At Bear’s Plumbing, we cannot stress this enough: when it comes to installing tankless water heaters—especially in homes with spray foam insulation—you must use qualified, licensed, and insured professionals. Cutting corners can lead to dangerous and costly mistakes.

Recently, two homeowners called us just in time. Take a look at the photos:
One shows a tankless water heater improperly installed without proper venting. Notice the discolored and “cooked” spray foam insulation around the vent pipe. This wasn’t just an unsightly mess — it was a serious fire hazard waiting to happen.

When spray foam insulation is exposed to excessive heat from improper venting, it can degrade, smolder, and in worst cases, ignite. Without the right clearances, materials, and venting procedures—handled by licensed plumbers—you are putting your home, your investment, and your family at risk.

Why It Matters:

• Proper Ventilation is Critical: Tankless water heaters require specific venting materials and clearances, especially in enclosed spaces like attics insulated with spray foam.
• Safety First: Licensed professionals know the local building codes and manufacturer specifications that must be followed to ensure your system operates safely and efficiently.
• Protect Your Warranty: Manufacturer warranties often require licensed installation. A DIY or unlicensed job could void your coverage.
• Insurance Compliance: Most home insurance policies may deny claims if improper or unlicensed work contributed to a fire or system failure.

At Bear’s Plumbing, we see this kind of thing more often than you might think. These homeowners were fortunate to catch it before it turned into a disaster—but it’s a sobering reminder to always trust experienced, licensed, and insured tradespeople.

If you have spray foam insulation in your home, or you’re thinking about installing a tankless water heater, make Bear’s Plumbing your first call.
We’ll do it right the first time — safely, to code, and with your peace of mind our top priority.

📞 Call us at 281-350-2327 or 📧 email info@bearsplumbing.net today!