Licensed Plumbers
Licensed Plumbers | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Blountville
Blountville homeowners know that a steady stream of hot water can elevate daily comfort, and HEP’s licensed plumbers are here to make sure you never miss a warm shower. Our team brings decades of experience to every tank water heater project, combining precise workmanship with honest, upfront pricing. Whether your unit is struggling to keep up, making strange noises, or refusing to light at all, we diagnose the issue quickly and recommend solutions that fit your needs and budget—from trusted repairs to complete replacements.
Because we live and work right here in Sullivan County, we understand the local water conditions and building codes that affect your tank water heater over time. Our fully stocked trucks arrive ready to flush sediment, replace anode rods, or install a high-efficiency model that can lower energy bills and boost performance. With same-day appointments, 24/7 emergency support, and a satisfaction guarantee backed by HEP’s reputation, you can relax knowing your hot water—and your home—are in expert hands.
FAQs
How can I tell whether my existing tank water heater should be repaired or completely replaced?
In Blountville’s water conditions, a standard glass-lined storage tank typically lasts 8–12 years. Warning signs it is time to replace rather than repair include: visible corrosion or leaking around the tank seams, rusty or murky hot-water outflow, repeated tripping of the temperature-and-pressure (T&P) valve, rumbling or popping noises after multiple flushes, and rising energy bills caused by sediment buildup. If the unit is more than 10 years old and has any of these issues, replacement is usually more cost-effective than a major repair.
What size tank water heater do your licensed plumbers recommend for a Blountville household?
Sizing is based on the household’s peak-hour demand and overall occupancy. As a rule of thumb: 1–2 people generally need a 30–40-gallon tank; 3–4 people, a 40–50-gallon tank; 5 or more people, a 50–80-gallon tank. Families that take back-to-back showers, run multiple appliances simultaneously, or plan future additions should consider moving up one size. Our technicians will calculate your First-Hour Rating (FHR), evaluate fuel source, available space, and local building-code clearances before recommending the most efficient size.
Do I need a permit to replace my water heater in Blountville, TN?
Yes. Sullivan County and the Town of Blountville both require a plumbing/mechanical permit for water-heater replacements. The permit ensures the work meets current International Plumbing Code (IPC) and National Fuel Gas Code standards, including proper venting, dielectric unions, seismic bracing, T&P valve discharge line, and pan with drain when installed above a finished surface. Our licensed plumbers pull the permit on your behalf, schedule the final inspection, and provide you with all completed paperwork for your records.
How long will the installation take and what does the process involve?
A straightforward like-for-like replacement generally takes 2–3 hours. We begin by shutting off water, gas or power, and safely draining the old tank. After disconnecting supply lines, we remove the unit (and haul it away for recycling if requested). Next we set a code-approved drain pan, connect new dielectric nipples, install the tank, hook up water and gas/electric lines, set correct venting, fill and purge air from the tank, test for leaks, set thermostat to 120 °F, and verify proper T&P valve operation. Water service is typically restored within 1 hour, with final cleanup and customer orientation to follow.
What routine maintenance will help extend the life of my new tank water heater?
1) Drain and flush at least once a year to remove Blountville’s moderate mineral sediment. 2) Inspect and replace the sacrificial anode rod every 2–3 years or when it is more than 50 % depleted. 3) Test the T&P relief valve annually. 4) Keep the thermostat at 120 °F to reduce energy use and scale buildup. 5) Ensure the area around the heater stays free of combustible materials and has adequate ventilation. Our plumbers offer an affordable annual maintenance program that handles all these tasks and keeps factory warranties intact.
Do your Blountville plumbers offer emergency water-heater repair, and how is pricing handled?
Absolutely. We provide 24/7 emergency service for leaks, loss of hot water, gas odors, or scalding-hot output. A licensed technician will arrive in a fully stocked truck, diagnose the issue, and present you with transparent, flat-rate pricing before any work starts—no overtime surcharges for nights, weekends, or holidays. If a full replacement is required, any diagnostic fee is credited toward the new installation. We also offer financing options for unexpected replacements so you can restore hot water without delay.