Water Heater Installation
Water Heater Installation | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Rutledge
Imagine never running out of hot water in the middle of a chilly Rutledge morning shower. With HEP’s master plumbers on the job, that dream becomes your everyday reality. We remove clunky, inefficient tanks and replace them with sleek, space-saving units that heat water on demand, trimming energy bills and adding real value to your home. From the first phone call to the final system test, you get courteous, local professionals who respect your schedule, protect your floors with drop cloths, and leave the workspace cleaner than they found it.
Our certified team handles every detail of your tankless water heater install, including proper gas or electrical upgrades, venting solutions, and code compliance, so you can simply enjoy endless hot water and lower utility costs. Trust Rutledge’s hometown experts at HEP to deliver a worry-free installation backed by transparent pricing and rock-solid warranties—because you deserve comfort without compromise.
FAQs
What are the main advantages of choosing a tankless water heater for my Rutledge home?
Tankless (on-demand) units heat water only when you open a tap, eliminating standby losses that occur with a storage tank. In Rutledge, where energy costs trend slightly higher than the national average, this can translate into 25–40 % lower utility bills. In addition, tankless heaters are wall-mounted, freeing up floor space, and they typically last 18–20 years—almost twice as long as a conventional tank. You also get an endless supply of hot water, which is a major plus for larger families or homes with oversized soaking tubs.
How do I know what size tankless unit I need?
Sizing is based on two factors: (1) the maximum flow rate you’ll need at one time and (2) the temperature rise required to reach your desired hot-water temperature. We calculate flow by adding up gallons-per-minute (GPM) of fixtures that might run simultaneously—e.g., shower (2.0 GPM) + kitchen sink (1.5 GPM) = 3.5 GPM. Local groundwater in Rutledge averages 57 °F, so to reach 120 °F we need a 63 °F rise. A unit that can deliver at least 4 GPM at a 65 °F rise will comfortably meet the above demand. During your estimate visit, our technician measures actual fixture ratings and discusses usage patterns to recommend the perfect model.
What is the typical installation process and how long does it take?
After the onsite assessment and permit approval, we shut off water, gas (or electricity), and power to the old heater, drain and remove it, then mount the new tankless unit on an exterior or interior wall. We upsize the gas line if necessary, install Category III or IV venting (for gas units), connect water lines with isolation valves, and wire in the electrical control circuit. Finally, we flush the system, set temperature, and test for leaks and carbon-monoxide back-drafting. Most standard replacements in Rutledge take 5–7 hours start to finish; more complex relocations or electric-to-gas conversions can extend to one full day.
Do I need a permit or inspection for a new tankless water heater in Rutledge?
Yes. Grainger County and the City of Rutledge require a plumbing/mechanical permit for any water-heater replacement, and the work must pass a final inspection to verify proper venting, combustion air, seismic strapping, pressure-relief discharge, and electrical bonding. As a licensed and insured plumbing contractor, we secure the permit on your behalf, schedule the inspector, and provide all documentation, so you never have to worry about paperwork or code compliance.
How much can I expect to save on energy bills compared with a traditional tank model?
Savings depend on usage and fuel type, but the U.S. Department of Energy states that an ENERGY STAR® gas tankless unit can cut water-heating costs by 25–40 % versus a storage heater. For a typical Rutledge household using 46 gallons of hot water a day, that equates to roughly $120–$180 in annual utility savings. If you switch from an electric tank to an electric tankless model, savings are closer to 8–15 %, but you may still benefit from Rutledge’s TVA efficiency rebates, which we help you apply for.
What ongoing maintenance does a tankless water heater require and can you handle it for me?
To keep the heat exchanger free of mineral buildup, most manufacturers recommend a vinegar or citric-acid flush every 12–18 months, especially in Rutledge where water hardness averages 8–10 grains per gallon. You’ll also need to clean the inline water filter and inspect the vent and combustion chamber annually. We offer an affordable maintenance plan that includes descaling, filter cleaning, full diagnostic check, and firmware updates. Regular service preserves your warranty and ensures you keep enjoying peak efficiency and endless hot water.