Licensed Plumbers
Licensed Plumbers | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Apison
When the showers in Apison turn cold or your utility bill starts creeping up, HEP’s licensed plumbers are ready to restore comfort with dependable, code-compliant service. From diagnosing tiny leaks to swapping out an aging tank water heater before it floods the garage, we pair decades of experience with today’s best practices to keep hot water flowing efficiently. Our team arrives on time, respects your home, and backs every repair or installation with transparent pricing and a satisfaction guarantee.
Whether you’re upgrading for better energy savings, need routine flushing to extend lifespan, or suddenly woke up to a puddle beneath the unit, we make the process seamless. We’ll guide you through choosing the right capacity, secure all necessary permits, and leave the workspace cleaner than we found it—so you can get back to warm baths, spotless dishes, and peace of mind without skipping a beat. Reach out now and feel the HEP difference the next time your Apison home calls for expert attention to its vital hot-water heart.
FAQs
What size tank water heater do I need for my Apison home?
The right size depends on your household’s peak hot-water demand. A quick rule of thumb is 30–40 gallons for 1–2 people, 40–50 gallons for 3–4 people, and 50–80 gallons for 5 or more people. We also look at simultaneous uses—showers, laundry, and dishwashing—to calculate the first-hour rating (FHR). During a free in-home estimate, our licensed plumbers measure your fixtures, review usage patterns, and recommend a correctly sized heater so you never run out of hot water and don’t overpay on energy bills.
How long does it take a licensed plumber to install or replace a tank water heater in Apison?
Most standard replacements take 2–4 hours. This includes draining and disconnecting the old unit, bringing it up through tight crawl spaces if needed, installing the new heater, connecting water, gas, or electric lines, updating the venting, and filling and testing the system. If we have to relocate the heater, correct code violations, or upgrade to seismic straps and pans, expect an additional 1–2 hours. We schedule convenient appointment windows and arrive with everything required to finish the job in one visit.
What are the common signs that my tank water heater should be replaced instead of repaired?
Replace the unit when you notice: (1) Age over 10–12 years for gas and 12–15 years for electric models; (2) Rust-colored or metallic-tasting hot water indicating tank corrosion; (3) Moisture or pooling water around the base from internal leaks; (4) Rumbling or popping noises caused by hardened sediment; (5) Rising energy bills because the heater runs longer to reach set temperature. Repairs like element or thermostat replacement make sense on newer units, but once the storage tank itself deteriorates, replacement is the safest and most cost-effective option.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Apison, and will your plumbers handle it?
Yes. Hamilton County and the City of Chattanooga require a plumbing and, in many cases, an electrical or gas permit for water heater replacements to ensure the installation meets safety codes. As licensed, insured contractors, we secure all necessary permits, schedule any required inspections, and include the permit fees in your written quote. You don’t need to worry about paperwork or code compliance—we take care of everything from start to final inspection sign-off.
What routine maintenance should I schedule to keep my tank water heater running efficiently?
1. Annual flush: Draining a few gallons or performing a full flush removes sediment that insulates the burner and shortens tank life. 2. Anode rod check: Inspect every 2–3 years and replace when less than ½ inch remains to prevent internal corrosion. 3. Temperature setting: Keep the thermostat at 120 °F to reduce scald risk and energy use. 4. Pressure-relief valve test: Lift the lever once a year to ensure it opens freely. 5. Insulation: Adding a jacket on older, un-insulated units cuts standby heat loss. We offer affordable maintenance plans that cover all of these tasks and include priority service discounts.
Are high-efficiency tank water heaters worth the investment, and can you install them?
Absolutely. New ENERGY STAR® gas models achieve up to 0.70 Uniform Energy Factor by using better insulation, smarter controllers, and high-performance burners, saving 8–10% on utility costs compared with standard units. Heat-pump electric water heaters are even more efficient, using ambient air to heat water and cutting energy use by up to 60%. Our team is certified to install and service both types. We’ll calculate projected savings, help you claim TVA or federal tax incentives, and size the unit so you see a full return on investment within a few years.