Endless Hot Water
Endless Hot Water | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Knoxville
Imagine stepping into a shower that never runs cold and knowing you’re saving energy with every luxurious minute. HEP’s expert plumbers bring that experience home with a seamless tankless water heater install, designed specifically for Knoxville’s varied seasons and water demands. By removing bulky tanks, we free up space, slash standby heat loss, and deliver endless streams of perfectly tempered water the instant you open the tap.
From the first consultation to the final diagnostic check, our local team handles everything—gas line upgrades, venting, electrical, and code compliance—so you can relax and enjoy uninterrupted comfort. Whether you’re retrofitting an older home in Fountain City or building new in Hardin Valley, HEP guarantees transparent pricing, top-tier brands, and 24/7 support. Turn the page on lukewarm surprises and embrace efficiency that flows as endlessly as the Tennessee River.
FAQs
How does a tankless water heater provide endless hot water?
Unlike storage-tank heaters that continuously heat 40–50 gallons of water, a tankless unit uses high-output gas burners or electric elements to heat water only when a hot-water tap is opened. Cold water flows across a heat exchanger and exits the unit at the set temperature seconds later. Because the process repeats for as long as water is flowing, you never “run out” of hot water—perfect for large families, back-to-back showers, or filling a soaking tub.
What size tankless unit do I need for my Knoxville home?
Sizing is based on two numbers: your peak hot-water flow rate (gallons per minute) and the temperature rise needed to reach your desired outlet temperature. In Knoxville, incoming water is roughly 55–60 °F most of the year. To reach 120 °F you need a 60–65 °F rise. A family that may run two showers and a dishwasher simultaneously needs about 6–8 GPM at that rise, which points to a 180,000 BTU gas model or a 27 kW electric model. We perform a free flow-rate audit and recommend a unit that matches your household’s fixtures and usage patterns.
Are tankless water heaters energy-efficient and can they lower my utility bills in East Tennessee?
Yes. Because tankless heaters eliminate standby heat loss, ENERGY STAR® models are typically 24–34 % more efficient than standard tanks. In TVA’s Knoxville service territory, that translates to average annual savings of $70–$120 on natural-gas bills or 20–30 % on electric water-heating costs. Additional savings come from longer equipment life (20+ years) and potential local or federal tax credits for high-efficiency units.
How long does installation take and will my plumbing need to be modified?
A direct replacement in the same location usually takes 4–6 hours, including removal of the old tank. We mount the new unit, upsize the gas line or run a new 220-volt circuit if required, install Category III/IV venting, add a condensate drain, and tie into your hot- and cold-water lines. If you’d like to relocate the heater—for example, to reclaim closet space—allow a full day for rerouting water, gas, and venting. We handle all modifications and leave your home clean when we’re done.
Do Knoxville tankless installations require permits or code inspections?
Yes. The City of Knoxville and Knox County require mechanical and plumbing permits for water-heater replacements. Gas-fired units must meet the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, and electric units must be wired to the 2020 National Electrical Code. Our licensed plumbers pull all necessary permits and schedule final inspections with the local building department, so you stay compliant without extra paperwork.
How do I maintain a tankless water heater and what kind of warranty is offered?
Knoxville’s moderate water hardness (4–6 grains per gallon) means annual descaling is recommended to keep the heat exchanger free of mineral buildup. We offer a low-cost service plan that includes flushing with food-grade vinegar, cleaning the in-line filter, and checking burner or element performance. Most manufacturers provide a 15-year heat-exchanger warranty, 5–6 years on parts, and 1 year on labor. Registering the unit within 30 days and performing documented maintenance keeps the warranty fully in force.