tank heater runs 8–12 years; tankless 15–20+ with annual descaling. Hard well water (very common up here) shortens both — softening or pre-treatment helps a lot.
Why won't my pilot light stay lit?
Usually a failed thermocouple, a dirty pilot orifice, or a flaky gas valve. Sometimes it's a draft or vent issue. Each is a different repair — easy to misdiagnose without a meter.
Why does my tankless throw error codes?
Common causes are scale buildup (needs descaling), insufficient gas pressure, restricted vent or combustion air, or low flow at the fixture. The error code itself usually narrows it down quickly.
How often should I service a tankless water heater?
Annual descaling is the single most important thing you can do, especially on hard or mineral-heavy water. We can fold it into your seasonal open or run it as a standalone visit.
Can I install a tankless myself?
Strongly recommend against it. Sizing, gas-line capacity, venting, and combustion air all have to be right — and most need a permit. Botched venting can be a CO hazard. We install to code and pull the permit.
Do I need a bigger propane tank for a tankless heater?
Often, yes. Tankless heaters draw a lot of BTUs while running, which can outpace small propane tanks in cold weather. We'll calculate gas demand and tell you whether a larger tank or second-stage regulator is needed.
What size heater do I need for a cabin?
Tank: 30–50 gallons for most cabins, sized to peak simultaneous use. Tankless: rated by flow rate and the temperature rise from cold inlet — winter inlet water up here is cold, so tankless usually needs to be sized larger than the box recommends.
Is direct-vent or atmospheric venting better for a cabin?
Direct-vent (sealed combustion) is the right answer for tight, well-insulated cabins — it draws combustion air from outside and is much safer where the heater shares space with living areas. We install both and pick based on the install location.
How much propane does a water heater use?
Tank heaters use propane to maintain temperature even when no one's drawing hot water. Tankless only burns when hot water flows. For seasonal cabins, tankless usually wins on propane cost over a year.
Need Propane & Tankless Water Heaters at your cabin?
Tell us where the property is and what's going on. We'll plan the trip and bring the right parts.