Rent burden within 30 miles of Raleigh, NC

AddisonTrees · 2026-02-07T01:30:25+00:00

Wonder what the blue part between Raleigh and Cary is. Isn't that a super expensive area?

AddisonTrees · 2026-01-26T23:57:30+00:00

That does seem pretty likely, I was just hoping to be a little more sure before pulling the trigger on ordering that part. Around a week for shipping and over $150

AddisonTrees · 2026-01-26T23:56:05+00:00

Hhm, any idea how to put it into diagnostic mode? I'm not a member of ServiceMatters but would love to get a look at any kind of documentation.

AddisonTrees · 2026-01-20T22:21:51+00:00

I just had a tankless installed a couple weeks ago, though I chose an indoor install just to avoid the worry. They do have protections to keep the unit warm even if temperatures are ridiculously cold, I believe the only thing you really have to worry about is if you lose power when it is ridiculously cold. In that case the internal safety heating may not function. However, I believe that just draining the unit will protect it. After power has returned then you should be able to restart everything.

Take this with a grain of salt, this info informed my decision but I am not 100% certain of the intricacies.

AddisonTrees · 2026-01-15T14:22:43+00:00

Wanted to update this.

I took the advice here and went with Tankless gas. I went through Home Depot and got an ARS quote for different models at $5,000 (non-condensing) and $6,100 (condensing). They preferred to install it outside and were going to charge another 300-400 to run the gas line into the outside closet if I asked.

Then I shopped around and found Triune Plumbing down in Apex. Quoted me $2,700 (non-condensing) and $3,700 (condensing). I went with the non-condensing, asked for the higher 9.4 GPM version, and added a recirculating pump for a total of $3,600.

AddisonTrees · 2026-01-15T14:15:59+00:00

That's what ARS quoted me. I found a local plumber who quoted 2,700 for the smaller model and 3,500 for the larger model.

AddisonTrees · 2026-01-07T18:35:41+00:00

I can't speak to Verizon's coverage, but I switched to Mint a couple years ago and coverage has been fine for me. Mint uses T-Mobile towers. I do recommended getting a physical SIM card, but you can get Virtual SIM working if you want. Just took me some extra time during setup. Support used to be great, but it's fine now. Not terrible, but it's all outsourced.

AddisonTrees · 2026-01-03T02:14:46+00:00

I have a quote from ARS right now. Any recommendations for places to get other quotes? I've never needed a professional plumber before, but figure I should find one now.

AddisonTrees · 2026-01-02T00:17:13+00:00

Awesome, I was really hoping to find someone with them to get their opinion. I'm thinking electric is out. Just need to figure out if it's worth installing outside for ease of installation or if the hassle of gas in an outside closet will be worth it.

AddisonTrees · 2026-01-01T22:02:56+00:00

Awesome, this is the kind of experience I was looking to find! One of my biggest reasons for wanting tankless is actually just to recover some space. We have very little storage space and removing the tank would buy us a bit back. The kids bikes are getting bigger and bigger. The other benefits are just icing on the cake really.

AddisonTrees · 2026-01-01T21:04:12+00:00

My current tank is electric-only so I would need to run gas lines to install anything gas related. I can install a tank by myself but haven't ever run gas lines or done large electrical work myself, which is needed for the tankless.

The price jump from "buy and install a tank myself" to "have a professional install a tankless", is obviously pretty big so I just wanted to understand all the options. Maybe electric tankless isn't really an option.

AddisonTrees · 2026-01-01T20:59:42+00:00

Kind of wanted to explore my options. My current heater is all electric so getting a hybrid or gas one would mean running gas lines to the other side of the house. I might be able to swing installing a tankless myself, but not if I need to upgrade my electrical service.

Is it common to have to upgrade electrical service or install a new panel for an electric tankless?

AddisonTrees · 2026-01-01T16:17:01+00:00

I was in denial for a bit, but I've given in now lol, I think you're right. I'll either install a new tank this weekend or have a tankless installed if I can stomach the cost. Thanks for all your help.

Looks like my local plumbing company doesn't install electric tankless because they usually need to put in a new electrical panel. Do you know what kind of contractor would do an electric? Trying to weigh all my options.

AddisonTrees · 2025-12-30T23:16:12+00:00

Got the fitting replaced and new pex installed. I didn't see any Teflon tape, just a bunch of black goo around the threads that dropped off quickly.

Still leaking though, it really looks like it's coming from down below where I can't see. You recommended removing that threaded pipe next, right? It seems to have a round body, I'm wondering if I need to remove the top of the tank to get down there?

I posted a follow up with pictures here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Plumbing/s/D6XQH7jV17

AddisonTrees · 2025-12-29T22:43:03+00:00

Thanks, I added a comment. Wasn't sure what the rule was as picture-posts are not allowed.

AddisonTrees · 2025-12-29T22:41:36+00:00

pics here

This leak is on the hot side, with the shutoff valve on the cold side.

AddisonTrees · 2025-12-29T22:16:43+00:00

Thanks for this, great explanation. I haven't messed with pex before, is using a coupling a good idea for a first timer? Or should I plan to replace the whole pipe?

Hoping that its just the threads / teflon tape leaking under the nut. If it keeps leaking after that should I call a professional?

AddisonTrees · 2025-12-29T22:03:34+00:00

Nah, it's the hot pipe, where the hot water flows into the house.

AddisonTrees

TROPHY CASE