Expert Installation
Expert Installation | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Andersonville
From the first phone call to the final temperature test, HEP’s licensed plumbers deliver a seamless experience for homeowners in Andersonville who rely on the steady comfort of a tank water heater. We handle everything—sizing, permitting, removal of the old unit, and precision-perfect installation—so you can get back to hot showers and spotless dishes without a hitch. Our team is local, friendly, and OSHA-certified, bringing decades of collective know-how to every basement, utility closet, and crawl space.
Choose HEP and you’re choosing energy-efficient models, transparent pricing, and workmanship backed by iron-clad warranties. Whether your aging tank water heater has sprung a leak or you’re building a new home that demands reliable hot water on day one, we arrive on time, respect your space, and leave you with nothing but consistent, affordable warmth. Call today and discover why your Andersonville neighbors trust HEP for plumbing done right the first time.
FAQs
What size tank water heater do I need for my Andersonville home?
Proper sizing depends on how many people live in the house and when hot-water-using appliances run. A typical rule of thumb is 40–50 gallons for 1–3 residents, 50–65 gallons for 3–4 residents, and 66–80 gallons for 5 or more. We also calculate your home’s peak-hour demand using the U.S. DOE worksheet, which factors in showers, laundry, and dishwasher cycles. During your free on-site estimate we’ll review your usage patterns and incoming water temperature to recommend the most efficient tank size without overspending on capacity.
How long does a professional tank water heater installation take?
Most standard replacement jobs take 2–4 hours from shut-off to final inspection. That timeline includes draining and disconnecting the old unit, updating the gas or electric connections, installing the new heater, filling and purging air from the tank, and performing a code-required pressure/combustion test. If we need to add a thermal expansion tank, upgrade venting, or bring the installation up to current plumbing code, allow an extra hour. We schedule appointments in convenient two-hour windows and usually have hot water restored the same day.
Are permits required for installing a new tank water heater in Andersonville?
Yes. The City of Chicago plumbing code, which covers the Andersonville neighborhood, requires a plumbing permit for any water heater replacement that involves altering potable-water or gas lines. As licensed plumbing contractors we pull the permit on your behalf, coordinate the city inspection, and make sure the installation meets all current seismic strapping, venting, and drainage requirements. Skipping the permit can void your manufacturer warranty and may create issues if you sell your home, so we always include permitting in our service package.
What is the average cost of replacing a tank water heater through your plumbing service?
Pricing varies with tank capacity, fuel type, efficiency rating, and any code upgrades, but most of our Andersonville customers spend between $1,200 and $2,600 for a complete turn-key installation. The figure includes the new Bradford White or Rheem tank, permit fees, removal of the old unit, labor, basic materials (dielectric unions, gas flex, water shut-off, venting adapters), and post-installation inspection. High-efficiency or power-vent models, relocation of the heater, or extensive piping changes will increase the total. We provide a written, line-item quote before any work begins.
Can you dispose of my old water heater, and is there an extra fee?
Absolutely. We drain and haul away the old tank as part of every installation. The unit is transported to a certified metal-recycling facility so the steel and copper can be reclaimed responsibly. Because disposal fees are already baked into our flat-rate pricing, you won’t see an additional line item unless the heater is located in a space that requires special equipment (e.g., crane or narrow-shaft elevator) to remove it safely.
How can I maximize the lifespan and efficiency of my new tank water heater?
1. Set the thermostat to 120 °F—hot enough to prevent bacteria but low enough to reduce energy use and scald risk. 2. Schedule an annual maintenance visit so we can flush sediment, test the temperature-pressure relief valve, and inspect the anode rod. Sediment is a big issue in Chicago’s hard water. 3. Install a whole-house sediment filter or softener if your water hardness exceeds 10 gpg. 4. Add pipe insulation on the first 6 feet of hot and cold lines to cut standby heat loss. 5. Keep 2 feet of clearance around the tank for adequate combustion air and easier service. Following these steps can extend the heater’s service life to 10–15 years and keep operating costs low.