Water Heater Installation
Water Heater Installation | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Etowah
Enjoy endless hot water in Etowah’s cool mountain mornings with HEP’s expert team on your side. Our licensed plumbers specialize in tankless water heater install services that swap bulky, outdated tanks for sleek, on-demand systems. By heating water only when you need it, a tankless unit reduces energy bills, frees up valuable space, and delivers a continuous flow for showers, laundry, and dishes—no more racing to beat the last hot shower.
From the first call to the final test, HEP handles every detail: sizing the perfect unit for your household, upgrading gas or electrical lines if needed, and hauling away the old heater. We back our workmanship with solid warranties and round-the-clock emergency support, so you can trust that your new system will perform flawlessly for years. Ready to upgrade? Let Etowah’s most trusted plumbers bring you comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind today.
FAQs
What are the main benefits of choosing a tankless water heater for my Etowah home?
Tankless (on-demand) units heat water only when you turn on a tap, eliminating standby heat loss that occurs with storage tanks. This typically cuts water-heating energy use by 25–40 %, provides endless hot water, frees up floor space, and offers a service life of 20+ years (about twice that of a tank-type heater). Because our Etowah climate has moderate ground-water temperatures, most homes experience excellent flow rates with a properly sized unit.
How do I know what size tankless water heater I need?
Sizing is based on two factors: (1) the peak gallons-per-minute (GPM) demand in your home, and (2) the temperature rise required—from incoming groundwater temperature to your desired hot-water setpoint (usually 120 °F). We’ll calculate your peak demand by adding the flow rates of fixtures you may use simultaneously (e.g., shower + dishwasher). In Etowah, groundwater averages 58–62 °F, so achieving 120 °F requires a 58–62 °F rise. A typical three-bath home needs a 7–9 GPM gas unit or a 6–7 GPM electric unit. Our technician will perform a free in-home assessment and present right-sized options so you never run out of hot water.
What does a professional tankless water heater installation cost in Etowah?
Installed prices vary with fuel type, capacity, venting requirements, and any upgrades to gas, electrical, or plumbing lines. For most Etowah homes, a complete gas tankless retrofit ranges from $2,800–$4,800, while whole-house electric models cost $1,900–$3,200. These figures include the unit, isolation valves, venting, water and gas/electrical connections, permits, removal of the old tank, and labor. We provide firm, up-front quotes after inspection, and we’ll also discuss utility rebates and potential federal tax credits that can trim your net cost.
How long does the installation take and will I be without hot water?
A straightforward replacement of a tank with a tankless unit usually takes one workday (6–8 hours). More complex jobs—such as relocating the heater, upsizing gas lines, or installing a new 240-V circuit—may extend into a second day. We don’t disconnect your existing heater until all preparatory work is finished, so you’ll be without hot water for only the last 2–4 hours of the project, typically in mid-afternoon. We coordinate scheduling so your family experiences minimal disruption.
Do I need permits or inspections for a tankless water heater in Etowah?
Yes. McMinn County and the City of Etowah require plumbing and, for gas units, mechanical permits. Electric units may need an electrical permit if new circuits are added. As a licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing contractor, we secure all necessary permits, schedule inspections, and bring the installation up to the latest IPC, IFGC, and NEC codes. This protects your home insurance coverage and guarantees your new system’s safety and efficiency.
What maintenance does a tankless water heater require after installation?
Tankless units are low maintenance but not maintenance-free. Hard-water minerals in Etowah (6–8 grains per gallon, considered moderately hard) can accumulate on the heat exchanger. We recommend an annual or bi-annual service that includes descaling with a vinegar solution, cleaning the inlet filter, and checking burner or heating elements. This 45-minute visit keeps efficiency high, maintains warranty coverage, and can be bundled with whole-home plumbing inspections at a discounted rate. Homeowners who install a water softener may extend service intervals to every 24 months.