- HEP Plumbing
- Water Heater Replacement

Water Heater Replacement
Water Heater Replacement | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Elizabethton
When Elizabethton businesses suddenly find themselves without reliable hot water, HEP’s water heater replacement plumbing team arrives with the speed and skill that only decades of experience can deliver. Our licensed technicians specialize in seamlessly removing outdated or failing units and installing high-efficiency models that slash energy costs while meeting the rigorous demands of daily operation. We plan every project around your schedule, coordinate any necessary permits, and leave your workspace spotless—so the only thing you notice is a steady stream of perfectly tempered water.
From bustling restaurants and medical facilities to multi-tenant complexes, we bring the same meticulous standards that have made HEP a trusted name in commercial plumbing throughout Northeast Tennessee. You’ll benefit from transparent quotes, real-time progress updates, and 24/7 emergency support, all backed by a satisfaction guarantee that keeps your focus on running your business, not chasing hot-water headaches.
FAQs
What are the most common signs that my commercial water heater in Elizabethton needs to be replaced rather than repaired?
Frequent pilot-light outages, discolored or rusty water, audible rumbling or popping, visible leaks around the tank, and a noticeable drop in hot-water supply or temperature consistency all point to end-of-life conditions. If the unit is 10–12 years old (6–8 for high-use businesses such as restaurants or laundromats) and you are experiencing more than one of these symptoms, replacement is usually the most cost-effective option.
How long does a typical commercial water heater replacement take from start to finish?
For most standard tank or high-efficiency condensing units, our crew can complete the swap-out in one business day—often 4–6 hours once the new heater is on-site. Larger storage tanks, multiple-unit systems, or conversions to tankless/booster systems may extend the timeline to 1–2 days, mainly for piping alterations, venting changes, or gas line upsizing. We offer after-hours or weekend scheduling in Elizabethton to minimize downtime for customer-facing businesses.
Do I need a local permit or inspection for a commercial water heater replacement in Elizabethton?
Yes. Elizabethton follows the 2018 International Plumbing Code and the 2018 International Mechanical Code adopted by the State of Tennessee. A mechanical/plumbing permit is required for any commercial water heater replacement over 50 gallons or any change in fuel type, venting, or gas line size. We handle the permit application with the City’s Building & Codes Department and coordinate the final inspection so you stay fully compliant and avoid fines or operational delays.
How do I choose the right size and type of water heater for my business?
We perform a demand analysis that factors peak-hour usage, flow rates at each fixture, recovery time requirements, and future expansion plans. For restaurants and healthcare facilities, we often recommend high-efficiency gas or hybrid heat-pump units with 95 %+ thermal efficiency and rapid recovery. For offices or retail spaces with sporadic demand, a properly-sized commercial tankless rack can cut energy costs up to 35 %. During the site visit we’ll review gas or electrical capacity, venting routes, and space constraints to recommend the correct BTU input, storage capacity, and configuration.
What does a commercial water heater replacement typically cost in the Elizabethton area?
Budget $3,500–$7,500 for a standard 75–100 gallon gas storage model installed. High-efficiency or condensing units of the same capacity run $6,000–$11,000. Large-volume (120–199 gallon) or multiple tankless rack systems can range from $10,000 to $25,000 depending on plumbing modifications and venting. TVA and local utility rebates may offset $200–$700 for qualifying ENERGY STAR units, and we provide firm quotes after a free on-site assessment.
How can my business minimize disruption while the water heater is being replaced?
We offer flexible scheduling—early morning, late evening, or weekend change-outs—to keep operations smooth. Temporary mobile water-heating units can be connected in food-service or healthcare settings that cannot be without hot water. Pre-fabricating manifold piping off-site, ensuring all replacement parts arrive before the job date, and using quick-disconnect unions further reduce downtime. We also coordinate with your facility manager to shut down only the affected water zones, keeping the rest of the building operational during the swap.