Endless Hot Water
Endless Hot Water | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Blountville
Imagine stepping into a steaming shower that never runs cold, no matter how many loads of laundry or dishes are on the go. That’s the everyday luxury HEP brings to Blountville homeowners by replacing bulky storage tanks with sleek, high-efficiency units that heat water on demand. Our licensed plumbers size each system to your family’s needs, so you enjoy lower utility bills, a space-saving footprint, and an endless stream of comfort—backed by honest pricing and a rock-solid workmanship guarantee.
From the first call to final cleanup, we handle every phase of your tankless water heater install with the care you’d expect from a neighbor. We arrive on time, protect your home, pull any required permits, and walk you through the simple maintenance that keeps your new system humming for decades. Ready to ditch the tank and reclaim your hot-water freedom? One visit from HEP is all it takes.
FAQs
What is a tankless water heater and how does it deliver "endless" hot water?
A tankless, or on-demand, water heater uses high-output gas burners or electric elements to heat water only when a hot-water tap is opened. Cold water passes through a heat exchanger and is delivered to the faucet at the set temperature within seconds. Because there is no storage tank to empty, the system keeps heating incoming water as long as the tap remains open, giving you a continuous ("endless") supply of hot water without the standby heat loss associated with conventional tanks.
How much energy and money can I save by going tankless in Blountville?
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that gas-fired tankless units are 24–34 % more energy-efficient than traditional 50-gallon gas tanks for homes that use 41 gallons of hot water a day or less—typical for many Blountville households. For larger families, savings still average 8–14 %. In real dollars, that often translates to $75–$150 per year in utility reductions, and even more if you are replacing an older, less efficient tank. Electric tankless models can lower standby losses to nearly zero, which helps offset AEP Appalachian Power’s kWh rates. Over the 20-year average life of a tankless unit, these savings can surpass the initial installation cost.
Is my Blountville home compatible with a tankless installation?
Most homes can be upgraded, but a brief site evaluation is necessary. Key factors include: • Fuel source: Natural gas (from BCU) or propane is ideal; electric units require 150–200 A service for whole-house use. • Gas line size: Many tankless models need a ¾-inch supply line and up to 200 k BTU input. We can upsize lines if needed. • Venting: Gas units require stainless-steel or PVC direct venting through an exterior wall or roof. Our technicians verify clearances and code compliance with Sullivan County regulations. • Water quality: Blountville’s moderately hard water may need a simple in-line scale filter to protect the heat exchanger. If any of these items need upgrades, we’ll provide upfront pricing before work begins.
How long does installation take, and will you have to tear up my plumbing?
A straightforward replacement of a garage or basement tank with a wall-hung tankless unit usually takes 4–6 hours. More complex jobs that involve gas line upsizing, electrical upgrades, or vent routing can extend to one full day. We use existing hot and cold supply lines whenever possible and keep wall or drywall cuts to a minimum. Our licensed plumbers pull required Blountville/Sullivan County permits, handle all inspections, and leave the workspace clean when finished, so disruption to your household is minimal.
What maintenance does a tankless water heater need?
While tankless heaters last up to twice as long as storage tanks, they do need periodic service to stay efficient: 1. Annual descaling/flush: Hard-water minerals can coat the heat exchanger. We connect a pump and vinegar or manufacturer-approved cleaner to remove scale. 2. In-line screen cleaning: The inlet filter should be rinsed every 6–12 months. 3. Combustion check (gas units): We verify CO levels, burner efficiency, and venting integrity. Our Endless Hot Water Plumbing maintenance plan covers these tasks for one low yearly fee and keeps your manufacturer warranty intact.
How do I size a tankless unit for multiple bathrooms or simultaneous use?
Sizing is based on flow rate (gallons per minute, or GPM) and temperature rise. We tally the peak demand—e.g., two showers (2.0 GPM each) plus a dishwasher (1.5 GPM) equals 5.5 GPM. In Blountville, incoming winter water is roughly 50 °F, and you’ll want 120 °F water, so a 70 °F temperature rise is required. Looking at manufacturer charts, we’d recommend a 180,000 BTU (or 36–40 kW electric) unit that delivers 6–7 GPM at that rise, enough for two showers and an appliance running simultaneously. Our technicians perform this calculation during your estimate to ensure you never run short of hot water.