Water Heater Installations
Water Heater Installations | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Cowan
Enjoy endless hot water and lower energy bills with HEP’s expert tankless water heater install services in Cowan. Our licensed plumbers size and mount high-efficiency units that deliver hot water on demand, freeing up valuable space while slashing standby heat loss. We arrive on time, protect your home with drop cloths, handle permits, and haul away the old tank, so your upgrade feels effortless from start to finish.
Whether you’re replacing a failing tank or building a new home, HEP tailors every system to your household’s usage, water quality, and gas or electric supply. Customers love the whisper-quiet operation, precise temperature control, and industry-leading warranties we secure for them. Ready to turn “I’m out of hot water!” into “Wow, that was fast!”? Call today and experience why Cowan trusts HEP for flawless tankless water heater install solutions.
FAQs
What are the main advantages of choosing a tankless water heater for my Cowan home?
Tankless (on-demand) water heaters heat water only when a tap is opened, eliminating the standby losses that storage tanks have. For most Cowan households that translates into energy savings of 20–40 % and noticeably lower utility bills. Because the burner or heating element runs only while you are drawing hot water, a properly sized unit can deliver an uninterrupted stream—so no more cold showers when the tank runs empty. Space is another benefit. A wall-mounted tankless unit is roughly the size of a suitcase, freeing up valuable floor area in basements, utility rooms, or crawlspaces. Life expectancy is significantly longer as well: 20–25 years versus 10–12 years for a conventional tank. Finally, tankless models are less prone to catastrophic leaks, an important consideration if your current heater sits over finished flooring.
How do I know what size tankless unit I need?
Tankless heaters are sized by flow rate (gallons per minute, GPM) and required temperature rise. In Cowan, incoming ground-water temperature averages about 55 °F. If you want 120 °F water at the shower, the unit must raise the temperature 65 °F. Add up the flow of fixtures likely to run at the same time—e.g., one shower (2.0 GPM) + kitchen sink (1.5 GPM) + washing machine (2.0 GPM) would require roughly 5.5 GPM at a 65 °F rise. Gas-fired units in the 160,000–199,000 BTU range usually cover this demand, while larger all-electric homes may need multiple point-of-use units or a powerful 27–36 kW electric model. Our technicians perform a detailed load calculation during the site visit, factoring in fixture flow rates, family size, simultaneous use patterns, and any future additions such as a soaking tub before recommending the correct model.
What is involved in the installation process and how long does it take?
1. Assessment & permit filing – We inspect your gas line capacity, venting path, electrical supply, and water quality, then submit the required permit to Franklin County Codes. 2. Removal of old unit – The existing tank is drained, disconnected, and hauled away for recycling. 3. Rough-in – New ¾″ gas line (or dedicated 240-V circuit for electric units) is run, along with stainless-steel or PVC venting through an exterior wall or roof. Service valves and isolation unions are added to the water lines. 4. Mounting & connections – The tankless heater is secured to wall studs, connected to gas/electric, water, and condensate drain, then programmed for local water hardness. 5. Inspection & start-up – The county inspector checks gas pressure, vent clearances, and plumbing. We then purge air, test for leaks, and commission the unit. A straight “tank-to-tankless” swap typically takes 6–8 hours. Conversions that require relocating the unit, upsizing gas piping, or installing a recirculation loop can extend the job to a second day.
Are permits or code inspections required in Cowan for a tankless water heater installation?
Yes. Cowan falls under the jurisdiction of the Franklin County Building Department, which requires permits for any new gas, electric, or plumbing appliance installation. Specific items the inspector will verify include: • Proper gas line sizing and sediment trap • Category III/IV venting clearances and termination heights • Dielectric isolation on water connections • Temperature-pressure relief valve discharge (if required by the manufacturer) • Electrical bonding and GFCI protection (for electric units) Our team handles the entire permit process—application, fee payment, and scheduling of the final inspection—so you stay fully compliant without paperwork hassles.
How much can I expect to pay for a tankless water heater and professional installation?
Costs vary with fuel type, capacity, and site conditions, but these ranges cover most projects we complete in Cowan: • Equipment: $800–$1,700 for a mid-to-high-efficiency gas model; $500–$1,200 for a whole-house electric model. • Installation labor & materials: $1,200–$2,500, depending on venting length, gas line upsizing, electrical work, and recirculation options. • Total: $2,000–$4,000 before any utility rebates or federal tax credits. When you factor in annual energy savings of $80–$150, payback is typically 6–10 years. We offer financing, and TVA/Franklin County Utilities occasionally provide $150–$300 rebates for ENERGY STAR-rated units.
What maintenance does a tankless water heater require after installation?
While tankless heaters are low maintenance, they still need periodic care to maintain efficiency and warranty coverage: • Annual descaling/flush – Hard water in southern Tennessee can leave mineral deposits on the heat exchanger. Flushing with a vinegar solution through the built-in service valves removes scale in about 45 minutes. • Cleaning the inlet filter – A small screen on the cold-water side captures debris. Rinse it every 6–12 months. • Vent & condensate check – Ensure the vent termination remains unobstructed and the condensate drain is clear. • Software updates – Some models connect via Wi-Fi; we can apply firmware updates during the maintenance visit. We offer an affordable yearly service plan that covers all of the above, extends the heat exchanger warranty to 15 years on select brands, and gives you front-of-line priority should you ever need repairs.