- HEP Plumbing
- Licensed Plumbers

Licensed Plumbers
Licensed Plumbers | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Karns
When your Karns home is running on a dependable tank water heater, every shower feels like luxury and every chore flows with ease. HEP’s licensed plumbers bring decades of local know-how to each installation, repair, or replacement, ensuring you never lose a beat—or a drop—of the hot water you rely on. From precise sizing that matches your household’s demand to code-compliant hookups and thorough safety checks, we handle the details so you can simply turn the tap and smile.
Backed by trusted warranties and 24/7 emergency service, we treat your home as our own: shoe covers on, messes gone, and transparent pricing from the first handshake. Whether you’re upgrading an aging unit, troubleshooting odd noises, or exploring high-efficiency options, HEP’s team is ready to maximize comfort and minimize energy costs—because Karns deserves nothing less than plumbing done right.
FAQs
What size tank water heater do I need for my Karns home?
The proper tank size depends on the number of people in your household and your typical hot-water usage patterns. As a rule of thumb, a 30–40 gallon unit suits 1–2 occupants, 40–50 gallons covers 3–4 occupants, and 50–80 gallons is recommended for larger families. Our licensed plumbers perform a quick sizing assessment that considers peak-hour demand, simultaneous appliance use, and future growth so you never run out of hot water or pay for excess capacity.
How long does it take your licensed plumbers to replace a standard tank water heater in Karns?
Most change-outs are completed in 2–4 hours once the new heater is on-site. This includes draining and removing the old tank, making any code-required upgrades (such as expansion tanks or drip pans), installing the new unit, reconnecting water and gas/electric lines, pressure testing, and hauling away the old heater for recycling. If we have to relocate the heater or bring existing plumbing up to today’s codes, allow an additional 1–2 hours.
Do I need a permit to install or replace a tank water heater in Karns?
Yes. Knox County and the City of Knoxville require permits and inspections for both gas and electric water heater installations. As fully licensed plumbers, we secure the permit, schedule the inspection, and ensure the installation meets the latest plumbing, electrical, and mechanical codes. This protects your safety, keeps your warranty valid, and avoids issues when you sell your home.
How long should a conventional tank water heater last?
With proper installation and regular maintenance, a quality gas or electric tank water heater will typically last 8–12 years. Factors such as hard water, high usage, or lack of annual flushing can shorten its life. We offer affordable maintenance plans that include sediment flushing, anode-rod inspections, and safety checks to maximize longevity and efficiency.
What maintenance does my tank water heater require?
At a minimum, flush the tank once a year to remove sediment that lowers efficiency and accelerates corrosion—especially important in Karns, where mineral content can be moderate to high. Every 3–5 years, have our plumbers inspect or replace the anode rod, test the temperature-pressure relief (TPR) valve, and check venting, gas pressure, or electrical connections. Routine maintenance keeps energy bills low and extends the tank’s service life.
Are high-efficiency or hybrid electric tank water heaters worth it?
Hybrid heat-pump water heaters use ambient air to heat water and can cut energy use by up to 60 % compared with standard electric models. Although the upfront cost is higher, federal tax credits, local utility rebates, and energy savings often result in a 2–4-year payback. Our team can calculate your exact ROI based on your household’s hot-water demand and current energy rates in Karns, then handle the full installation—ensuring you get all available incentives.