- HEP Plumbing
- Steaming Hot Water

Steaming Hot Water
Steaming Hot Water | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Erwin
Tired of chilly showers and clunky old tanks? HEP’s licensed plumbers bring blazing-fast comfort to Erwin homes with precision-engineered, high-efficiency systems that heat water on demand. From the moment our friendly techs arrive, you’ll feel at ease: we evaluate your household’s hot-water habits, recommend the ideal unit, and handle every detail—from gas line sizing to post-install cleanup—so you can enjoy limitless, energy-saving hot water without lifting a finger.
Whether you’re upgrading for space savings, lower utility bills, or the sheer luxury of endless steam, our tankless water heater install service is backed by rock-solid warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Schedule today and discover why neighbors across Unicoi County trust HEP to keep the hot water flowing—no tank, no wait, no hassle.
FAQs
What advantages does a tankless water heater offer over a traditional storage-tank model in Erwin?
A tankless, or on-demand, water heater heats water only when you turn on a hot-water tap. Because there is no standby tank full of water to keep warm 24/7, most households see energy-use reductions of 20–40 %. In addition, you get an unlimited stream of hot water—ideal for larger families or homes with soaking tubs—because the unit never “runs out” the way a tank can. Tankless units are wall-mounted, freeing up floor space, and their average life span (18–20 years) is nearly double that of a conventional tank. Many homeowners in Erwin also appreciate the lower risk of catastrophic leaks, since there is no 40- to 50-gallon reservoir that can rupture.
Will a tankless water heater really give me endless hot water for showers, laundry, and dishes?
Yes—provided the unit is properly sized. A tankless heater contains a powerful heat exchanger that activates the moment water flow is detected, instantly heating water as it passes through. As long as demand (measured in gallons per minute, or GPM) does not exceed the unit’s capacity, you will have continuous hot water. During our in-home assessment we calculate your peak simultaneous demand—for example, one shower (2.0 GPM) plus a dishwasher (1.5 GPM)—and recommend a model that comfortably meets or exceeds that total, even on Erwin’s coldest incoming-water days.
How do I know if my Erwin home is a good candidate for a tankless installation?
Most homes qualify. We look at: 1) Fuel source—natural gas, propane, or electric. Gas offers the highest GPM output, but high-efficiency electric models are available for homes without gas. 2) Gas line and venting—tankless gas units usually need a ¾-inch gas line and Category III stainless-steel vent or outdoor vent-through-wall kit. We can upsize lines and install safe venting during the project. 3) Electrical—both gas and electric units require a dedicated 120 V outlet; whole-home electric models need 240 V breakers. 4) Water hardness—Erwin’s municipal water is moderately hard; we may recommend a scale-reduction filter to protect the heat exchanger. After a brief visit, we’ll give you a written feasibility report and quote.
What size tankless water heater do I need for my family?
Sizing is based on peak flow rate and temperature rise. We total the flow rates of fixtures you might run simultaneously, then determine how much we must raise incoming water temperature (often 50–60 °F in Erwin winters) to reach your desired 120 °F set point. For example, two showers (2 GPM each) and a washing machine (2.5 GPM) equal 6.5 GPM. You would need a unit capable of at least 7 GPM at a 60 °F rise. We use manufacturer performance charts and local groundwater data to select the right model, ensuring you never experience lukewarm water.
How much can I expect to save on energy bills, and are rebates available in Erwin or Tennessee?
The U.S. DOE estimates gas tankless heaters save the average household about $95 per year compared with a standard gas tank; high-use homes can save even more. Electric savings vary but are usually 10–20 %. Many Erwin homeowners qualify for a federal tax credit of 30 % of the project cost (up to $600 for gas, $2,000 for certain heat-pump water heaters). Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) periodically offers additional rebates for high-efficiency upgrades—ask us for current programs. Because tankless units last nearly twice as long as tanks, replacement-cycle savings add up as well.
What is your installation process, and how long will I be without hot water?
Installation typically takes one day. We arrive at 8 a.m., shut off utilities, drain and remove your old tank, mount the new tankless unit, run any necessary gas-line or electrical upgrades, install venting, and connect water lines with isolation valves for future maintenance. Most customers are without hot water for only 4–6 hours. We handle all local permits, coordinate inspections with the Erwin building department, and haul away the old tank for eco-friendly recycling. Before we leave, we test every fixture, register your manufacturer warranty, and show you how to adjust temperature and perform simple maintenance such as annual descaling.