- HEP Plumbing
- Local Water Quality

Local Water Quality
Local Water Quality | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Copperhill
Imagine never running out of hot water again while lowering your monthly utility bills. HEP’s local water-quality experts in Copperhill specialize in tankless water heater install service that matches the area’s unique mineral content and pressure demands. Our licensed plumbers arrive with fully stocked trucks, assess your family’s hot-water needs, and handle everything—from removing the old tank to fine-tuning water filtration—for a seamless same-day upgrade.
Choosing HEP means enjoying endless, on-demand hot water, up to 40 % energy savings, and a compact unit that frees valuable storage space. Backed by 24/7 emergency support and unbeatable workmanship warranties, we make sure your new system performs flawlessly for years to come—so you can turn on the tap and trust Copperhill’s most dependable plumbing team to keep the comfort flowing.
FAQs
How does Copperhill’s water quality affect a tankless water heater?
Copperhill’s municipal and well-water sources are classified as moderately hard (8–12 grains per gallon). Hard water carries calcium and magnesium that can precipitate inside a tankless unit’s heat exchanger, reducing efficiency and shortening its life. During installation we add a combination sediment filter and scale-reduction cartridge on the cold-water inlet and program the heater’s internal scale-control mode to match local hardness. With these steps, scale buildup is slowed dramatically and the manufacturer’s efficiency ratings are preserved.
What size tankless water heater do I need for a typical Copperhill home?
Sizing is based on simultaneous demand (gallons per minute, GPM) and incoming water temperature. In Copperhill, ground-water temperature averages 55 °F in winter and 65 °F in summer. To supply one shower (2.0 GPM) and a washing machine (2.0 GPM) at the same time, you need about 4 GPM at a 65 °ΔT. A 180,000 BTU gas unit or a 27 kW electric unit covers that load. Larger households with two bathrooms often choose a 199,000 BTU model (up to 7 GPM) or install two smaller units in parallel. We perform a free on-site flow calculation to ensure the right fit.
Are tankless units really more energy-efficient than storage tanks in Copperhill’s climate?
Yes. Storage heaters keep 40–50 gallons hot 24/7, losing heat to the surrounding air (standby loss). Copperhill’s mild shoulder seasons make those losses significant—often 10–15 % of a family’s annual water-heating bill. Tankless units fire only when water is drawn, eliminating standby loss entirely. ENERGY STAR® data show gas tankless models save families in our region 25–35 % on natural gas or propane and electric models save 10–15 % versus standard electric tanks. The savings pay back the price difference in 4–6 years on average.
Will a tankless heater supply enough hot water for multiple fixtures at once?
When the unit is sized correctly, yes. Unlike a storage tank that can be “drained,” a tankless heater delivers continuous hot water as long as total flow stays within its GPM rating. For example, a 199,000 BTU gas unit delivers about 7 GPM at a 65 °ΔT—enough for two showers and a dishwasher simultaneously. During our consultation we inventory your fixtures, check flow rates, and consider peak-time habits so the system we recommend easily meets your family’s highest demand without temperature dips.
What maintenance does a tankless water heater need in Copperhill?
Because of our moderate hardness, annual descaling is essential. We flush the heat exchanger with a food-grade vinegar or citric-acid solution, clean the inlet screen, and check the combustion chamber (gas) or elements (electric). The process takes about one hour and costs less than a tank’s anode-rod replacement. If you’re on a private well with iron or high sediment, bi-annual service may be advised. Following this schedule keeps warranties valid and extends service life beyond 20 years.
How long does installation take and what local permits or inspections are required?
Most retrofit installations are completed in one working day. We start by removing the old tank, mounting the new unit, running appropriately sized gas or electric lines, adding the scale filter, and venting through an exterior wall or roof. Copperhill is under Polk County jurisdiction, so a plumbing permit and (for gas units) a mechanical permit are pulled through the county’s online portal. Our licensed master plumber schedules the final inspection, usually within 48 hours of completion, and you receive a signed inspection card for your records.