Hot Water
Hot Water | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Athens
When you turn on the tap in the morning, you expect instant comfort—HEP makes sure that happens. Our licensed technicians in Athens install, repair, and replace every kind of tank water heater with speed and precision, so you never have to worry about lukewarm surprises. From flushing sediment to upgrading old units for higher efficiency, we tailor solutions to your family’s usage patterns and budget, backing every service call with clear pricing and a satisfaction guarantee.
Locals choose HEP because we’re on-call around the clock, arrive with fully stocked vans, and treat your home as carefully as our own. Whether it’s restoring heat after a late-night breakdown or designing a brand-new system for a remodel, we streamline the entire process—permits, haul-away, cleanup and all. Enjoy reliable hot water, lower energy bills, and peace of mind, all delivered by Athens’ friendly neighborhood plumbing pros.
FAQs
How long can I expect a standard tank water heater to last in the Athens area?
With Athens’ moderate winters and relatively hard water, a well-installed, glass-lined steel tank water heater typically lasts 8–12 years. Annual maintenance—such as flushing sediment, checking the anode rod, and adjusting the thermostat—can push life expectancy closer to the upper end of that range. If your unit is over 10 years old or showing signs of rust or leaks, budgeting for replacement is wise.
What size tank water heater should I choose for my household?
Sizing is based on simultaneous hot-water demand. In Athens, a family of 1–2 people usually does well with a 30–40 gallon electric or gas unit; 3–4 people need 40–50 gallons; and larger households or homes with soaking tubs may require 50–80 gallons. Our plumbers calculate the "first-hour rating"—the gallons the heater can deliver at peak usage—and match it to your morning or evening demand for reliable, never-cold showers.
Do I need a permit to replace my water heater in Athens, and will you handle it?
Yes. Athens-Clarke County requires a plumbing/mechanical permit for any water heater replacement to ensure the unit is properly vented, earthquake-strapped, and installed to code. Our team pulls the permit, schedules the inspection, and provides you with final sign-off paperwork, so you stay fully compliant without lifting a finger.
What regular maintenance does my tank water heater need?
Once a year we recommend: (1) Flushing 2–3 gallons—or fully draining if heavy sediment is present—to remove mineral buildup common in Athens water. (2) Inspecting and, if necessary, replacing the magnesium anode rod to prevent internal corrosion. (3) Testing the temperature-pressure relief (TPR) valve. (4) Setting the thermostat to 120 °F to curb scalding and save energy. A professional tune-up covers all these checkpoints in about an hour.
Are today’s tank water heaters energy-efficient, or should I go tankless instead?
Modern ENERGY STAR® gas and electric tanks have up to 0.70 Uniform Energy Factors (UEF) versus older units at 0.50 or less, cutting utility costs by 10–20 %. For households with steady, high simultaneous demand, an efficient tank often costs less up front and performs more predictably than a tankless system. However, if your usage is spread out, space is tight, or you want unlimited hot water, we can price a tankless upgrade and compare payback periods for Athens utility rates.
What warning signs mean my water heater needs repair or replacement?
Call us if you notice: rusty or metallic-tasting hot water, rumbling/popping noises from excessive scale, water puddling around the base, inconsistent temperatures, or frequent pilot-light outages (gas models). Minor issues like a burned-out heating element or faulty thermostat are repairable, but tank wall corrosion or leaks usually indicate it’s safer—and more economical—to replace the unit.