Chattanooga Plumbers
Chattanooga Plumbers | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Chattanooga
Enjoy endless, energy-efficient hot water on demand with HEP’s Chattanooga plumbers. Our licensed pros replace bulky, outdated tanks with sleek, high-performance units that heat water only when you need it, slashing utility costs and freeing up valuable space in your home. From the first call to the final test, we keep you informed, tidy up after ourselves, and treat your home with the care it deserves.
A professional tankless water heater install isn’t just about swapping equipment—it’s about engineering the perfect flow rate, venting, and gas or electric supply for your unique property. HEP’s factory-trained technicians size your system correctly, secure all permits, and back their work with iron-clad warranties and 24/7 support. Ready to upgrade? Schedule today and discover why Chattanooga homeowners say, “Call HEP—We’ll Fix It!”
FAQs
What are the main benefits of installing a tankless water heater in Chattanooga?
Tankless water heaters deliver hot water on-demand, which means you never run out of hot water during long showers or back-to-back loads of laundry. Because they only heat water when you open a tap, they typically cut water-heating energy use by 25–40 %, lowering monthly utility bills—especially important with TVA electricity and local natural-gas rates. Chattanooga’s mild winters also allow tankless units to operate at higher incoming-water temperatures, increasing efficiency and flow rate compared with colder regions. In addition, compact wall-mounted designs free up floor space and can last 20+ years, nearly twice the lifespan of a conventional tank.
How long does a typical tankless water heater installation take for a Chattanooga home?
Most residential installations are completed in one day. A straightforward swap from a gas tank to a gas tankless unit usually takes 4–6 hours, including removal of the old tank, mounting the new unit, and connecting water, gas, and venting. Electric tankless installs are often faster (3–5 hours) because no combustion vent is required. If upgrades are needed—such as upsizing the gas line, adding a dedicated 240-V circuit, or relocating the heater—installation can extend to 6–10 hours or be split over two visits. We provide a detailed timeline after an in-home assessment.
Will a tankless water heater really lower my energy bills in the Chattanooga area?
Yes. The U.S. Department of Energy reports savings of 8–34 % for households using 41 gallons of hot water a day or less. In the Tennessee Valley, where electricity costs average about 12¢/kWh and natural gas about $1.25/therm, our customers typically save $75–$150 per year on energy. Savings are greatest for homes with lower daily hot-water demand, vacation properties, and families who previously kept large tanks set at higher standby temperatures.
How do I determine the right size (flow rate) tankless water heater for my household?
Sizing is based on two factors: (1) the total flow rate of fixtures you expect to use simultaneously, and (2) the required temperature rise from incoming cold water to your desired output temperature (usually 120 °F). In Chattanooga, incoming water averages 55–60 °F in winter and 65–70 °F in summer. If you want 120 °F water, you need a 60-65 °F rise in winter. For example, running a shower (2.0 gpm) and dishwasher (1.5 gpm) at the same time requires 3.5 gpm at a 60 °F rise, so a unit rated for 4 gpm at that rise is sufficient. We calculate your exact demand during our free on-site evaluation and recommend a properly sized gas or electric model.
Will I need to upgrade my home’s gas line or electrical panel for a tankless installation?
Possibly. Gas tankless units often require ¾-inch gas lines and input rates of 150,000–199,000 BTU/h—higher than most 40- or 50-gallon tanks. If your existing line is ½ inch, we may need to run a new gas line from the meter. Electric tankless heaters can draw 80–120 amps; many Chattanooga homes with 100-amp service will need a panel upgrade to 200 amps and multiple dedicated double-pole breakers. During our estimate, we measure gas pressure, line size, and panel capacity so you know exactly what’s needed before work begins.
What maintenance do tankless water heaters require and do you offer service plans?
Tankless units need annual flushing to remove mineral scale—especially in Chattanooga, where water hardness averages 120–140 ppm. A vinegar or descaling solution is circulated for 45-60 minutes to keep the heat exchanger efficient and preserve the warranty. Air intake filters should also be cleaned every 6-12 months. We offer a low-cost maintenance plan that includes yearly descaling, filter cleaning, a full performance check, and priority scheduling for any repairs. Proper maintenance keeps your unit running at peak efficiency and can extend its life well beyond the 20-year mark.