Water Heater Installation
Water Heater Installation | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Sewanee
Enjoy endless hot water and lower utility bills in your Sewanee home with HEP’s professional tankless water heater install services. Our licensed plumbers swap out bulky, inefficient tanks for compact, on-demand units that heat water only when you need it—no more running out during back-to-back showers or wasting energy on standby heat. We arrive on time, protect your home with clean work areas, and have most systems up and running the same day.
From helping you choose the right capacity to handling permits and post-install testing, HEP makes the upgrade effortless. You’ll gain valuable space, up to 40% energy savings, and the peace of mind that comes from warranty-backed workmanship and 24/7 local support. Ready to modernize your plumbing? Give our friendly Sewanee team a call today and start enjoying hot water that never quits.
FAQs
What are the main advantages of choosing a tankless water heater over a traditional storage-tank model?
Tankless units heat water on demand, which eliminates standby heat loss and can cut energy use by 25–40 % compared with a conventional tank. Because hot water is produced only when you open a tap, you’ll never “run out” of hot water, making them ideal for busy households or homes with large soaking tubs. Their compact wall-mounted design frees up floor space, and most models last 18–20 years—roughly double the life expectancy of a tank heater. In Sewanee’s mild climate, the improved efficiency can translate into noticeable monthly utility savings year-round.
What does the tankless water heater installation process look like in Sewanee?
Our licensed plumbers begin with an in-home evaluation to check gas line capacity (or electrical panel load for electric units), venting routes, and water quality. We then size the heater based on your peak simultaneous hot-water demand and incoming groundwater temperature, which averages 55–60 °F in Sewanee. Next, we secure any required Franklin County mechanical permits and schedule the installation, which normally takes 4–8 hours. The old tank is drained and removed, new water and gas (or electrical) connections are run, stainless-steel venting is installed through an exterior wall or roof, and the system is pressurized, purged, and test-fired. Finally, we show you how to adjust temperature, flush the heat exchanger, and register the warranty.
How do I know what size (flow rate) tankless water heater I need?
Sizing is based on two numbers—your home’s peak gallons-per-minute (GPM) requirement and the temperature rise needed. To calculate GPM, add the flow rates of fixtures you might use at once (e.g., two showers at 2.0 GPM each plus a sink at 1.0 GPM = 5 GPM). Temperature rise equals desired hot-water temperature (typically 120 °F) minus incoming water temperature. With Sewanee’s 55–60 °F supply, you need about a 60–65 °F rise. A family of four usually needs a gas unit rated around 9–10 GPM, while smaller households can opt for 6–8 GPM models. Our technicians handle these calculations during the initial visit to ensure you never experience a cold-water sandwich.
Do I need a permit or inspection for a tankless installation in Sewanee?
Yes. Franklin County requires a mechanical (and occasionally plumbing or gas) permit for any replacement or new water heater installation, including tankless conversions. Gas piping changes must comply with NFPA 54 and TN Gas Code, and venting must meet manufacturer clearance specs and UL 1738 standards. After our licensed installer completes the work, a county inspector will verify proper venting, gas pressure, and combustion air. We pull the permit, coordinate the inspection, and provide you with the approval sticker for your records—no paperwork hassle on your end.
What ongoing maintenance does a tankless water heater require?
While tankless units are low-maintenance, they do need an annual service to keep the heat exchanger free of mineral scale—especially in Sewanee, where the water has moderate hardness (5–7 grains per gallon). We recommend a yearly 45-minute flush with food-grade white vinegar or a descaling solution, inspection of the combustion chamber, cleaning of the inlet filter screen, and verification of gas pressure. Performing these tasks maintains efficiency, prevents error codes, and keeps your warranty intact. Ask about our affordable maintenance plan, which includes reminders and discounted service calls.
How much does a tankless water heater installation cost in Sewanee, and do you offer financing?
Installed prices in the Sewanee area run from $2,300 to $4,500 for most whole-house gas units, depending on capacity, venting complexity, and whether gas line or electrical upgrades are required. Electric tankless units are typically $1,800–$3,200 installed but may need a 200-amp panel. We offer upfront, flat-rate proposals that include the unit, labor, removal of your old tank, permit fees, and the first year’s maintenance flush. To make the investment easier, 0 % APR financing for 6 or 12 months is available with approved credit, as well as longer-term low-interest plans. You may also qualify for a $300 federal tax credit under the current IRS efficiency incentives.