- HEP Plumbing
- Tankless Water Heater

Tankless Water Heater
Tankless Water Heater | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Gatlinburg
Imagine stepping out of a day on the Gatlinburg trails and straight into a shower that never runs cold. HEP’s master plumbers make that comfort possible with a seamless tankless water heater install that’s tailored to the unique demands of mountain homes and cabins. We’ll remove the bulky tank, size the new unit for your family’s peak usage, and configure gas, electric, and venting connections so efficiently you’ll barely notice the switch—until the first endless stream of hot water.
Beyond the instant comfort, our locally based team designs every installation to lower utility bills and maximize space, giving you extra room for gear or storage. From transparent up-front pricing to 24/7 support, HEP handles all the details, permits, and inspections, letting you focus on enjoying Gatlinburg’s beauty instead of worrying about water heaters. Ready to upgrade? Give us a call and experience the smarter, hotter way to live in the Smokies.
FAQs
How much does it cost to install a tankless water heater in Gatlinburg?
Pricing depends on fuel type, unit capacity, venting requirements, and the distance to gas/electrical service. On average, residents in Gatlinburg can expect $2,800–$4,500 for a professionally installed gas model and $2,200–$3,300 for an electric model. The quote usually includes the heater, gas line or electrical upgrades, venting, isolation valves, labor, disposal of the old tank, and the Gatlinburg building permit fee. We provide a free in-home assessment to give you an exact figure before any work starts.
Will a tankless water heater handle Gatlinburg’s cold winter inlet-water temperatures?
Yes. Modern tankless units automatically modulate flame or heating elements to maintain your set outlet temperature even when groundwater drops into the 40s °F during January. We size the unit based on local winter design temperatures and your peak demand. For most Gatlinburg homes, a 199,000-BTU gas unit or a 27-36 kW electric unit covers two showers plus an appliance running simultaneously.
How long does a typical installation take?
A straightforward replacement of a gas tank with a gas tankless unit usually takes 5–8 hours. Projects that need a larger gas line, new vent chase, or major electrical upgrades may extend to 1–2 days. We handle permit filing with the City of Gatlinburg and coordinate any required inspections so you have hot water as quickly as possible with minimal downtime.
Do I need a water softener with a tankless heater in Gatlinburg?
Gatlinburg’s municipal water is considered moderately hard (4–6 grains per gallon). Scale forms faster on the heat exchanger than in a storage tank, so we recommend installing either a full water-softening system or an inline scale-inhibiting filter. This small investment protects the warranty and can double the life of the unit. Annual descaling service is also offered if you choose not to add a softener.
What are the maintenance requirements after installation?
Unlike tank heaters, tankless models need regular flushing and filter cleaning. We suggest an annual service visit that includes: 1) descaling the heat exchanger with food-grade vinegar, 2) cleaning the inlet screen, 3) checking the combustion or heating-element performance, and 4) updating firmware on smart models. The service takes about an hour and keeps your warranty intact.
Can a tankless water heater be installed in my existing utility closet?
Usually, yes. Tankless units are wall-mounted and free up 8–16 square feet of floor space. The main considerations are: 1) adequate fresh-air supply for gas models, 2) a condensate drain, 3) correct clearances around combustible materials, and 4) proximity to a 120 V outlet (for ignition and controls). During your consultation we inspect the closet, measure gas line size or electrical capacity, and design venting routes that meet the International Residential Code adopted by Gatlinburg.