Hot-water Supply
Hot-water Supply | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Lenoir City
There’s nothing like turning on the tap and feeling instant, steamy comfort pour out—especially when you know the experts at HEP have installed and cared for your tank water heater. From family breakfasts to late-night laundry sessions, Lenoir City homes count on a steady, efficient flow of hot water, and our local, licensed plumbers make sure you never have to think twice about it.
We size each system to your household’s needs, handle code-compliant installation, and provide round-the-clock repairs backed by rock-solid warranties. Friendly scheduling, upfront pricing, and a passion for clean, courteous service mean you’ll enjoy dependable hot water today and peace of mind for years to come—because at HEP, we treat your home like our own.
FAQs
What size tank water heater do I need for my home in Lenoir City?
The right size depends on how many people live in your home and your simultaneous hot-water demands. A typical two-to-three-person household usually does well with a 40-gallon electric or natural-gas unit, while families of four to five often require a 50- to 60-gallon model. If you have a soaking tub, multi-head shower, or run laundry and the dishwasher together, you may need 75 gallons or more. During an in-home visit we calculate your peak-hour demand, review available space, and recommend a heater that delivers enough hot water without wasting energy.
How long should a standard tank water heater last, and what maintenance is recommended?
Most glass-lined tank water heaters last 8–12 years in East Tennessee. Longevity is affected by water quality, usage, and maintenance. To maximize service life we suggest: 1) draining and flushing the tank once a year to remove Lenoir City’s moderate mineral sediment, 2) checking the anode rod every 2–3 years and replacing it when more than 50 % is eaten away, 3) testing the temperature & pressure (T&P) relief valve annually, and 4) keeping the thermostat set at 120 °F to reduce scald risk and internal corrosion.
Are any permits or code requirements involved when replacing a water heater in Lenoir City?
Yes. Loudon County and the City of Lenoir City both follow the 2018 International Plumbing Code and require a mechanical/plumbing permit for water-heater replacement. Gas models must have proper combustion air, drip leg, and seismic strapping, while electric units need a dedicated breaker and correctly sized wiring. A final inspection by the building department is mandatory. Our licensed plumbers pull the permit, perform the installation to code, and schedule the inspection so you don’t have to worry about paperwork.
How can I improve the energy efficiency of my existing tank water heater?
You can lower operating costs 10–20 % with a few simple steps: • Insulate the first 3 ft of hot and cold water pipes leaving the tank. • Add a fiberglass or foam jacket to older (pre-2015) units rated below R-16. • Install a timer or smart controller to shut the heater off during extended absences. • Set the thermostat to 120 °F rather than the factory-default 140 °F. • If your unit is electric, consider a hybrid heat-pump conversion kit. • For gas units, keep the burner compartment clean and ensure proper draft to maintain combustion efficiency.
What symptoms indicate my tank water heater needs repair or full replacement?
Warning signs include: rusty-colored or metallic-tasting hot water (tank lining failure), rumbling or popping noises (heavy sediment), water around the base of the tank (internal leak), inconsistent temperature or sudden loss of hot water (failed thermostats, elements, or gas valve), and age over 10 years combined with rising energy bills. Minor issues like thermostat or heating-element failures can usually be repaired, but leaks from the tank itself require replacement because the glass lining cannot be patched.
How fast can your plumbers restore hot water in an emergency in Lenoir City?
We offer 24/7 emergency service for all addresses within the 37771 and 37772 ZIP codes. Calls received before noon normally get same-day replacement; after-hours calls are triaged for safety, with temporary shut-off and a next-morning installation if a new tank is required. Our service vans stock the most common 40-, 50-, and 75-gallon electric and gas water heaters, so in most cases we can remove the old unit, install the new one, and have hot water flowing again in 2–3 hours.