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Case Study:

Tankless Water Heater & Whole-Home Repiping

– Buffalo, NY

Location:

Buffalo, NY

Property Type:

Single-Family Residence (3,400 sq. ft., 125 years old)

Project Type:

Tankless Water Heater Installation, Whole-Home Repiping, Water Treatment System

Client Type:

Residential Homeowner

Overview

Cellino Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric was called to a historic 125-year-old, 3,400 sq. ft. home in Buffalo, NY after the homeowner’s aging 40-gallon atmospheric water heater failed due to corrosion. With growing household demand and concerns about efficiency, the homeowner wanted a long-term solution rather than a like-for-like replacement.

 

After reviewing multiple options, our team recommended upgrading to a Rinnai RX199 high-efficiency tankless water heater. This system delivers consistent, on-demand hot water while reducing energy consumption and operating costs. During the consultation, the homeowner also raised concerns about inconsistent water pressure and water quality, common issues in older Buffalo homes.

 

Upon inspection, our technicians identified remaining galvanized piping, which was contributing to pressure loss and water discoloration. To fully modernize the system, we designed a solution that included whole-home repiping with PEX tubing, along with a carbon filtration system and water softener to improve water clarity, taste, and long-term plumbing protection.

Challenge: Integrating New Plumbing into an Existing Home

Working inside a 125-year-old home required careful planning and precision. The original galvanized piping was embedded throughout finished walls and tight mechanical spaces, making removal and replacement more complex than a standard repipe.

 

Additionally, installing a high-efficiency tankless water heater required gas line upgrades and new venting to meet manufacturer specifications and local code requirements. All work had to be completed without compromising the home’s historic character or causing unnecessary disruption to daily living.

 

Cellino’s team staged the project in phases to minimize water shutoffs and protect finished areas. Clear communication with the homeowner ensured expectations were met at every step, from demolition through final system commissioning.

result

The completed project delivered a fully modernized plumbing system designed for performance, efficiency, and longevity. The Rinnai RX199 tankless water heater now provides endless hot water for the entire household, eliminating temperature fluctuations and recovery delays.

 

The new PEX piping system restored consistent water pressure throughout the home while improving durability and freeze resistance, an important upgrade for Buffalo winters. The added carbon filtration and water softening system produced immediate improvements in water quality, resulting in cleaner fixtures, better-tasting water, and reduced scale buildup on appliances.

 

The homeowner was extremely satisfied with the results and praised Cellino’s professionalism, craftsmanship, and transparent communication throughout the project.

Expert Plumbing Upgrades in Buffalo, NY

Cellino Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric specializes in complex plumbing upgrades for older homes across Buffalo and Western New York. From tankless water heater installations and whole-home repiping to advanced water treatment solutions, our licensed technicians deliver reliable, code-compliant results built to last.

 

Whether you’re dealing with aging pipes, poor water pressure, or outdated equipment, Cellino provides expert guidance, high-quality products, and flexible financing options to make upgrading your home easier.

 

Ready to modernize your home’s plumbing system? Call Cellino today at (716) 302-4488 or schedule service online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. With proper gas supply, venting, and installation, tankless systems are an excellent upgrade for older homes, offering improved efficiency and unlimited hot water.

Galvanized pipes corrode internally over time, leading to poor water pressure, discoloration, leaks, and potential water quality issues.

PEX is durable, flexible, resistant to corrosion, and ideal for whole-home repiping, especially in older structures with tight access points.

Carbon filtration improves taste and clarity by removing chlorine and sediment, while water softeners reduce mineral buildup that damages pipes and appliances.

Most projects are completed within several days, depending on home size, access, and system complexity. We plan work to minimize downtime.

Yes. Cellino offers flexible financing options to help homeowners manage the cost of large-scale plumbing improvements.

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