- HEP Plumbing
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Hot Water
Hot Water | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Jellico
When your Jellico mornings start with a chill, HEP’s seasoned plumbers make sure they don’t end that way. Our experts size, install, and maintain the perfect tank water heater for your household, delivering steady streams of hot water with the efficiency and reliability East Tennesseans have trusted for decades. From first phone call to final temperature check, we handle every detail—permits, hauling away the old unit, and testing safety features—so you can get back to steamy showers and spotless dishes without the fuss.
Whether your current heater is sputtering or you’re planning an upgrade, we pair local know-how with premium brands to maximize energy savings and minimize downtime. And because hot water emergencies never wait for business hours, our 24/7 service trucks roll out stocked with genuine parts and a promise: hot water, done right, right now.
FAQs
What types of tank water heaters do you install and service in Jellico?
We install and service both gas-fired and electric-resistance storage tank water heaters ranging from compact 30-gallon models for small households to high-recovery 80- to 100-gallon units for large families or light-commercial applications. We work with leading brands such as Rheem, A.O. Smith, Bradford White, and State, and can source ENERGY STAR®-rated models as well as standard-efficiency replacements.
How long does a typical tank water heater installation take?
For a like-for-like replacement (same fuel type, similar capacity) we can usually complete the job in 3–4 hours once on site. This includes safely disconnecting the old unit, hauling it away, setting the new heater, updating water and gas/electrical connections, filling, purging air, and testing for leaks. If you are converting from electric to gas or need venting or electrical upgrades, the project can extend to a full day.
What are the signs my existing tank heater needs repair or replacement?
The most common warning signs include: 1) water that is lukewarm or runs out quickly; 2) rumbling or popping noises caused by sediment; 3) rusty or discolored hot water; 4) visible leaks around the base; 5) a circuit breaker that frequently trips (electric) or a pilot light that won’t stay lit (gas); and 6) a unit older than 10–12 years. If you notice any of these, call us for an inspection—we’ll let you know whether a repair is economical or if a full replacement is the safer long-term option.
How can I make my tank water heater more energy-efficient?
Regular maintenance is the key: drain a few gallons every 6–12 months to remove sediment, test the T&P valve, and check the anode rod every 3–4 years. Setting the thermostat to 120 °F reduces standby losses and scald risk. Adding an insulating jacket to older non-insulated tanks and insulating the first 6 ft of hot-water pipes can cut heat loss by up to 10 %. Finally, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency or heat-pump hybrid tank when your current unit nears the end of its life.
Do you offer emergency water heater service in Jellico, and what are the costs?
Yes—we provide 24/7 emergency response throughout Jellico and Campbell County. After-hours diagnostic fees start at $95, which covers travel and the first 30 minutes of troubleshooting. Up-front flat rates are then quoted for repairs (such as element replacement, thermostat swap, or gas valve service). If a full replacement is needed, we’ll credit the diagnostic fee toward the new installation. We accept major credit cards and offer same-as-cash financing on qualifying replacements.
Will replacing my tank water heater require any permits or inspections in Jellico?
Most replacements fall under Tennessee state plumbing and mechanical codes, and the City of Jellico requires a simple plumbing/mechanical permit when a water heater is installed or fuel type is changed. We handle the paperwork, pull the permit, and coordinate any required city inspection. This ensures your new heater meets current safety standards for venting, seismic strapping, expansion tanks, and pressure relief valve discharge.