Tankless Water-heater Installs
Tankless Water-heater Installs | Plumbing | Chattanooga
Imagine endless hot water on demand, lower energy bills, and valuable space freed up in your utility closet—HEP makes it all happen with our expert tankless water-heater installs across Chattanooga. Our licensed technicians size each unit precisely for your household, swap out bulky tanks in a single visit, and back every job with courteous service that’s earned five-star reviews from Signal Mountain to East Brainerd. The result is ultra-efficient comfort you can feel every time you turn on the tap.
We handle everything, from hauling away your old tank to fine-tuning gas lines, ventilation, and plumbing connections, so you can just enjoy consistent, steamy showers and faster dishwasher cycles. Ready to upgrade? Call HEP today and discover why homeowners throughout the Scenic City trust us for smarter hot-water solutions that last.
FAQs
How does a tankless water heater work and what advantages does it offer over a traditional tank unit?
A tankless (on-demand) water heater uses high-powered gas burners or electric heating elements to warm water only when a hot-water tap is opened. Because it doesn’t store 40–50 gallons of standby hot water, it eliminates standby heat loss, can cut energy use by 24–34 % (Energy Star), and delivers an endless supply of hot water. Its compact wall-mounted design frees up floor space and typically lasts 18–20+ years—almost double the life expectancy of a conventional tank. Chattanooga homeowners also appreciate the added flood protection because there’s no stored water to leak if the unit fails.
Is a tankless water heater a good fit for homes in Chattanooga’s climate and water conditions?
Yes. Our region’s mild winters mean incoming water temperatures are usually moderate, allowing gas and electric tankless units to reach desired output temperatures efficiently. However, Chattanooga sits on the limestone-rich Cumberland Plateau, so our water is moderately hard. Hard water will scale the unit’s heat exchanger faster unless it’s flushed or descaled annually. If your home has very high hot-water demand—multiple simultaneous showers plus laundry—you may need either a larger high-BTU model or a parallel (manifold) installation. During our in-home assessment we measure flow rates, test water hardness, and verify gas-line and electrical capacities to ensure tankless is the right option.
What size tankless water heater do I need for my household?
Sizing is based on two factors: 1) total Gallons Per Minute (GPM) you expect to use at peak times, and 2) the required temperature rise—how many degrees the unit must heat incoming water to reach your desired set point. A standard shower in Chattanooga averages 2.0–2.5 GPM, faucets 1.5 GPM, and clothes washers 2.0–2.5 GPM. If you want two showers and a washer running together, you’d need roughly 7 GPM. Incoming water in winter is about 55 °F; most homeowners want 120 °F output, so a 65 ° temperature rise is necessary. A gas unit rated at 180,000 BTU can typically deliver 7 GPM at that rise, while you may need two electric 36 kW units in parallel to match it. Our technicians calculate these numbers during your consultation and recommend the exact model and, if needed, system-linking options.
How long does installation take, and will I be without hot water?
A straightforward replacement of a gas tank water heater with a gas tankless model takes 5–8 hours. The job involves removing the old tank, upgrading venting, adding a condensate drain (for high-efficiency units), and sometimes increasing gas-line diameter. Converting from electric tank to gas tankless may take a full day because we must run a new gas line and install side-wall or roof venting. Switching to electric tankless often requires a panel upgrade to 200 amps and dedicated breakers, which can add several hours. You’ll be without hot water only during the actual tie-in (1–2 hours); we schedule that window for your convenience and restore service before leaving.
Do I need permits or inspections for a tankless installation in Chattanooga?
Yes. The City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County require mechanical and, when applicable, electrical or gas permits for water-heater replacements. Our licensed, bonded plumbers pull all required permits, coordinate with EPB (for electric service upgrades), and schedule final inspections. Venting, fuel-line sizing, combustion air, and pressure relief discharge must meet current International Plumbing Code (IPC) and International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) standards adopted by the city. After inspection, you receive a signed approval card for your records, and your homeowner’s insurance remains fully valid.
What maintenance does a tankless water heater need, and what warranty coverage is provided?
Routine maintenance is simple but essential. We recommend an annual service that includes: (1) flushing the heat exchanger with a food-grade vinegar or citric-acid solution for 45 minutes to remove scale, (2) cleaning the inlet water filter, and (3) checking burner, vent, and condensate components. In higher-hardness areas around Chattanooga, some homeowners flush every six months. Most manufacturers offer a 12- to 15-year heat-exchanger warranty, 5–7 years on parts, and 1 year on labor—provided the unit is installed by a licensed professional and serviced regularly. We register the warranty on your behalf and offer affordable maintenance plans that include priority scheduling and discounted descaling, so you maximize efficiency, longevity, and warranty protection.