Navien is the top-selling condensing tankless water heater brand in North America, and installing one correctly comes down to three things: sizing the gas line for the unit’s higher BTU draw, venting it to spec, and deciding whether the property needs built-in recirculation for faster hot water at distant fixtures. MQ Plumbing installs and services Navien tankless systems for homes across Mint Hill, Charlotte, and the surrounding metro.

New Navien tankless installation

Condensing (NPE series) or non-condensing (NPN/NHW series) systems, sized to your home's hot water demand and vented to the correct spec for the model.

Gas line sizing and upsizing

A standard tank heater typically runs on a 1/2-inch gas line; tankless units draw more heat in shorter bursts and often need 3/4-inch supply. We assess and resize before installation, not after the unit underperforms.

Replacing a tank water heater with tankless

Full conversion including gas line resizing, venting changes, and removal of the old tank system.

Annual descaling and maintenance

Tankless units need yearly descaling to clear mineral buildup — how often depends on local water hardness. We provide ongoing service after installation, not just the initial install.

Considering tankless, or already have one that needs service?

Call us and we'll walk through what your home's gas line and venting actually need.

Condensing vs. Non-Condensing — What Changes for Your Install

Navien’s condensing models reach up to 0.96 UEF efficiency and vent with PVC or CPVC, which is generally simpler and less expensive to route than the stainless steel venting non-condensing models require. Many models also include ComfortFlow, a built-in recirculation pump and buffer tank that delivers hot water faster and eliminates the “cold water sandwich” effect common with basic tankless setups — worth considering for larger homes or fixtures far from the unit. Which model fits your home depends on your existing gas line capacity, available venting path, and hot water demand — we assess all three before recommending a system, not after it’s already purchased.

Why Homeowners and Businesses Choose MQ Plumbing

  • We evaluate whether your existing gas line can support the unit or needs upsizing, before installation day
  • We install both condensing and non-condensing Navien series and vent each to its specific requirements
  • We offer annual descaling service to protect the unit’s lifespan, especially given local water hardness
  • Every installation gets a written estimate before work starts
  • We’re licensed in both North Carolina and South Carolina

How a Navien Tankless Job Works With MQ Plumbing

You tell us your current setup and goals

Existing tank or tankless system, household size, and whether you're replacing a failing unit or upgrading proactively.

We assess your gas line, venting, and water conditions

A licensed plumber checks whether your gas supply and venting path can support the unit as-is or need modification, and factors in local water hardness for maintenance planning.

We install, test, and pull the permit

Every tankless installation requires a permit and inspection. We test gas pressure and confirm proper operation before the job is done.

Ready for a Navien tankless system, or need service on an existing one?

MQ Plumbing installs and maintains Navien systems sized correctly for your home's gas supply and water conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to upsize my gas line for a Navien tankless water heater?
Often, yes — tankless units draw more BTUs in short bursts than a standard tank heater, and a standard 1/2-inch line frequently needs to go to 3/4-inch to meet demand.
What's the difference between Navien's condensing and non-condensing models?
Condensing models (NPE series) vent with PVC or CPVC and reach higher efficiency ratings; non-condensing models require stainless steel venting and suit homes where PVC venting runs aren't practical.
How often does a Navien tankless water heater need descaling?
Typically once a year, though homes with harder water may need it more often to protect performance and lifespan.
Does a Navien tankless unit eliminate the cold water sandwich effect?
Models with ComfortFlow's built-in recirculation pump and buffer tank are designed to reduce or eliminate it; base models without that feature can still experience it.
Do you provide ongoing service, or just installation?
Both — installation and ongoing maintenance, including annual descaling.