Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless Water Heaters | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Friendsville
Imagine stepping into a shower in Friendsville and having an endless, perfectly heated stream of water every single time. HEP’s modern, high-efficiency units heat water on demand, slashing standby energy loss, freeing up floor space, and delivering hot water the instant you need it. From busy families who juggle back-to-back showers to home chefs who rely on rapid, reliable hot water, a professional tankless water heater install makes daily life smoother and more economical.
Our licensed, background-checked plumbers arrive with everything needed to size, vent, and commission your new system safely—often in just one visit. You’ll get transparent pricing, respectful cleanup, and the peace of mind that comes from a locally trusted team that’s served East Tennessee for decades. Ready to upgrade? Give HEP a call today and discover why Friendsville homeowners are raving about the comfort, savings, and convenience of going tankless.
FAQs
What are the main benefits of switching to a tankless water heater in Friendsville?
Tankless units heat water only when a hot-water tap is opened, so you eliminate the standby heat loss of a storage tank and can cut energy use by 25–40 %. You also get an endless supply of hot water, valuable extra floor space, and an appliance that routinely lasts 18–20 years—roughly twice the life of a standard tank. In Friendsville’s moderate climate, the incoming ground-water temperature is not extremely low, which helps a tankless unit achieve peak efficiency and keeps installation costs reasonable.
How do I know what size tankless water heater I need for my home?
Sizing is based on your household’s peak hot-water demand (measured in gallons per minute, or GPM) and the temperature rise required. We add up the flow rates of fixtures that may run simultaneously—such as a shower (2.0 GPM) plus a dishwasher (1.5 GPM)—to find the total GPM. Then we calculate the temperature rise by subtracting Friendsville’s average incoming water temperature (about 55 °F) from your desired output temperature (120 °F), giving a 65 ° rise. A family of four usually needs a gas unit rated around 7–9 GPM or an electric unit around 5–7 GPM. During a free in-home estimate we measure your actual fixtures and usage to recommend the perfect model, so you never run out of hot water.
Which is better for me—gas or electric tankless?
Both can work well, but each has pros and cons: • Gas (natural gas or propane) delivers higher GPM, making it ideal for larger families or simultaneous multi-fixture use. However, it requires a gas line of adequate capacity, stainless-steel venting, and outdoor combustion air. • Electric units are more compact, vent-free, and easier to install, but they need 120–150 amps of dedicated 240-V service. If your electrical panel can’t supply that, a costly upgrade may be necessary. We evaluate your fuel availability, panel capacity, and hot-water needs, then present clear cost and performance comparisons so you can choose confidently.
Do I need permits or inspections for a tankless water heater installation in Friendsville, TN?
Yes. Blount County and the City of Friendsville both require a mechanical/plumbing permit any time a water heater—tank or tankless—is replaced. Gas units also need a gas inspection to verify proper combustion air and venting. Our licensed plumbers handle the entire permitting process, coordinate with the county inspector, and ensure your installation meets the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) as adopted locally. When the job is complete, you’ll receive a signed inspection card for your records and for future home resale.
How long does installation take and what should I expect on the day of service?
A straightforward replacement of a tank unit with a same-fuel tankless model takes about 4–6 hours. Additional time is required if we: • Upgrade your gas line, route new venting, or add condensate drainage (1–3 hours). • Upgrade your electrical service for an electric unit (varies, 2–8 hours). Our crew protects work areas with drop cloths, removes and recycles your old tank, installs the new unit, performs gas-pressure and leak tests, flushes the system, and shows you how to use the digital controller. Hot water is restored before we leave, and the area is cleaned up as if we were never there.
What maintenance does a tankless water heater require, and do you offer service plans?
To keep the heat exchanger free of mineral scale—especially important with East Tennessee’s moderately hard water—manufacturers recommend a yearly flush with a food-grade vinegar solution. The burner assembly (gas) or heating elements (electric) should also be inspected and the inlet filter cleaned. We offer an affordable annual maintenance plan that includes: • Complete descaling and system flush. • Combustion analysis and vent inspection (gas models). • Electrical and sensor diagnostic check. • 10 % discount on any repair parts. Regular maintenance preserves efficiency, protects your warranty, and can extend service life well past 20 years.