- HEP Plumbing
- Licensed Technicians

Licensed Technicians
Licensed Technicians | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Alcoa
From historic cottages near Springbrook Park to the newest builds off Louisville Road, Alcoa homeowners trust HEP’s licensed technicians for a seamless tankless water heater install that fits their space, budget, and hot-water demands. Our crew arrives on time in fully stocked trucks, evaluates your existing plumbing, and recommends the right high-efficiency unit to give you endless hot water while slashing standby energy loss—often completing the swap the very same day.
Beyond the clean, code-compliant installation, we register your warranty, haul away the old tank, and walk you through the intuitive digital controls so you can start enjoying lower utility bills and more cabinet space immediately. When you need 24/7 support, annual flushes, or future upgrades, the same friendly HEP pros are just a phone call away, proudly keeping Alcoa’s water hot and its homes comfortable year-round.
FAQs
What are the main advantages of installing a tankless water heater in my Alcoa home?
A tankless (on-demand) unit heats water only when you open a tap, eliminating standby heat loss from a storage tank. Our Alcoa customers typically see energy-bill reductions of 20–40 %, enjoy an unlimited supply of hot water, reclaim up to 16 ft² of floor space, and gain a system that can last 20+ years with proper maintenance. Because our licensed technicians size and vent the unit correctly, you also get quieter operation and lower risk of leaks compared with traditional tanks.
How do your technicians determine the right size (flow rate and BTU) for my household?
We start with a free in-home evaluation. First we total the flow rates of fixtures that may run simultaneously—showers, washing machines, dishwashers, etc.—in gallons per minute (GPM). Then we measure your incoming water temperature; in Alcoa it averages 55–60 °F, so we calculate the temperature rise needed to reach 120 °F. Combining GPM and temperature rise tells us the minimum BTU rating. We also check gas line capacity, venting pathways, and electrical requirements to make sure your home can support the chosen model without costly upgrades.
Are permits or inspections required for a tankless installation in Alcoa or Blount County?
Yes. The State of Tennessee Plumbing Code and Alcoa’s building department both require a permit for water-heater replacements. Gas-fired units also fall under the International Fuel Gas Code. Our office handles the entire permitting process, schedules the final inspection with the city or county official, and provides you with a copy of the signed permit card for your records—so you stay fully compliant and eligible for manufacturer warranties.
What does the installation process look like and how long does it take?
Most residential swaps are completed in one day. We begin by draining and removing your old tank, then mount the new tankless unit on an exterior or interior wall. Next we upsize the gas line (if needed), run category III or IV venting to the outdoors, install condensate drainage, and connect water and electrical lines. Finally we purge the gas line, program the controller, test for leaks, and flush the unit. Before leaving, our technician walks you through the controls, maintenance schedule, and warranty registration.
How much can I expect to save on utilities with a tankless system?
Savings vary by household size and hot-water usage, but ENERGY STAR® data show that a typical family in the Knoxville–Alcoa area saves $100–$150 per year on natural-gas bills compared with a standard 40- or 50-gallon tank. Over the 20-year life of the unit, that’s $2,000–$3,000, not counting possible rebates from the Tennessee Valley Authority or federal tax credits, which we help you apply for.
What maintenance is required and do you offer service plans?
Tankless heaters need an annual flush with a mild descaling solution to remove mineral build-up—especially important because Alcoa’s water has moderate hardness (~120 ppm). We also clean the inlet filter, inspect the heat exchanger, and verify combustion settings. Our Comfort Guard Plan includes this yearly service, priority scheduling, and 15 % off any future repairs. Staying on the plan keeps most manufacturer warranties (typically 15 years on the heat exchanger) fully valid.